The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is gearing up for the 109th running of the Indy 500 next Sunday, with all grandstand seating already sold out. This exciting news comes after a long wait, as the last time the iconic race track was at full capacity was back in 2016 for the 100th edition of the race. With a seating capacity of 250,000, the speedway is known for drawing crowds of 300,000 to 350,000 fans, thanks to the popular infield viewing areas where spectators can catch all the action (and maybe enjoy a little partying too).
Since Roger Penske took over the speedway in 2019, there have been significant improvements, making it a hot ticket for racing fans. As someone who had to scramble to secure tickets for family members coming in from out of town, I can attest to the high demand. A month ago, grandstand seats were already scarce, and even parking was fully booked. With the race just a week away, I can only imagine how limited the remaining seats must be.
According to a recent press release from the speedway, only a few tickets are left in the grandstands, and a full reserved seating sellout is expected before the checkered flag drops on Monday’s practice sessions. The Hulman Terrace Club is also sold out, along with every IMS suite. However, there are still Coors Light Snake Pit wristbands available for those looking to add a unique touch to their General Admission ticket for entry into the EDM event.
IndyCar’s new TV partner, Fox Sports, has been ramping up promotion and marketing efforts since the beginning of the year, giving the racing series a much-needed boost. Previously, NBC Sports didn’t quite give IndyCar the primetime treatment it deserved, especially as the series gained popularity post-pandemic. Now, drivers like Pato O’Ward from Mexico and Josef Newgarden from the US are becoming household names across the country.
One major win for local fans is the lifting of the much-hated TV blackout, allowing everyone to watch the Indy 500 live once the race kicks off. The blackout was initially put in place to encourage Indiana residents to attend the race in person, but now, fans can enjoy the action without delays. With all these exciting developments, the countdown to the 109th Indy 500 is on, and fans are more eager than ever to witness the thrill of one of the most iconic races in motorsports history.
