1. HIGHER IS BETTER: It is virtually impossible to see the entire track from any one seat at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. However, it is possible to see substantial portions of the track in some seats. Generally, the higher the seats the more track you will see. At Indianapolis, rows are marked in alphabetical letters starting with A at the bottom and going up from there. After row Z, the letters then begin AA, BB, CC and so on. Seats in the double letter rows typically offer a better view of the track.
2. BIGGER IS NOT BETTER: While many race fans may find reason to quibble with this statement, when it comes to coolers, smaller is better. At least smaller than 14 inches, because that is the limit for coolers in the grandstands. You can enter the grounds with larger coolers, but you will be forced to leave them on the ground below the grandstands and run from your seat down to your cooler every time you want to refuel. Height, width and depth must not exceed 14 inches.
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3. THOU SHALL NOT BUY BOOZE ON SUNDAY: It is legal to consume and even purchase alcohol on Sunday in Indiana. HOWEVER, it is illegal for liquor stores, grocery stores, or any other type of stores to sell alcohol on Sunday. THEREFORE, if you don't stock up on Saturday, and you plan to consume alcohol on Sunday, be prepared to buy it by the cup from the various vendors stationed around the grounds of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. You may also order drinks at your favorite pubs and restaurants on Sunday, after you leave the track.
4. BAGS AND PURSES WILL BE SEARCHED: The IMS searches every cooler, bag, and purse coming into the speedway grounds. This is a post 9/11 safety measure. They are looking for weapons, explosives, and glass. If you have any of those types of items, leave them at home.
5. PLAN YOUR PARKING: If you are driving your vehicle to the speedway on race day, figure out a plan before you go. Depending on your plan, your timing and your luck, you might get close enough to the track on race day to be within a quarter of a mile of your seat. (See our Survival Kit on the home page for hints on parking.) However, if you're not so fortunate, you might end up several miles from your seat. Figure out in advance how to get from your motel to the entrance gate closest your seats. Your feet will thank you later.
6. WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES: Whether you drive and park or take a shuttle to the track, you are bound to do a fair amount of walking and stair climbing. Be certain to wear comfortable shoes.
7. ACCESS TO THE DRIVERS: The best way to meet your favorite driver and get a photo op is to get your hand on a pit pass and use it before race day, preferably on a practice day at the track. This is no easy achievement. Standing outside the fence surrounding the pit area might also get you close enough to a driver to get an autograph. Access to Drivers on Race Day is virtually impossible, even if you're their mother.
8. FOR BIG KIDS ONLY: There are no age requirements for attending the race or entering the track in general. However, an all day excursion to the largest one day sporting event in the world may be a bit too much for children under 10 years of age. If your child is under the age of 10, consider bringing them to a weekend qualification day or a week day practice session to introduce them to the speedway before bringing them to the Indy 500.
9. DON'T GET SOAKED: If the weather forecast includes any chance of rain, take some sort of rain gear. An inexpensive rain suit can fit easily into a purse or jacket pocket. Although some vendors may sell them at the track, five minutes after the rain starts, they will be out of stock. You will be thankful you have your own, if the rain begins to fall. Otherwise, use sun screen even when its cloudy.
10. BRING YOUR OWN ENTERTAINMENT: Unlike the morning of the race when race fans arrive over a period of hours, the end of the race signals the start of the world's second biggest race. The race to home. It will likely take you four or five times longer to get back to your hotel from the track than it took to get there in the morning. You might want to bring something to entertain yourself while you let the crowd fight it out for first place. Play cards, or have a cook out on your portable grill, but don't try to drive out of the speedway immediately after the race unless you are prepared to be part of the world's largest traffic jam.
11. Okay we fibbed, its 11 things. Have fun and come back next year.
10 Things Every Indy 500 Visitor Should Know
For more information on the Indianapolis 500, please see our site on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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