The Indianapolis 500 is poised to achieve a significant milestone this year, with expectations of a sell-out crowd, marking the first such event since 2016, which was also notable for being the 100th running of the race. Doug Boles, president of IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), announced that there are only a few hundred tickets left, prompting a call for fans to secure their attendance before the race day on May 25.
As part of the excitement, the local television blackout will be lifted, allowing fans in Indianapolis who cannot attend the event to watch it live. Boles shared, “We will lift the local delay in the Indianapolis market so those folks here in Indianapolis can watch the Indianapolis 500 live when it’s run.” This is particularly significant as the race coincides with an NBA playoff game hosted by the Indiana Pacers on the same day.
The anticipated crowd is expected to reach approximately 350,000, including general admission ticket holders alongside the 232,000 grandstand seats. The event will also see 12,000 employees working on race day, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere. The race will be broadcast live on Fox Sports, which is celebrating its first year as the IndyCar broadcast partner.
Boles emphasized the cultural importance of the Indianapolis 500, stating, “This really is about the fans… It’s an event, and I love hearing stories from our fans about what this race means to them.” The expansive reach of the event signifies not just a race, but a cherished tradition for many families in the region.
This year’s race promises to be a memorable occasion, united by the thrill of high-speed competition and the community spirit that surrounds this iconic event, embodying a hopeful and celebratory atmosphere for all involved.