The “greatest spectacle in racing” is fast approaching — so we’re sharing everything you need to know before the Indy 500 on Sunday, May 25.
First of all, if you don’t have tickets yet — Indy 500 reserved seats are sold out. Verified resale reserved seat tickets + general admission are still available on IMS’ website.
If you’re trying to score last-minute Indy 500 tickets, be aware of ticket scams. Here’s what to look for.
ICYMI
- Plan Ahead | More than 200,000 people are expected to line the streets of downtown to witness the AES 500 Festival Parade on Saturday, May 24 with festivities beginning at 11:45 a.m. The parade will start at noon and air live on WTHR, with an encore presentation Saturday night at 7 p.m. on WTHR+. This year’s parade route will start at North and Pennsylvania streets in and end at Meridian and North streets. Road closures will begin the morning of Friday, May 23, and then additional closures around the parade route will start at 6 a.m. on Saturday, May 24.
- Watch | If you don’t have tickets to race day, don’t fret. For the second time in history, because the grandstands are sold out, the central Indiana television blackout has been lifted. Here’s how to watch from home.
- Weather | Will it rain on race day? Although relatively low, there’s a chance of rain for the 109th running of the Indy 500. As of Wednesday, meteorologists predict a 30% chance of rain, with a high near 50 to 60 degrees. The forecast also predicts Sunday to be partly sunny, with a high near 60 degrees. Last year’s rainfall during the Indy 500 caused a roughly three-hour delay after 1.48 inches of rain.
- Eat | IMS is releasing a new concessions menu for race day. Check out the new additions, including pork belly potato chips and a meatball hero.
- History | Racing history was made during Qualifying weekend. Rookie driver Robert Shwartzman won the pole for the Indy 500 for a brand new team — Prema Racing, an Italian team which races in the Formula 2 series in Europe + made its IndyCar debut this season. Two-time defending champion Josef Newgarden is aiming to become the first driver in history to win three straight Indy 500s. Last year, he held off Pato O’Ward to become just the sixth driver to win consecutive races.
- Announced | A new event is coming to Carb Day. On Friday, May 23, all six iconic Oscar Mayer Wienermobiles will race on the IMS track to find out which wiener reigns supreme. You can stream the race live at 2 p.m. on the FOX Sports app.
- Trending | Indy’s newest luxury hotel, InterContinental Indianapolis, is offering a first-of-its-kind package for a pair of guests to attend this year’s race — with a price tag of $50,000. It includes: A three-night stay in the penthouse suite, two “premier tickets” to the race, a round-trip police escort to and from the track, dinner for two at the hotel’s Astrea rooftop bar, daily breakfast at Serliana on the second floor of the hotel, and a private chef’s table dinner inside the penthouse. Classic rooms at the InterContinental Indianapolis start at $799 per night.
Getting there
Don’t plan on parking at the track, unless you already have a parking pass — they’re now sold out, as are shuttle passes.
To avoid the stress, it’s best to get there early. The gates open at IMS at 6 a.m. and will remain open until 4 p.m. The green flag will start the race at 12:45 p.m.
Pro tip: Race fans should plan on arriving at the gate closest to their seating location by 10 a.m. Get directions.
Want to avoid sitting in traffic + parking? You can also Bike to the 500. Bike Indianapolis is organizing a ride to ensure bikers have a safe ride to the event and secure bike parking. Registration and check-in starts at 6 a.m. at The AMP (1220 Waterway Blvd.) and the early ride will depart at 7:30 a.m. Late ride departs at 9:30 a.m. Tickets are $25 and support Bike Indianapolis’ mission.
FAQs
- You can bring your own food and drinks to the race, but coolers must be no larger than 18”x14”x15” (they can be hard or soft-sided). Glass containers will not be permitted.
- Personal cameras are allowed, but not in concert areas. You can bring a tripod as long as it doesn’t cause a safety hazard or obstruct the view of others.
- Smoking is not permitted in the grandstands but is allowed in the infield.
Get more answers to your questions.