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Fans Encouraged To Arrive Early, Plan Ahead for 101st Indianapolis 500

IMS expects over 300,000 for the Indy 500
IMS expects over 300,000 for the Indy 500

Just like last year, race fans are encouraged to arrive as early as possible for the 101st Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil on Sunday, May 28. With one of the largest crowds in decades expected to fill the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Race Day, the easiest way to ensure a stress-free day at the track is to arrive by the time all gates open at 6 a.m. (ET).

"Momentum from the 100th Running has carried over into this year's race, and we expect our second-largest crowd in at least the last 20 years," Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles said. "So we're encouraging fans to get here early and take a little extra time to map out their route to the Speedway and fully plan their day at the track."

Gates at IMS open at 6 a.m. following the traditional cannon blast. From there, fans looking to beat traffic and avoid longer lines can take advantage of many fun opportunities, including:

  • IMS Museum: The Museum, which opens at 6 a.m. on Race Day, features a special exhibit honoring legendary four-time Indianapolis 500 winner A.J. Foyt this year. Learn more about the Museum's world-renowned attractions here: www.indyracingmuseum.org.
  • Fan Midway: This year's Fan Midway features several exciting attractions, including the NERF Nitro Kids Zone and interactive activations from Yamaha, Crown Royal, Disney and more. The action-packed Chevy Stage is also in the lot adjacent to the Midway.
  • Shopping and Food: A wide array of 101st Running attire and collectibles will go fast, so don't miss out! Shop for family and friends while supplies last. All concessions and retailers will open at 6 a.m.
  • Borg-Warner Trophy March to the Bricks: Back by popular demand, the Borg-Warner Trophy will begin an epic March to the iconic Yard of Bricks at 8 a.m. from the IMS Museum. Line up outside the west side of the Museum for a chance to see one of the most famous trophies in the world – escorted by the Indianapolis 500 Gordon Pipers – begin its journey to Victory Podium.
  • IMS Red Carpet: This year, the IMS Red Carpet is moving just north of Pagoda Plaza with celebrities walking the carpet from 9-10 a.m. The fans lining up in the viewing area earliest will have the best view of Race Day celebrities and also receive free Race Day swag!
  • Rolling Stage: Also making a repeat appearance this year is the IMS rolling stage, which will begin circling the track at 10 a.m. Popular alternative rock band Jonathan Jackson + Enation will play in Turns 1, 2 and 4. Band leader Jonathan Jackson is a star on the CMT show "Nashville."
  • Epic Pre-Race! Be in your seat for it: This year's pre-race ceremonies will serve as a fitting, stunning tribute to our nation's military heroes and continue as America's greatest Memorial Day Weekend sporting tradition. Be in your seat early to ensure you see every can't-miss moment.

Other Important Race Day Tips for Fans

  • Plan Your Visit: Use IMS.com/planyourvisit to enhance your day at "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing." This central hub includes the most current information on parking, schedules, directions, allowed and prohibited items, and more.
  • IMS App and Twitter: Download the IMS app, available on both iPhone and Android, before Race Weekend. Also follow the IMS (@IMS), Town of Speedway Police (@SpeedwayPD) and Indiana State Police (@IndStatePolice) accounts on Twitter for the latest Race Day information.
  • Cooler, Backpack Restrictions: No coolers larger than 18 inches by 14 inches by 14 inches can be brought into the facility, which will be strictly enforced. Fans will be allowed to bring one cooler and one standard backpack or book bag per person.
  • Parking: All IMS exterior parking lots open at 5 a.m. on Race Morning, while interior lots open at 6 a.m. All IMS exterior and interior parking is sold out. A limited number of IMS ADA parking passes remain available for purchase. These must be purchased before Race Morning at the IMS Ticket Office.
  • Gate 2, Gate 10 Access: Gate 2 and Gate 10 are not accessible via car on Race Day without a pre-paid parking pass. Fans with a pre-paid parking pass in Turn 3 must enter IMS through Gate 10, not Gate 2.
  • Road Closures: To increase the safety and security of race patrons, the Speedway Police Department will close Georgetown Road and 16th Street to all vehicular traffic during the running of the 101st Running of the Indianapolis 500.

Georgetown Road will be closed south of 25th Street beginning at 7 a.m. After Georgetown Road is closed, no vehicular traffic, including placarded traffic, will be allowed to access the roadway. Race patrons with pre-paid parking passes who are accustomed to entering IMS Gate 7 must enter through Gate 2 (W. 16th Street) or Gate 10 (30th Street).

Upon completion of the race, Georgetown Road will remain closed to vehicular traffic until the vast majority of race pedestrian foot traffic clears from the roadway (approximately two hours after the race).

In addition, 16th Street will be closed between Olin Avenue on the east to the 16th Street roundabout on the west from approximately 11 a.m. until the race ends. In addition, 16th Street will not be accessible from Polco Street, as it will be blocked at 10th Street.

Once 16th Street is closed, traffic traveling east on Crawfordsville Road from the west will be turned around at the 16th Street roundabout. Traffic traveling west on 16th Street from downtown will be diverted south on Olin Avenue.

  • More Traffic, Road Information: Drivers can learn the locations of work zones and highway restrictions by calling INDOT's TrafficWise at 1-800-261-ROAD (7623) or viewing an online map at www.TrafficWise.IN.gov. ISP will offer updates on traffic and parking on Twitter and Facebook.

For more information regarding access to IMS, visit IMS.com. For additional information, follow on Twitter the Indiana State Police @IndStatePolice, the Speedway Police Department @SpeedwayPD or listen to radio stations WNFI-AM 1070 or WIBC-FM 93.1.

•Tickets: Visit IMS.com to purchase tickets for the 101st Indianapolis 500 Presented by PennGrade Motor Oil on Sunday, May 28, and for more information on the complete Month of May schedule at IMS.