Indy 500: Race Day Travel Tips

Sunday, May 26^th marks the 108^th annual Indianapolis 500, a timeless tradition that ignites the hearts of motorsports enthusiasts worldwide. One of the oldest automobile races, the Indy 500 started in 1911 and is the largest single-day sporting event in the world. The race takes place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) and welcomes an average of 250,000 spectators from around the world every year. As thousands of fans flock to the Speedway, here are some tips to make the most of your Indianapolis 500 experience.

When preparing for race day, dressing in layers and packing a poncho is key. Midwestern spring season can bring a variety of weather conditions. Protect your skin with sunscreen since you will be in the sun all day, and wear earplugs to soften the roar of the IndyCars. You may bring your own cooler 18”x15”x15” or smaller and pack food and drinks, but avoid anything in glass since it is prohibited.

When booking your accommodations, consider alternatives other than traditional downtown hotels. While there are many great hotels in downtown Indianapolis and near the Speedway, they could be fully booked or priced higher due to demand--plus downtown traffic is likely to be congested. There are hotels and house rentals in Broad Ripple, just north of downtown, known for its free-spirited vibes, lively nightlife, and trendy restaurants. Another option is Fountain Square, south of downtown, with a vibrant arts scene, live music, and unique shops to enjoy during your stay. To be as close to the action as possible, on-site camping is available at the IMS, with RV hookups and tent campsites available. When booking, consider extending your accommodations by one day, just in case the race encounters a rain delay which on occasion can be pushed to the next day.

IMS officials recommend arriving at the Speedway as early as possible to allow plenty of time to find parking and go through security. If driving, you must pre-purchase a parking pass when you purchase a race day ticket. IMS also offers round-trip shuttle services for purchase to transport fans to and from the Indianapolis International Airport.

If you’re looking to embrace the whole Indianapolis 500 experience, you can make it a weekend-long event, starting with Carb Day on Friday, May 24th. Carb Day (short for Carburetion Day) is filled with exciting events leading up to a concert that will end the day. You will experience the last practice for the drivers as well as a Indy 500 Pit Stop challenge which is where pit crews race for the shortest time when doing their standard pit stop.

For those racing enthusiasts looking to bring a little extra adrenaline into their race weekend, check out IndyCar Experience. They offer a two-seater IndyCar ride with a trained driver around the IMS at the high speeds of 180mph.

Now that you are prepared for the big event, let your excitement build as the Indianapolis 500 quickly races toward us.