I'm going to the Indy 500 next year, and need advice??

Question

Money is not a concern but I don't want to break the bank either. Can anyone give advice/ share experience as to best place to sit (maybe a couple options), hotels, etc.? Thanks

Answer 1

The best place to sit would have to be the G stand. That's where I sat this past May. Great view. Whatever you do don't get the straightaway. You'll be seeing nothing but a blur as they drive past. I haven't sat there yet and I don't plan on ever sitting there either. Last year I sat in first turn terrace, but they got rid of that section for the  motorcycle race. That was a good view too. There's a hotel right next to the track, but it's probably skyrocketing. Try the hotels next to the airport. They should be a little more decent. And to beat the traffic I strongly advise you to leave early. Like around 7 or 8. This past 500 I left around 9 30ish and didn't reach the main entrance until like between 11:30-noon. So um yeah. Anyway you'll have so much fun! Next year will be my 3rd year going. Can't wait!  

Answer 2

Couple of suggestions to consider:

1. You can buy the most expensive and best seat in the house, and you will *not* be able to see the entire race track. The track is just too big, and too full in the infield (golf course holes, stands, trees, viewing mounds, museum, etc.)

2. If you're wanting to go for the atmosphere more than the racing, you can purchase a $20 Gen. Admission ticket to the infield. Viewing mounds are good, though it does get difficult to follow who's winning, and you don't have true access to video boards (bad angles). Otherwise, it's more of a party atmosphere - not that *that's* a bad thing.

3. Regarding grandstands: For the race, I've been in the North Vista (between Turns 3 & 4), Stand G (Turn 2 - very underrated stand), and now the S.W. Vista (Turn 1). If I were to recommend a stand now for a first-time visitor, I think I would almost suggest going back in Turn 2, so Stand G or the S.E. Vista. The primary reason is that this year, IMS management removed the Inside Turn One stands to prepare for this year's MotoGP (motorcycle race) in September. By doing this, it opened that corner up BIG TIME for viewing. It's almost a new look to a 100-yr-old-track. By sitting somewhere in Turn 2, you should now get most (if not all) of Turn 1, all of the South Chute, all of Turn 2, and most (if not all) of the backstretch, plus you have 2-3 video boards in front.

4. In my opinion, corners are better than straights for raw racing action (passing, close calls, contact, wallbangers). However, if you enjoy teamwork, there's no better place than along the frontstretch to see teams go to work in the pits. Choreography at its finest.

5. Before leaving after the race, go to the infield, and check out the museum. Not only is it a great walkthrough of history, it'll take you a good 45-90 minutes to go through in its entirity, and by then, most of the crowds will have dispersed, and traffic may not be as bad. I get a thrill going through there every time - you and your son will step back in time/history. Worth the $3 entry fee - best bargain in auto racing!

6.  Hotels?  Get them reserved NOW.  I think the earlier, the better.  Just be ready for traffic, and a TON of it, so get there REAL early.  Also start thinking about the length of time you'll be here.  Carb Day is on Friday (last practice, pit stop competition, Firestone Indy Lights 40-lap race, & free concert (this year = Stone Temple Pilots)) for $10, Drivers Meeting is Saturday (as is parade), and Sunday is the race.

Hope this helps

Answer 3

check out this ticket outlet

http://www.saferhorseracing.com/gpage17....

Answer 4

For hotels I would do something as close as possible cause Indy is a different place to get around. Also Seating i would sit somewhere on the front stretch since you cant see the hole track anywhere. I sat in the infield and it was great. Also the day of the race is long. Wake up and be out of your hotel at least at 6 am because its a major traffic jam. Imagine almost half a million people going into an area that's a couple of square miles. Take your walking shoes cause you may want to park further away from the race track. I had to park at least a mile and a half away from the track.

Answer 5

I got 4 tickets for $40 each for the South Terrace which is in between turns 1 and 2.  Those were the absolute cheapest tickets I could find, and I was still able to see the cars go by, but those seats are defiantly not as good as being in the grandstands.  When I went last year went we stayed at my aunt's house, so we didn't stay at a hotel.  Maybe you could find a nearby campsite and camp for only 10-20 dollars.  Also, my dad has said, but I don't know if this is true that for about $10 you could get to the infield and sit on the berm (the grass mound) and have just as good as a view as you would sitting in the South Terrace.  Good luck!

Answer 6

The Best place to hang out is CAMP AND BREW by turn 4 on georgetown rd. you donate 10 dollars and get a cup then you can get as much beer as you want! Also pack lots of water and sunscreen for the race the best place to sit would be under the upper deck on the front strait but turn 4 is not bad either