The 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500
The Greatest Spectacle in Racing
The Event Overview
Key Facts
- Event: 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Presented by Gainbridge
- Date: Sunday, May 24, 2026
- Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), Speedway, IN
- Green Flag: Approximately 12:45 p.m. ET (Race Day)
- Track Type: 2.5-mile Oval (Four turns, two long straights)
- Distance: 500 Miles (200 Laps)
The Vibe:
The Indy 500 is more than a race; it’s a massive cultural festival celebrating speed, tradition, and the Memorial Day holiday. Drawing over 300,000 people, the atmosphere is electric, blending high-octane racing with generational family traditions and massive concerts. Be ready for early mornings, high energy, and the constant buzz of one of the world’s best-attended single-day sporting events.
History, Traditions & The Brickyard
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) was built in 1909 as a testing ground for Indiana’s booming automotive industry. The first 500-mile race was held on May 30, 1911, and was won by Ray Harroun.
Key Historical Facts
- The Brickyard: The original track surface was deemed dangerous, so in late 1909, it was repaved with 3.2 million paving bricks. Today, the entire track is asphalt, but a 36-inch strip of original bricks remains at the start/finish line—the legendary “Yard of Bricks.”
- The Triple Crown: The Indy 500 is considered one-third of motorsport’s “Triple Crown,” alongside the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Monaco Grand Prix.
- The Milk: In 1936, winner Louis Meyer requested a glass of buttermilk after his victory. It evolved into the iconic tradition where every winner since 1956 (with a few exceptions) celebrates by drinking a bottle of milk.
Essential Race Day Traditions
- “Back Home Again in Indiana”: The singing of this song just minutes before the green flag drops is an emotional moment that marks the final countdown to the race.
- Kissing the Bricks: The winning driver and team traditionally kneel and kiss the Yard of Bricks in a post-race celebration, a tradition started by NASCAR champion Dale Jarrett in 1996.
The Month of May: Weekly Events (May 12 – May 24, 2026)
The Indianapolis 500 is the centerpiece of the “Month of May,” a nearly two-week schedule of practice, qualifying, and celebratory events leading up to the race.
Key Dates in the Month of May
- May 12–18: Practice & Refinements Multiple days of practice sessions where teams fine-tune their cars. This is a great time for track access and lower-key viewing, allowing you to see the cars up close.
- May 16–17: PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying This is the crucial two-day qualifying process that sets the 33-car starting field. High drama is guaranteed as drivers fight for pole position and secure a spot in the race.
- May 18: Post-Qualifying Practice The final practice session before the official race weekend begins.
- Friday, May 22: Miller Lite Carb Day The ultimate race countdown party. This includes the final practice, the high-energy Pit Stop Challenge competition, and a massive Carb Day Concert. A truly unique, high-energy event.
- Saturday, May 23: Legends Day Events include morning Autograph Sessions with all 33 drivers, the Public Drivers’ Meeting, and the nationally-recognized Indy 500 Festival Parade through Downtown Indianapolis (featuring high-profile floats, celebrities, and all 33 drivers).
- Sunday, May 24: Race Day Gates open at 6:00 a.m. to soak in the atmosphere. The day includes the Borg-Warner Trophy March to the Bricks, driver introductions, and pre-race ceremonies before the Green Flag drops.
Miller Lite Carb Day: The Ultimate Race Countdown
Carb Day is often cited as the best value ticket of the Month of May. It provides three major events wrapped into one day of high energy and celebration:
- 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Final Practice Session This is the last chance for the 33 qualified cars to make final adjustments. A crucial and exciting session as teams finalize their race setups.
- 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Tag Heuer Pit Stop Challenge Teams compete head-to-head for bragging rights and prize money in a bracketed tournament focusing on fastest tire changes and refueling. This is a high-intensity, close-up action event.
- 3:30 PM – End: Carb Day Concert A massive, nationally recognized musical act (often rock or country headliners) plays a large stage in the infield. This transforms the entire Speedway into a gigantic party environment to close out the day.
Pro Tip: Carb Day is often crowded, and the weather can be unpredictable. Wear comfortable shoes, stay hydrated, and plan to arrive early to stake out a good viewing spot for the Pit Stop Challenge, which is held on the main pit lane.
Ticketing Strategy & Best Seats
Securing tickets for the Indy 500 requires planning, ideally starting the year before. The best seats are typically renewed by existing holders, but the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) manages an official ticket exchange program.
Ticket Tiers & Access
- General Admission (GA)
- Description: Access to the infield, museum, and non-reserved grandstand areas (like the front stretch mounds). Race viewing is primarily standing/walking.
- Advantage: Cheapest way to experience the atmosphere, with access to the infield party (Snake Pit, if purchased separately).
- Price Range (Estimate): $$50 – $90
- Reserved Grandstand
- Description: Seats in the main grandstand sections (Paddock, front straight, turns). All seats are individually assigned.
- Advantage: Guaranteed sightline and dedicated access to amenities (restrooms, concessions) near your section.
- Price Range (Estimate): $$120 – $300+
- Premium/Tower Seats
- Description: Includes Tower Terrace, Paddock Penthouse, and other covered/elevated sections on the front straight.
- Advantage: Protection from sun/rain, excellent views of the pits, Start/Finish line, and scoring pylon.
- Price Range (Estimate): $$300 – $500+
Best Viewing Spots
- Turn 1 (The Corner of Carnage): Famous for high speeds and frequent, dramatic incidents on the start and restarts. Best for action. Sections E, A, B.
- Front Straightaway (The Spectacle): Ideal for experiencing the pre-race ceremony, driver introductions, the start/finish line, and the pit stops. Best for tradition and amenities. Paddock, Tower Terrace.
- Turn 4: Provides a fantastic view of the cars barreling toward the finish line and a look at the pit entry/exit action. A good compromise between speed and strategy viewing. Sections J, K, L.
Places to Stay & Nightly Entertainment
Accommodation during the Indy 500 is competitive. You have two main strategic options: stay downtown for city amenities and the Parade, or stay close to the track for ultimate proximity.
Accommodation Recommendations
- Downtown Indianapolis
- Best For: Convenience, Luxury, City Nightlife, and being close to the Festival Parade route.
- Recommendations: JW Marriott Indianapolis (connected to Convention Center), Hyatt Regency Indianapolis, The Westin Indianapolis, and Conrad Indianapolis (a higher-end option). These all offer easy access to restaurants, bars, and museums.
- Near Speedway / Airport
- Best For: Proximity to the track, Budget-Consciousness, and quick entry/exit on race day.
- Recommendations: Hampton Inn & Suites Indianapolis West Speedway (the closest quality option), Sleep Inn & Suites, and Baymont by Wyndham Indianapolis West. These typically offer lower nightly rates.
Nightly Entertainment & Around the City
While the events at the Speedway are central, downtown Indianapolis offers world-class dining and entertainment, especially in these highly walkable districts:
- Mass Ave (Massachusetts Avenue): The premier destination for nightlife. This district is packed with unique cocktail bars, local breweries (like Brewsday Night), and the popular 16-Bit Bar + Arcade for a retro gaming experience.
- Fountain Square: A historic and artsy neighborhood south of downtown known for its vintage shops, duckpin bowling, and quirky bars.
- The Circle (Monument Circle): The heart of downtown, often illuminated and busy with foot traffic. Check for special “Month of May” activations.
- Coors Light Snake Pit (Race Day): A huge electronic music festival held inside Turn 3 of the Speedway on Race Day, featuring massive headliners. A completely separate ticket is required for this wild party environment.
Food & Drink: Local Favorites
Indianapolis cuisine leans heavily into steakhouses, Midwestern comfort food, and a booming craft brewery scene.
- Iconic Steakhouse (St. Elmo Steak House): Legendary, classic steakhouse known globally for its shrimp cocktail (with a famously spicy sauce). Reservations are mandatory and book up far in advance.
- Downtown Dining: For a fun, casual spot, try The Old Spaghetti Factory (it has an old railcar inside for seating). Fogo de Chão is another excellent (but pricey) option for Brazilian churrasco.
- Local Comfort Food (Steak ‘n Shake): A Midwest staple for burgers and shakes, open late. Don’t forget to look for smaller, local “mom & pop” eateries for authentic Indiana flavor.
- Trackside Favorites (IMS Concessions): The Speedway offers a revamped menu featuring specialties like the Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Nachos, Pretzel Brat with pale ale beer cheese, and the King Corn Dog.
- Beer & Cocktails (Mass Ave Breweries): Explore the breweries and bars along Mass Ave. Many offer excellent local IPAs and unique cocktails.
Essential Resources and Links
These official and tourism resources will be crucial for tickets, event updates, and navigating the Indianapolis area.
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway: This is the official source for all tickets, schedules, and up-to-the-minute event news. Check here first for race day information. IMS Official Website
- Visit Indy: The Official Tourism Site of Indianapolis. Use this for local guides, restaurant recommendations outside of the track, and general city attractions. Visit Indy Tourism
- Indy 500 Festival: This organization manages all of the non-track events, including the nationally recognized Festival Parade and the Mini-Marathon. Indy 500 Festival Website
- Travel & Booking: For securing your accommodation. Be aware that prices spike during this period, so it’s always best to search and book hotels (especially downtown) as early as possible.