How To Have A Great Time At The Indy 500
It’s the month of May in Indianapolis and the big race is almost here. You can already hear the cars buzzing around the track and the unified roar of 300,000 spectators. As your anticipation and excitement grow by the day, now is the time to make your final plans and preparations for visiting the “Brickyard”. By following a few simple guidelines, you and your group can have a great time at The Indy 500.
Get Your Tickets Already!
If you haven’t purchased your tickets yet, don’t worry. Even after the track sells out at the box office, you can still get great seats at Only Indy Tickets. If you want views of the front straightaway, the start/finish line, and turns 1 and 4, you might try to find seats in the C Stand or Paddock on the outside of the track. Really, there are pros and cons to just about every section but keep in mind, this is a rare sporting event where higher is better.
From Paddock Penthouse seats to general admission, there are plenty of fantastic Indy 500 tickets available. Even if you’re just going the general admission route, there are mounds in the infield that provide a nice perch to catch the cars flying by.
Plan Ahead And Get There Early
One of the best ways to ensure a great time at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is to leave early and try to avoid as much traffic as possible. Keep in mind, that this is the largest sporting event in the world with seats for over 250,000 and room for many more. Plan your route, know where you will park, and don’t miss that alarm! It’s OK to arrive early - just break out your trusty cooktop and make breakfast for you and your fellow race fans. You also want to be sure you check the Indy 500 schedule so you don’t miss any important moments. Gates open at 6 a.m.
Know Exactly What You Can (And Can’t) Bring to The Indy 500
It might be tempting to bring your inflatable kiddie pool to the infield but if you do, track security will ask you to leave it at the gate. Be sure to check the list of prohibited items before you go. Most of these fall in the common sense category such as weapons and illegal drugs, but there are others that might not be quite as obvious. Coolers are allowed but must not be larger than 18” x 14” x 14”. You should also leave your glass containers, selfie sticks, and fireworks at home. Carts and wagons, while allowed on other days at IMS, are not permitted on race day.
Prepare For A Day In the Infield
If partying in the infield is more your style, it’s important to follow a few simple tips to ensure your day doesn’t end early.
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Moderation - Don’t be that guy (or gal) who’s fully intoxicated before the green flag even waves. That’s a surefire way to ruin your day. Pace yourself, designate a driver, and consider the next tip.
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Hydrate - Avoid getting too dehydrated which can lead to headaches, fatigue, and dizziness. There’s no telling what the weather will be like on any Mayday in Indianapolis. Even if it doesn’t seem hot, you’ll need plenty of water to make it through the long hours of the race.
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Sunscreen - As you probably know, Memorial Day weekend in Indianapolis can be blazing hot and there’s not a ton of shade in the infield. Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and re-apply as needed.
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Comfy shoes - Even if you’re not jumping up and down in the Snake Pit, you’ll still be on your feet for much of the day. Leave the heels at home and go for comfort instead.
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Take toilet paper and hand sanitizer - As you might imagine, infield restrooms leave a little to be desired, especially later in the day. Take the guesswork out of the equation and bring your own supplies.
Scanners, Headsets, and Ear Plugs
You’ve probably seen them in the crowd before, those folks with the professional-looking headsets. Buying or renting a scanner and pair of headsets will give you an insider’s perspective as you can dial in directly to team communications. Traditionally, there are places to rent or buy them at the track. Be sure you know what frequencies you’ll need and ask if you have questions. If you don’t get headsets, be sure to bring earplugs to protect your hearing.
Get Your Tickets Today!
The only thing left for you to do is enjoy the race! The 2022 version of the Indy 500 promises to be a special one as the track is back at full capacity for the first time since 2019. Get your tickets now and get ready for an amazing day.