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🏁 Know before you go

Know before you go: the 107th running of the Indy 500

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway at sunset

IMS looking like a snack — we mean track. | Photo by @aaron.creates

Ladies and gentlemen, the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500 is almost here.

To help you enjoy the sights and sounds of the greatest spectacle in racing on Sunday, May 28, we’re sharing everything you need to know before you go.

Getting there

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.

If you plan to park at the track, you must have a race day parking pass purchased in advance. Unfortunately, parking lot passes are sold out at this point.

If you don’t have a parking pass — or just don’t want to deal with driving — race day shuttle passes are still available. You can take the shuttle either from the Indianapolis International Airport or from downtown. Both shuttle passes are $50, while supplies last.

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. Check in starts at 7:30 a.m. at The Amp (1220 Waterway Blvd.) and will depart 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 will not be permitted in the grandstands but is allowed in the infield.

Get more answers to your questions.

Events

Monday, May 22

Food Truck Mondays | Monday, May 22-Monday, June 19 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | White River State Park, Canal Elbow, 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | Cost of purchase | Every Monday in May at White River State Park there will be two new food trucks — one sweet and one savory.

Wednesday, May 24

Zoopolis 500 presented by American Dairy Association Indiana | Wednesday, May 24 | 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | $15-$32.75 | Come out and see why the “Greatest Spectacle in Tortoise Racing” is such a beloved zoo event.

Thursday, May 25

Karaoke Night in Top Out Cafe | Thursday, May 25 | 7-9 p.m. | North Mass Boulder, 1411 Roosevelt Ave., Indianapolis | Free | Get ready to unleash your inner singer + bring your favorite songs to sing your heart out.

Friday, May 26

Miller Lite Carb Day | Friday, May 26 | Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 4790 W. 16th St., Indianapolis | $35-$40 | This high-octane party features some of the most exciting action on + off the track as the world revs its engines for the 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500.

Saturday, May 27

Metazoa 500 Market | Saturday, May 27-Sunday, May 28 | 12-6 p.m. | Metazoa Brewing Co. Bottle Facility, 202 Miley Ave., Indianapolis | Cost of purchase | This market will highlight 60+ local and regional vendors who specialize in vintage goods, handmade artisan crafts, art, and so much more.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Open

There’s a new mother-daughter-owned shop in Greenwood offering a wide variety of donuts — from ring and cake donuts to Bismarks. The Sassy Donut Co. is located at 1279 N. Emerson Ave., Ste. G + is open Tuesday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Daily Journal)

Coming Soon

Chef Tia Harrison’s wing spot, Chicken Scratch, announced it’s opening a second location downtown this summer. The business shared on social media a picture of the new location, which is next to Dick’s Last Resort on West Maryland Street. No word on the grand opening date.

Announced

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced Stephanie Beatriz — actress and voice of Mirabel in the hit movie “Encanto” — will be this year’s grand marshal on Race Day. Singer-songwriter Jewel will perform the national anthem at the start of the Indy 500. (WRTV)

Biz

Indianapolis-based mall operator Simon Property Group announced that it’s partnering with retailer Five Below at nine properties, including Indiana Premium Outlets in Edinburgh. There’s no word yet on when the retailer will be opening. (WISH)

Stat

25%. That’s the amount of decline the Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis has seen in single-family building permits in Marion County. Builders in the Indianapolis area filed 632 single-family building permits in April, down from 838 in the same month of 2022. (IBJ)

Cause

Pasta for a good cause? Count us in. The fourth-annual Gr8 Pasta Push, hosted by WISH-TV 8, is happening Thursday, June 1-Thursday, June 15. Last year, the community-wide pasta and fund drive for Second Helpings helped to provide 160,000+ meals for our neighbors. Make a financial or pasta donation.*

Finance

$200 welcome bonus — check. Unlimited cash back — check. 0% interest into 2024 — check. This card checks all our boxes.*

The Word

Délicieuses. Start using it in conversation in three weeks.*

Travel

Which Vrbo Vacation Home of the Year is most your style? Maybe it’s the mountain views and woodsiness at this Big Sky cabin. Or maybe it’s a Hamptons holiday at this breathtaking retreat. If vacation means heat, spas, and golf courses, check out this Palm Springs poolside property.*

City

🚗 Put it in park

Downtown Indy’s parking score

Map showing downtown Indianapolis parking areas

24% of downtown Indy’s central city area is devoted to parking. | Screenshot via Parking Reform Network

Indianapolis may be called the Circle City, but the last thing you want to do is drive in circles. The stress of finding parking in the city may be what’s keeping you from exploring all that it has to offer.

That’s why we’re here to tell you that about a quarter of Indianapolis’ city center is dedicated to parking.

According to Parking Reform Network, nearly 25% of usable land in the Mile Square is dedicated to parking — compared to similarly sized cities, which have an average of 20% of land for parking.

This earned Indy a parking score of 63 out of 100. There are pros and cons to this, like anything else.

Research found that over-emphasizing on parking leaves less room for other things + cities with a low parking score are usually more pedestrian-friendly — but on the bright side you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding parking in Indy.

You could say the city is at a happy medium. Still need help navigating parking? Check out our guide.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Nicole Hernandez

From the editor

Last year, I used the shuttle service from the airport on race day — and I gotta say, it was really nice not having to worry about driving in all the traffic or figuring out parking. This year, I live closer to the track so I’m considering biking there. If you don’t join the Bike Indianapolis group ride, there’s also bike parking outside Gate 6 and Gate 9, but you’re on your own so you should bring a bike lock.

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