Arlington Street Course - Map, Layout & Upcoming Events | MotorSportRadar

Arlington Street Course

Arlington Street Course

Location:

Arlington, Texas, USA

Local Weather & Time


Track Info

Arlington Street Course - Arlington, Texas, USA

Brand-new stadium-district street circuit with a near one-mile straight, a technical horseshoe section and split pit lane theatre - 4.39 km / 2.73 mi with 14 turns - built for high speed, heavy braking and a huge first-event atmosphere in the heart of Arlington's sports zone

First Race
14 Mar 2026 (scheduled)
Toyota GR Cup Race 1 is the first competitive race currently listed for the new circuit. The inaugural INDYCAR Grand Prix follows on 15 Mar 2026.
Circuit Length
4.39 km / 2.73 mi
The longest street course on the 2026 INDYCAR schedule, with a 0.9-mile straight down Randol Mill Road where speeds are expected to top 180 mph.
Turns
14
A mix of long straights, stop-start braking zones and a technical horseshoe-style middle section beside AT&T Stadium gives the lap two very different personalities.
Lap Records
No official race lap records yet
The circuit makes its debut in 2026, so INDYCAR, INDY NXT, Toyota GR Cup and USF Pro 2000 will all set the first real benchmarks during the inaugural weekend.
Opened
2026
A temporary street course designed by Tony Cotman, using Arlington Entertainment District roads with surface upgrades, barrier installations and a split pit lane created specifically for race weekend.

When was the track built?

Arlington is not a permanent race circuit in the classic sense, but a purpose-built temporary street course created for its 2026 debut. The event was announced in late 2024, then the real work began in 2025 as Arlington's Entertainment District roads were prepared for high-speed open-wheel racing. That meant more than dropping in barriers. Crews reworked pavement where elevation changes could unsettle cars, diamond-ground concrete to smooth bumps, replaced some brick crosswalks, moved street furniture and started shaping a circuit that needed to be both raceable and event-friendly. The result is a modern American street course built around AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field and Choctaw Stadium, with the split pit lane and hospitality structures giving it a big-event look from day one.

When was its first race?

The first scheduled race at the Arlington Street Course is Toyota GR Cup Race 1 on Saturday, March 14, 2026. That should make the single-make GR86 field the first category to write competitive history on the new layout. The first INDYCAR race comes the next day with the Java House Grand Prix of Arlington on Sunday, March 15, 2026, supported by INDY NXT by Firestone and USF Pro 2000. For fans, that means the circuit's opening weekend is not just one headline race, but a full first chapter played out over multiple series.

What's the circuit like?

  • Big speed, then big commitment: Arlington's signature feature is the near one-mile Randol Mill Road straight. Cars are expected to exceed 180 mph before slamming into the heavy-braking right at Turn 10, which should become the headline passing zone almost immediately.
  • More than a drag strip: Official previews highlight four main overtaking areas at Turns 1, 10, 12 and 14, so this is not a one-corner street track. Drivers will need confidence on the brakes and clean traction off slower exits to make the straight-line speed pay off.
  • The horseshoe section: Beside AT&T Stadium, the horseshoe-style middle sector twists the rhythm away from pure top speed. It should reward patience, front-end bite and precise car placement before the lap opens back up.
  • Street-circuit grip story: Even with surface improvements, Arlington is still a temporary course built from public roads and event infrastructure. Expect a green track early in the weekend, then rapid evolution as rubber goes down from multiple series.
  • Split pit lane and underpasses: The split pit lane brings Detroit-style strategy complexity, while the route under hospitality and suite structures adds a modern showpiece feel that should look spectacular in person and on TV.
  • Texas weather factor: Mid-March in North Texas can mean warm sunshine, gusting wind or a quick weather swing. On a new street circuit, that can change braking confidence, tyre warm-up and grip levels faster than teams would like.

Lap records and benchmarks

  • INDYCAR - official race lap: No official record yet. The inaugural Grand Prix is scheduled for 15 Mar 2026.
  • INDY NXT - official race lap: No official record yet. The development series is part of the debut weekend and will set the first junior open-wheel benchmark.
  • Toyota GR Cup - official race lap: No official record yet. GR Cup Race 1 is scheduled to be the first race held on the circuit.
  • USF Pro 2000 - official race lap: No official record yet. Arlington's first support-race open-wheel reference will come from this category and INDY NXT.
  • Context: Because this is a brand-new street course, opening-weekend times should tumble session by session as the line cleans up, rubber builds and drivers learn where the real braking points and bumps are.

Arlington is the kind of venue where the first practice times will tell only half the story. The real benchmarks should come once the track rubbers in and drivers start attacking Turns 1, 10, 12 and 14 for real.

Why go?

Because this is one of those rare debut weekends where everyone is discovering the place together. You get the novelty of a first-time circuit, the scale of AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field all around you, and a race weekend that feels more like a city sports festival than a standalone motorsport event. Arlington's Entertainment District is built for crowds, so food, bars and fan activity are close at hand, Texas Live! keeps the atmosphere moving after track action, and DFW access makes the trip straightforward. Add concerts, paddock views and the appeal of seeing the first winner, first pole sitter and first lap records ever set here, and the inaugural weekend becomes a genuine piece of motorsport history.

Where's the best place to watch?

  • Pit Lane - Grandstands 1 and 2: Excellent all-round choice. You get pit lane activity, the finish line and the crucial stretch from Turn 14 into Turn 1 where starts, restarts and late-braking moves should all matter.
  • Turn 1 / WinStar Winners Club: One of the best places for opening-lap drama and late dives. On a new street track, the first few laps here could be chaotic in the best possible way.
  • The Horseshoe - Grandstands 3 to 6: Best for seeing the technical side of the lap. These seats cover Turns 4, 5, 6 and 7 with AT&T Stadium as the backdrop, so you can watch drivers balance rhythm and traction through the most intricate part of the circuit.
  • The Speed Trap - Grandstands 7 to 9: Probably the headline pure-spectacle spot. This is the end of the long Randol Mill straight where top speed turns into maximum braking for Turn 10.
  • Turns 12 to 14: A smart pick if you want to watch the run back toward the pit lane and see who strings together exits well enough to attack into the final braking zone and across the line.

Not just one series - headline events at Arlington Street Course

NTT INDYCAR SERIES: The Java House Grand Prix of Arlington is the main event and the circuit's first top-level open-wheel race, bringing one of the fastest and most competitive championships in the world onto a brand-new Texas street course.

INDY NXT by Firestone and USF Pro 2000: The junior-ladder action matters here because these drivers will help define the circuit's first competitive rhythm before and around the headline race. On a new venue, support races are part of the story, not background noise.

Toyota GR Cup: The GR86 single-make series adds close, aggressive door-to-door racing and is scheduled to be the first category ever to race on the Arlington layout.

More than racing: The inaugural weekend is being pitched as a full festival with concerts, fan zones and sports-district energy, which suits the setting perfectly. For a first-year event, Arlington is aiming big.

Transportation & Parking

Getting to Arlington Street Course - Arlington, Texas

Best options are driving, official parking, or rideshare; this is a drive-first venue with weak conventional public transport, and the nearest regional rail stop is CentrePort/DFW Airport Station rather than the circuit itself. The race runs on the streets of Arlington’s Entertainment District around AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field, so the right lot or drop-off side matters a lot.

Anchor address
AT&T Stadium, One AT&T Way, Arlington, TX 76011
Useful as the main sat-nav reference for the west side of the circuit.
Circuit area
Entertainment District around AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field
Official race footprint is on the streets surrounding the two stadiums.
Nearest rail
CentrePort/DFW Airport Station (TRE)
From there, Arlington On-Demand connects into the city and Entertainment District.
Official rideshare
Lot 15 (west side) and Lot D (east side)
Use the correct side for your gate or grandstand.
Parking shuttles
Routes A, B and C
Shuttle A and C open with parking lots; Shuttle B opens with the event gates.
RV / camping
Lot 14
Availability-based RV parking, with no hookups.

Public transport - usable, but not strong

  • Rail: the nearest regional rail stop is CentrePort/DFW Airport Station on the Trinity Railway Express, not the circuit itself. It is fully accessible and is the usual rail gateway for Arlington.
  • Last mile: Arlington’s city-run Arlington On-Demand service covers the whole city and connects to CentrePort; bookings are made in the Arlington Transportation app or by phone. Waits generally average about 12-15 minutes.
  • Hours matter: Arlington On-Demand runs 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday; no Sunday hours are published on the city page, so do not assume it will get you to race day on Sunday.
  • TRE caveat: TRE normally runs Monday-Saturday, with no scheduled Sunday service except certain special events, so Sunday rail users should check for an event timetable before relying on it.
  • Hotel trolley: if you are staying at a participating Entertainment District hotel, the Arlington Trolley can be useful around the district; however, normal fare-free service to the stadium venues is limited on major event days, so confirm race-week arrangements with your hotel rather than assuming it replaces event transport.

In practice, this is not a rail-first street circuit. Unless you are staying nearby, most spectators will find driving or direct rideshare simpler.

Driving - best road approaches

  • Main corridors: the circuit sits in Arlington’s Entertainment District, with the main approaches coming from I-30 and TX-360. Those are the two roads you will use most whether you are parking on-site or aiming for a rideshare lot.
  • West side approach: for Lot 15 on the west side, the official route uses I-30 Exit 27B (Center St), then N Center St and Slaughter St.
  • East side approach: for Lot D on the east side, the official route uses TX-360, then Six Flags Dr, Road to Six Flags, Magic Mile St and Arlington Downs Rd.
  • Choose your side early: because the course wraps around multiple venues, west-side and east-side arrivals are not interchangeable in practice; pick your lot or drop-off based on your grandstand, not just the general event address.

Parking

  • Official parking: the event sells both three-day and single-day parking passes, and the official parking page is the one to use because lot locations are tied closely to grandstand positions.
  • Lot opening times: parking lots open one hour before gates - Friday 8:00 a.m., Saturday 7:00 a.m., Sunday 6:30 a.m.
  • Closest lots by grandstand: Grandstand 1 uses M, N, F; Grandstand 2 uses Q, R; Horseshoe Grandstands 3/4/5/6 use 11, M, N; Speed Trap 7/8 use M, N, D, L; Grandstand 9 uses D, L.
  • ADA parking: every parking lot has designated ADA spaces near the venue entrances, but they are first come, first served and still require both a valid lot pass and a state-issued placard or plate.
  • Parking shuttles: the event operates Shuttle A, B and C; A and C start with the parking lots, while B starts with the event gates. Check the shuttle stop map before you arrive.

Camping - RV only

  • Location: the event’s RV/camping option is Lot 14, offered on an availability basis.
  • Space size: RV spaces are 20 ft x 40 ft.
  • Utilities: there are no electric or water hookups, though the lot does have a dump station.
  • Tow vehicles: tow cars need their own permit if they remain on site and are not parked within the RV space.
  • Set-up: tailgating and generators are allowed within the confines of your own RV space only, not in the drive aisles.

Taxis and rideshare

  • Official west-side rideshare: Lot 15 is the designated west-side rideshare area, reached from I-30 via Center Street and Slaughter Street.
  • Official east-side rideshare: Lot D is the designated east-side rideshare area, reached from TX-360 via Six Flags Drive and Arlington Downs Road.
  • Pick the correct zone: this is one of those venues where the wrong drop-off can leave you with a long walk around barriers and venue edges, so match the lot to your grandstand before you book the car.
  • City rideshare: Arlington On-Demand is cheap and useful for local hotel-to-venue trips on weekdays and Saturdays, but it should not be treated as a guaranteed Sunday race-day option unless the city publishes special hours.

Walking

  • Expect big walks: the official family guide says this is a large facility and specifically tells visitors to be prepared to walk.
  • Nearby hotels: many Entertainment District hotels are marketed as being within walking distance of AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, Texas Live! and other attractions, so staying in the district can remove most transport hassle.
  • Venue cluster: Arlington’s visitor guides describe the major stadiums in the district as being within walking distance of each other, which helps once you are already inside the Entertainment District footprint.
  • Practical tip: walking is easiest from nearby district hotels and much less attractive from off-site parking or remote drop-off points, especially after the headliner event on Sunday.

Accessibility

  • Accessible parking: every event parking lot has designated ADA spaces near the entrances, first come first served, with a valid parking pass plus placard/plate required.
  • Parking-to-gate help: golf-cart shuttles, including wheelchair-accessible carts, are available near each parking lot entrance to take guests to the nearest gate.
  • Accessible seating: wheelchair-accessible and companion seating is sold in multiple grandstands, specifically Grandstands 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 9.
  • Additional access: the venue also provides street-level track crossings scheduled throughout each day, plus ADA lift access at hospitality areas that can also help with access around Grandstands 3-6.
  • Rail access: CentrePort/DFW Airport Station is listed as 100% wheelchair accessible, which makes it the best public-transport starting point for visitors who are not driving.

Airports and longer trips

  • Nearest airport: Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) is the natural airport for this race; Arlington’s official visitor information describes the city as just minutes from DFW.
  • DFW by rail: you can use TRE to CentrePort/DFW Airport Station and then the free TRE LINK shuttle for the airport connection. TRE LINK runs to and from the airport during TRE operating hours, but does not operate on Sundays.
  • DFW by road: if you are landing on race morning or carrying bags, a rental car or direct rideshare from DFW is usually the simplest option because it avoids the CentrePort transfer and any Sunday rail limits.
  • Dallas Love Field: Love Field is the other main airport for the region, but its official transit connection is into the DART rail network rather than Arlington; in practice, most race visitors will find a car or rideshare from DAL much easier than trying to piece together multiple transfers.

About the venue

  • What it is: this is the inaugural Java House Grand Prix of Arlington, held on the streets of Arlington’s Entertainment District around AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field.
  • Circuit basics: the official figures are 2.73 miles, 14 turns and a 70-lap race distance.
  • Why access feels split: unlike a compact permanent circuit, this one wraps around multiple venue buildings and public streets, so your best transport option depends heavily on which side of the course your ticket is for.

Quick guide - what is nearest

  • Grandstand 1 / Pit Lane: closest parking in M, N, F.
  • Grandstand 2: closest parking in Q, R.
  • Grandstands 3/4/5/6 (Horseshoe): closest parking in 11, M, N; ADA guidance also points accessible users toward Lots 11, 12, 13 or 14.
  • Grandstands 7/8 (Speed Trap): closest parking in M, N, D, L.
  • Grandstand 9: closest parking in D, L; ADA guidance points to C, D or E.
  • Rideshare: Lot 15 for the west side, Lot D for the east side.
  • Rail users: CentrePort/DFW Airport Station plus Arlington On-Demand is the nearest public-transport combination, but check Sunday service carefully before you commit to it.

This is a venue where choosing the correct side of the circuit is almost as important as choosing how you travel. Match your grandstand to the official lot map before you leave.

Nearby Activities

Things to do around Arlington Street Course - Arlington - Texas - USA

Whether you are here for INDYCAR, support races and a full entertainment-district race weekend, Arlington gives you an easy mix of stadium landmarks, family attractions, barbecue, big-city museums and practical access to both Dallas and Fort Worth for longer stays.

Motorsport at Arlington Street Course
INDYCAR street-race weekend
The course runs through Arlington’s sports and entertainment district, giving the event a more urban, venue-linked feel than a permanent circuit weekend.
Typical peak window
Mid March
Expect variable North Texas spring conditions - warm sunshine is common, but breezy spells, showers and sharp temperature swings are all possible across a race weekend.
Nearby hubs
Entertainment District 0 - 10 min • DFW Airport 15 - 25 min • Dallas/Fort Worth centres 25 - 40 min
You are well placed for stadium-zone dining, airport hotels, theme-park add-ons and easy day splits between the two big cities of the Metroplex.
Event impact
Road closures and parking shifts likely
Street-race weekends bring rolling closures, rerouted local traffic, heavier security and longer waits around headline session starts and finishes.

Family friendly highlights near the circuit

  • AT&T Stadium tours: One of the easiest family add-ons right by the race zone, with a polished visitor experience that works well on non-race mornings. Timed entry is common, and tours can be adjusted around major events.
  • Choctaw Stadium and surrounding plazas: The district itself is part of the draw, especially for families who enjoy big-sport atmosphere, short walks and easy meal stops without committing to a long drive.
  • Six Flags Over Texas: The obvious high-energy option close to the circuit, ideal for a full or half day if your group wants roller coasters rather than museums. Opening patterns vary by season and school-holiday demand.
  • Hurricane Harbor Arlington: Best in warmer months when the water park is operating, and a useful family plan if you are extending beyond race weekend. Weather and seasonal opening matter here.
  • SeaQuest or family activity centres in the wider Arlington area: Handy for younger children when you want something indoors, shorter and easier to manage than a full Dallas museum run.

Culture hits and rainy day winners

  • Fort Worth Cultural District: One of the strongest nearby options for museum-heavy downtime, with a calmer rhythm than central Dallas and enough depth for anything from two focused hours to a full day.
  • The Sixth Floor Museum - Dallas: A more serious historical stop if your trip includes time in the city centre, and a dependable rainy-day choice for adults and older children.
  • Perot Museum of Nature and Science - Dallas: Strong for families and mixed groups, with interactive exhibits that break up a race-focused weekend nicely. Dated tickets or timed entry can make life easier on busy dates.
  • Kimbell Art Museum and neighbouring Fort Worth museums: Excellent if you want an indoor cultural block with a more polished pace, especially after a loud and crowded day trackside.
  • Globe Life Field tours and event spaces: Another practical all-weather option close to the circuit footprint, especially for groups who like sport, architecture and shorter visits that still feel tied to the destination.

Eat and drink like a local

  • Texas Live! and the Entertainment District: The most convenient base for pre-race and post-race meals, with plenty of atmosphere and easy walking access. Expect big crowds and longer waits around headline sessions.
  • Barbecue across Arlington and Fort Worth: This is prime territory for smoked brisket, ribs, sausage and generous sides. Go hungry, and expect the best-known places to run busiest at lunch.
  • Tex-Mex and Mexican staples: Fajitas, tacos, enchiladas and proper breakfast plates make easy race-week fuel, especially if you want something quick but regionally grounded.
  • Fort Worth Stockyards and Near Southside: Better for a fuller evening out if you want Western character, steakhouses, live music or a more destination-style dinner beyond the stadium zone.
  • Race week tip: Book dinner ahead near the Entertainment District, keep lunch flexible and eat slightly earlier or later than the main crowd. Morning slots help if you plan to return for afternoon sessions.

Active outdoors between sessions

  • River Legacy Parks: Arlington’s best easy nature reset, with wooded trails, broad green space and enough room to escape the concrete and noise for a couple of hours.
  • Lake Arlington: A calmer option for waterside walks, light exercise and a gentler pace if your group wants air and open views rather than another attraction queue.
  • Trinity Trails - Fort Worth: Worth the drive if you are extending your stay and want longer runs, bike routes or a more developed urban-outdoors network.
  • Golf and driving ranges in the wider Metroplex: Easy to weave into a longer stay, especially for adults basing themselves outside the tightest race-zone footprint.
  • Spring weather logic: Early starts are usually more comfortable for walks and parks, while wind and showers can make later outdoor plans less predictable.

Easy day trips if you are extending your stay

  • Fort Worth Stockyards - Fort Worth: Around 20 - 30 minutes by car for Western heritage, cattle-drive theatre, barbecue and an easy evening atmosphere that contrasts well with the race district.
  • Downtown Dallas and the Arts District - Dallas: Usually 25 - 35 minutes each way, depending on traffic, for major museums, skyline views and a fuller big-city feel.
  • Grapevine: About 20 - 30 minutes by road and a very manageable add-on for historic main-street browsing, winery stops, family attractions and easy airport-area logistics.
  • Fort Worth Cultural District: Roughly 25 - 35 minutes each way for a more museum-led day, with enough quality to justify a slower, more grown-up break from the circuit.
  • Southfork Ranch - Parker area: Allow around 50 - 65 minutes by car if you want a television-famous Texas detour with a lighter sightseeing tone.
  • Waco: Around 90 minutes each way by road for a longer outing built around Magnolia, museums and a different slice of central Texas. Best tackled on a non-race day.

Times are approximate and rise on headline weekends. Dallas-Fort Worth traffic can shift quickly with sport, concerts and airport flows, so leave early for fixed bookings and avoid stacking a long day trip onto race Sunday.

When to go and what to expect

  • Race-month conditions: March is generally pleasant for city walking and outdoor events, but North Texas can switch from T-shirt weather to a jacket day surprisingly quickly.
  • Spring sweet spot: March to May is the easiest period for combining motorsport, stadium sightseeing and outdoor plans without the heavy summer heat.
  • Summer reality: June to September can be hot, bright and draining, making water, shade and indoor breaks much more important for family trips.
  • Autumn bonus: Autumn works well for football, city breaks and cultural add-ons, with a lively events calendar across the Metroplex and generally more forgiving temperatures.
  • Booking patterns: Stadium tours, major museums, theme parks and sought-after restaurants may use timed entry, dated tickets or event-week operating changes, especially around school holidays and large sports weekends.

Practical notes during race weeks

  • Give yourself extra transfer time: Street circuits always look close on the map, but security screening, parking changes and pedestrian routing can stretch arrival times far beyond normal.
  • Choose your base carefully: Staying in Arlington keeps race logistics easier, while DFW Airport, Grapevine, Dallas and Fort Worth give you more hotel and dining range if you are adding extra nights.
  • Plan around overlapping events: This district is built for major sport and entertainment, so concerts, baseball, football activity and race operations can all affect traffic, staffing and restaurant availability.
  • Family packing list: Pack sunscreen, a hat, breathable layers and a light rain shell, plus ear protection for children, refillable water bottles, snacks, wipes and a power bank for long trackside days.
  • Check the latest event operations: Street access, rideshare zones, bag rules, grandstand entry points and nearby attraction hours can all change during race week, and some sites will run reduced or adjusted schedules.

Opening hours, seasonal programs, ticketing and event week operations can change - check official circuit and attraction sites for your exact dates.

Hotels & Accommodation

Never Miss Lights Out

Get alerts before every race, across all major series.

Email reminders • Calendar sync • Push notifications