6 replies to this topic

[Chicagoindy16]

hey guys, ive been reading the forums for couple of years now. Im going to the indy500 sunday race and i want to know if there's anything important that I need to do. I read that we are allowed to bring in alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, is that for grandstand tickets also? I'm going to be there early, Im sure there will be lots of traffic. i was wondering if I will be able to meet the drivers on sunday...any suggestions ? I'm so excited !

[Xpat]

No glass bottles.

Coolers (restricted to no larger than 18”x14”x14”, coolers may be hard or soft sided).

You can bring food too.

 

This is a good link to guidelines re entry into the track.

 

https://www.indianap...e-search-policy

 

Driving in can be a long process. Out can be a longer process.

 

There are shuttle buses that run from various locations (3 downtown and 1 from the airport). $29 per person. (link)

 

Where are you sitting?

Edited by Xpat, 22 May 2016 - 02:24.

[Chicagoindy16]

So the beverages go in the cooler, what about the food ? Do I have to put the food in the cooler or I can carry a bag and put the food in it ?
What about meeting the drivers ?
I think I'm gonna be driving in, hoping I can get there early.
I am in section S37

[Chicagoindy16]

Why is the shuttle bus so expensive ?

[hittheapex]

Hello,

 

First of all great decision to go! I went in 2013 and the contrast to the Korean GP was stark. They know how to put on a show for the fans in America. They had a display of some Corvettes and Camaros and the occasional Indycar as well. Wish I could be there for the 100th running and see Montoya.

 

Access to drivers depends on the type of ticket you have. Forget the name now, but there was an access pass to the pits and paddock that was extra on top of getting the ticket for your seat. However, it is possible to get to the side of the access road where they push the cars onto the circuit. I did catch a glimpse of a few drivers.

 

I carried a bag in with me, but it had to be within the size limitations.

 

Shuttle bus prices reflect what the price of taxis would be even if you could get one easily. Indianapolis is not famous for its taxis and with good reason. Parking within walkable distance to the circuit for the day would still set you back some. General admission parking is $60 a car this year....

 

The museum at the circuit is a gem. Plenty of classic Indycars in there and a decent collection of other race cars too. In 2013 I saw the 1965 Le Mans winning Rindt/Gregory Ferrari 250GTOLM and a Mercedes W196, among others. Admission was not too steep. There is also a tour, think it was about $20 extra, where you can see the media and conference centers, race control and a bus takes you around the circuit and you can walk around the finish line and kiss the bricks and go onto the podium.

 

It is packed on race day, with long queues to get in, I didn't even bother trying. I was planning to come back a week later as I was visiting family in Indiana for a few weeks.  If you want to see the museum and can stick around for a couple of days, go around Indianapolis on Monday and see the museum on Tuesday or another weekend sometime would be my advice.

[Xpat]

The nice thing about the shuttle is that they have a dedicated way in and out of the track and don't have to deal with a lot of the other traffic. That and you can sit and relax and not worry about the traffic. It's worth the $29 round trip.

 

I don't know about meeting the drivers. I'd think that you'd need credentials for the pits or garages to do that effectively. 

 

I would imagine most of IMS parking is already sold out. Here is a link to information. (link)

 

I am excited for you. This year will be my 45th race and I always get a kick out of hearing people's impressions after their first 500.

Edited by Xpat, 22 May 2016 - 11:03.

[Chicagoindy16]

thank you guys for your replies. Im gonna buy some coolers for beverages and food. my current problem is the parking. the shuttle is expensive, I am not sure what to do. i will be staying at a friend's house who lives 30 mins from the track. i really don't wanna pay a lot for parking. I went on the indy website and there seems to be spots at some places off the track, it says highschool and stuff but I don't know about the prices. I will call the track tomorrow to ask about parking, I'm seriously stressing out.