Photo Credit: IndyCar
Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials celebrated something pretty awesome on Friday as they announced all the reserved seating is sold out for the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PendGrade Motor Oil on May 29. General Admission tickets are still available for the IMS infield, however the massive grandstands around the 107 year old 2.5-mile oval, along with all hospitality suites have completely sold out for the first time in two decades.
The news was shared earlier by the leadership on the steps of the Indiana Statehouse in downtown Indianapolis , with Indiana Gov. Mike Pence as well as Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogestt, with the iconic Brog-Warner trophy making a special appearance.
“Every Indianapolis 500 is special, but the buzz surrounding the 100th running has been building for nearly a year, ever since the checkered flag fell on the 99th,” said IMS President J. Douglas Boles. “Our fans are the best in sports and their incredible support of this year’s race will make it a truly historic day for ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.’”
Along with the Grandstands, the new Hulman Terrace Club is also sold out and all IMS suites are full. Several large temporary suites are being erected because of the high demand. VIP tickets for both the concerts on Miller Lite Carb Day (May 27) an Legends Day (May 28) are sold out as well and the Indy 500 Snake Pit presented by Coors Light will reach its full capacity for the first time since its debut. Camping in Lot 1C adjacent to IMS is sold out as is parking inside IMS on race day and also prepaid infield parking on Carb Day. Fans can find information on alternate camping and parking locations that are still available on the ticketing page of IMS.com. It is also encourage for any fan attending the race to download the IMS mobile App for current and updated information.
All the anticipation and hype surrounding the 100th running is having a positive outcome for the city of Indianapolis as hotels and restaurants are all completely booked and have been for a while due to the excitement surrounding the race weekend.
“The Indy 500 is the kind of iconic event that other cities dream of having,” said Leonard Hoops, president and CEO of Visit Indy. “And the 100th running will be the greatest version of the ‘Greatest Spectacle in Racing.’ But the impact of the race, and of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, go well beyond the massive economic benefits to the city and state in the month of May. Indy’s brand is enhanced throughout the year because of the Indy 500 and IMS.”
IMS is also encouraging fans attending the big race to begin their race-day at least two hours earlier than previous years. All fans will want to arrive early as to be apart of the full 100thn running experience that will include a live ESPN “SportsCenter” tapping in the Pagoda Plaza which will begin at 8am ET along with an expanded fan midway and more concession and vending opportunities than usual.
