Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials celebrated an epic and historic milestone today, announcing that all reserved seating is sold out for the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil on May 29.
While general admission tickets are still available in the IMS infield, the massive grandstands around the 107-year-old 2.5-mile oval, as well as all hospitality suites, will be completely filled for the first time in approximately two decades.
The news was shared by IMS leadership on the steps of the Indiana Statehouse in downtown Indianapolis, with community leaders including Indiana Gov. Mike Pence and Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett flanked by the iconic Borg-Warner Trophy.
“Every Indianapolis 500 is special, but the buzz surrounding the 100th running has been building for nearly a year, ever since the checkered flag fell on the 99th,” said IMS President J. Douglas Boles. “Our fans are the best in sports and their incredible support of this year’s race will make it a truly historic day for ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.’”
Beyond the grandstands, the new Hulman Terrace Club is also sold out and every IMS suite is full. In fact, several large temporary suites are being erected due to remarkably increased demand. All VIP tickets for concerts on Miller Lite Carb Day (May 27) and Legends Day (May 28) are sold and it is expected that the Indy 500 Snake Pit presented by Coors Light will reach capacity for the first time.
Camping in Lot 1C adjacent to IMS is sold out as is parking inside IMS on race day and prepaid infield parking on Carb Day. Information on alternate camping and parking locations is available on the ticketing page of ims.com. Fans are also encouraged to download the IMS Mobile App for current information.
Anticipation for the 100th Running has had a positive ripple effect throughout the city, with hotels and restaurants completely booked months earlier than usual due to increased anticipation for Race Weekend.
“The Indy 500 is the kind of iconic event that other cities dream of having,” said Leonard Hoops, president and CEO of Visit Indy. “And the 100th running will be the greatest version of the ‘Greatest Spectacle in Racing.’ But the impact of the race, and of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, go well beyond the massive economic benefits to the city and state in the month of May. Indy’s brand is enhanced throughout the year because of the Indy 500 and IMS.”
Fans are encouraged to begin their race-day routines at least two hours earlier than previous years. All fans will want to arrive early to take advantage of the full 100th running experience that includes live ESPN “SportsCenter” tapings in the Pagoda Plaza beginning at 8 a.m. ET, an expanded fan midway and increased concession and vending opportunities.
IMS also announced Thursday that four-time GRAMMY Award winner Keith Urban be Mario Andretti’s passenger in the "Honda Fastest Seat in Sports" two-seat Indy car that will pace the field of 33 cars before the start of the Indianapolis 500, which airs on ABC beginning at 11 a.m. ET May 29.
Tickets are on sale for the Angie's List Grand Prix of Indianapolis on the IMS road course May 14 and the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 at www.ims.com/tickets. or by phone weekdays between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. ET at (800) 822-INDY.