Indy 500 grandstand sellout crowd encouraged to arrive early, ‘Plan Ahead’ with IMS.com

Submitted by IMS

With the massive and historic grandstand sellout crowd announced for the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 24 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, fans should plan ahead and arrive early.

To ensure a smooth entry into the facility, fans are encouraged to arrive earlier than usual, even as early as 6 a.m. ET, when gates open. This is the best way to ensure a smooth and quicker entry into the facility with time to visit activations and be in seats for the green flag.

Race fans are encouraged to “Plan Ahead” through IMS.com/PlanAhead, an interactive web page that serves as a home base for fans headed to the track this weekend.

The “Plan Ahead” page features detailed information about the entire fan experience at IMS, including directions, parking, schedule, gate regulations, digital ticket guide, ADA accessibility and much more.

Race fans are encouraged to download the IMS App and use technology from NTT INDYCAR SERIES title sponsor NTT and its Smart Solutions platform, which will update the IMS App every 30 seconds with wait time information at each gate to allow race fans smoother entry into the facility.

IMS is offering a whole morning of thrills and entertainment for ticketholders looking to beat traffic and avoid longer lines by coming to the track early. Gates open at 6 a.m. following the traditional infield blast.

Many enjoyable opportunities are available to fans right as the gates open or shortly after, including:

Sam’s Club Fan Midway Experience Open at 6 a.m.

This year’s Sam’s Club Fan Midway features several exciting, fan-friendly activities. The Midway will open at 6 a.m. and be available for enjoyment until the green flag flies to start “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

Shopping and Food

Exclusive and commemorative 110th Running attire will go fast, so don’t miss out! Grab breakfast at one of the many concession stands open throughout the facility, and then shop for family and friends while supplies last. Retail and food options are available at 6 a.m.

Epic Pre-Race, Be in Your Seat for It!

This year’s pre-race festivities for the Indianapolis 500 are a carefully organized and choreographed show that will entertain race fans at any moment they are in their seats. It will feature moving military tributes, former Indy 500 winner and historic race car laps around the famed 2.5-mile oval, the heartfelt singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana” by Jim Cornelison, “America the Beautiful” performed by Indianapolis-native Ephraim Owens, the return of Jordin Sparks to sing the national anthem and so much more.

Additionally, all Speedway patrons should be aware of the following facility information and regulations to ensure a successful day at the track:

Cashless Operations

IMS is a cashless facility. Please be prepared to complete ticket, credential, parking, concession and merchandise purchases with ease via debit or credit card.

Tap-to-pay phone payments will be accepted, as will credit and debit transactions. A Cash-to-Card machine, which converts paper money to a temporary debit card, is located in Pagoda Plaza. These funds can be spent inside the venue, outside the venue, online or anywhere in the world where Mastercard/Visa debit cards are accepted.

Cooling/Water Stations

IMS will have cooling buses located in the infield on the corner of Fifth Street and Hulman Boulevard, Seventh Street and Hulman Boulevard, B Stand near Gate 1 and Northwest Vista in Turn 4. Misting stations will be located in the Midway, Pagoda Plaza, concert area inside Turn 3, west of the IU Health Emergency Medical Center in the infield, outside Turn 1 and outside Turn 4 between the Northwest Vista and J Stand. There will also be six water bottle filling stations located throughout the facility on Race Day in each of the four turns, as well as behind Tower Terrace and in the Garage Area.

Public Parking

Parking for the Indianapolis 500 is sold out, including ADA and motorcycle parking. All IMS exterior parking lots open at 5 a.m. on Race Morning, while interior lots open at 6 a.m.