AUSITN - After last year's money troubles, the future of the US Grand Prix in Austin was uncertain for a while.
But this year, they're bringing out the big guns.
A lot of people are more excited about Taylor Swift's performance than the race itself.
Organizers say that's not necessarily a bad thing.
After last year's US Grand Prix ended, Circuit of The Americas still owed more than $30 million in Formula One fees. For months, the future of the race in Austin was uncertain until COTA's CEO stepped in.
Austin Sports Commission Executive Director Lance Aldridge says, "What he did personally, to bring in some of these headline musicians, I use the analogy, he’s putting all his chips to the center of the table and he clearly has."
One of those musicians? Taylor Swift - performing her only concert of the year at the Formula One event.
The U.S. Grand Prix always draws in fans from around the world. And the JW Marriott Austin expects to sell out as usual, but this time, to a new crowd. Some, from closer to home.
JW Marriott Austin Director of Sales and Marketing Damon Bell says, "The number of groups that we have related to the race are the same as last year, fairly flat. But we expect the fan base that comes to the city and stays for a night or two to be a little bit different this year."
COTA is embracing the new opportunity and potential new fans.
Organizers have created an interactive, festival-like atmosphere for 2016.
COTA's Housing Manager Tracy Terrell says she's talked to many American families who are pumped about the event.
"They are probably coming to F1 for the first time, more because of the interest in Taylor, but now they’re getting very excited about learning about F1 and learning about racing in general," siad Terrell.
The U.S. Grand Prix kicks off next Friday.
Other performers include Usher and The Roots.
Tickets are still available.