Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Speedway · IN

When to go

BestGoodBusyPeak crowdsClosed

Day: Weekday Indy 500 practice days, May 18–21 and May 24, 2027, Indy 500 qualifying weekend, May 22–23, 2027
Time: Indy 500 Race Day: arrive in the morning; allow at least 45 minutes from gate to seat. · Weekday May practice: stay while cars are on track and use garage access with a Bronze Badge.
Avoid: Avoid non-event days: IMS does not publish general admission for casually entering and exploring the track.

Start
Enter through the gate assigned by that day's event map, nearest your parking or seat.45 min
Have your digital ticket open with screen brightness raised; expect security screening.
+45 min
Grandstand or viewing mound
A reserved seat includes gate admission and its assigned stand; general admission does not include a grandstand seat.
+3 h
Gasoline Alley and garage area, if visiting with a Bronze Badge60 min
Bronze Badge access excludes Sonsio Grand Prix day and Indy 500 Race Day.

Bring

Hearing protection
Sunscreen and rain gear
Refillable water bottle or permitted beverages in cans/plastic bottles/boxes/cups without glass lids or caps?

Food & breaks

Skip it if

Skip it outside a ticketed event, or if loud engines, long walks, sun exposure and major-event logistics are not appealing.