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Indy 500 Tickets

Indy 500 Tickets From GoTickets

Looking to experience the thrill of the Indy 500? GoTickets can help! Our easy-to-use interface facilitates a streamlined booking process so you can claim your perfect spot at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in just a few clicks. Additionally, thanks to our 100% buyer guarantee, which promises purchase protection, authentic seats, and reliable support, you can focus on the excitement of race day without any worries. So don’t wait! Get your tickets today.

About the Indy 500

The Indianapolis 500-Mile Race is a competition between skilled professional drivers in single-seat, open-cockpit, open-wheel, purpose-built cars. It takes place annually on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend and has become a cornerstone of the IndyCar Series. Additionally, it serves as one leg of the esteemed Triple Crown of Motorsport, which also includes the Monaco Grand Prix and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in Europe. A victory here has the power to significantly elevate a team’s status.

The original Indy 500 was run in 1911, and after more than a century, fans can still expect an equally exhilarating experience. It all starts with the singing of "Back Home Again in Indiana" and the command for drivers to start their engines. Each lap is filled with breathtaking shifts in momentum until a racer manages to complete over 200 laps, prompting the waving of the checkered flag and igniting a spectacular celebration at the finish line.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway boasts a capacity that often exceeds 300,000 spectators, making the Indy 500 one of the largest single-day sporting events worldwide. Carl G. Fisher was the driving force behind the construction of the facility, and when the race was first run in 1911, the 2.5-mile track was covered in 3.2 million paving bricks, earning it the nickname “The Brickyard.” 

A 36-inch strip of the original bricks can still be found at the finish line, but over the years, the speedway has seen numerous improvements, showcasing advancements that promote safety, speed, and peak performance. Today, the meticulously maintained asphalt surface allows for better grip as competitors navigate the twists and turns, vying for prime position during the three-hour race. 

Top Indy 500 Activities

The Indianapolis 500 is the main attraction during a week-long festival of high-octane excitement. The days leading up to the race are packed with activities that offer fans opportunities to engage with drivers, learn about the rich tradition of the Indy 500, and enjoy family-friendly fun. Each of the following festivities amplifies the experience, bringing together motorsports enthusiasts for unforgettable moments: 

  • Indianapolis 500 Practice: This event allows teams to fine-tune their cars while drivers familiarize themselves with the track conditions. Fans can witness the action and see how teams make adjustments in real time, offering a preview of the race day strategies.

  • Miller Lite Carb Day: Carb Day combines the final practice session with a concert, making it a key social feature on the Indy 500 calendar. Fans can enjoy live music from Kid Quill, the Gin Blossoms, and George Thorogood & The Destroyers on the Friday before the big race.

  • Indy 500 Pit Stop Challenge: This competition showcases the skill and speed of pit crews as they race to complete the fastest pit stop. It's a thrilling display of teamwork and precision, highlighting the critical role these talented team members play in the outcome of each race.

  • Full-Field Autograph Session: Ticket-holders get the chance to meet their favorite past and present drivers, collect autographs, and take photos, enhancing the complete fan experience while anticipation builds for the big day. Space fills fast, so be sure to arrive early.

  • Public Drivers Meeting: This event offers fans a behind-the-scenes look at the final preparations before the race. Drivers and teams receive their final instructions, discuss rules and strategies, and provide valuable insights into the necessary planning that precedes the competition.

  • Firestone Fast Six: This is the final qualifying round of the Indianapolis 500, where the fastest six drivers compete for the pivotal pole position. It’s a high-stakes event, dripping with drama, as the starting lineup is finalized and every team has its sights on one coveted top spot!

  • Coors Light Snake Pit: The Snake Pit in the infield features live music and entertainment. It’s a hotspot for fans 18 and over looking for a vibrant festival experience. This year’s lineup includes Dom Dolla, Gryffin, Sullivan King, Timmy Trumpet, and the headliner, Canadian DJ Excision.

Memorable Indy 500 Moments

As the end of May approaches each year, the air in Indianapolis fills with the anticipation of another riveting race. The Indy 500 has given fans countless memories of high-speed, tire-to-tire action, and these events have not only defined careers but have also etched themselves into motorsport history. Here, we revisit legendary moments that have enhanced the legacy of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing:”

  • 5/30/1960: In a thrilling face-off, Jim Rathmann and Rodger Ward swapped the lead 14 times, battling tire wear and mechanical challenges. Rathmann ultimately clinched his only Indy 500 win by pushing his car to the limits, outlasting Ward who was forced to reduce pace due to tire issues.

  • 5/29/1977: A.J. Foyt made history by becoming the first driver to win the Indy 500 four times. He capitalized on Gordon Johncock’s engine failure, cruising to victory. This year also marked a milestone with Janet Guthrie becoming the first woman to qualify for the race.

  • 5/30/1982: Gordon Johncock edged out Rick Mears by only 0.16 seconds in one of the closest finishes ever. The intense battle in the final laps highlighted both drivers’ strategic prowess and impressive control, captivating the audience with every turn.

  • 5/28/1989: Emerson Fittipaldi and Al Unser Jr. provided a nail-biting finish, racing side-by-side until Unser spun out on the final lap. Fittipaldi seized the victory, while Unser’s thumbs-up gesture created one of the race’s most iconic signs of sportsmanship.

  • 5/24/1992: Al Unser Jr. narrowly defeated Scott Goodyear by 0.043 seconds, the closest finish in Indianapolis 500 history. The dramatic final laps saw Unser fend off Goodyear’s relentless challenge, securing a breathtaking victory after Michael Andretti’s car failed.

  • 5/28/2006: Sam Hornish Jr. executed a stunning last-second pass to win the Indy 500, overtaking rookie Marco Andretti just 450 feet from the finish line. This thrilling conclusion was the second-closest finish in the race’s history, cementing Hornish’s legacy at the Speedway.

  • 5/25/2014: Ryan Hunter-Reay narrowly defeated Helio Castroneves by just 0.06 seconds, securing his first Indianapolis 500 win. The intense duel featured multiple lead changes in the final laps, culminating in one of the race’s closest finishes and a thrilling victory for Hunter-Reay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of race is the Indianapolis 500?

The Indy 500 is a prestigious annual automobile race held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, featuring single-seat, open-wheel cars on a 500-mile asphalt track. It's a major event in the IndyCar Series.

When is the Indy 500?

The Indy 500 traditionally takes place between 12 and 1 p.m. on the Sunday preceding the last Monday in May, typically recognized as Memorial Day weekend. The race generally takes over three hours.

What are the best seats at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway?

Popular seating choices at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway include the Paddock, Penthouse, and E Stand, offering great views of the start/finish line, pits, and key track areas.

Is the Indy 500 appropriate for all ages?

The Indy 500 is a family-friendly event, suitable for all ages. However, due to the noise and lengthy nature of the day’s activities, ear protection and breaks are recommended, especially for young children.

Where can I get tickets for the Indianapolis 500?

When you want Indy 500 tickets, make GoTickets.com your first stop. You’ll have access to listings from trusted sellers, and thanks to a buyer guarantee, you can count on authenticity and purchase protection. 

How much are Indy 500 tickets?

The cost of Indy 500 tickets varies based on several factors, including participating drivers, team dynamics, and the current supply and demand. For more details, check the listings at GoTickets.com.

Is the Indy 500 sold out?

Even if Indianapolis 500 tickets are advertised somewhere as “sold out,” you can often find authentic seats from verified resellers at GoTickets.com right up until race day. Explore the available options today!