INDIANAPOLIS — On Tuesday, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced that plans to host the 104th Running of the Indianapolis 500 were still on schedule. But, in order to do so, they would decrease the attendance from 50% to 25% for the Aug. 23 race.

On Wednesday, they released an 88 page detailed plan on how this was going to work out. To save you from reading through all 88 pages, here’s the main points.

Less Than 25% Of Original Ticket Holders Wanted In

Now that we know 25% is the limit, we know that those that previously held a ticket for the May date, over half of them opted out.

When IMS sent out a survey last month, approximately 170k tickets were sold to the race at that time. So, with 25% capacity now for the Aug. 23 race and IMS being able to fulfill all ticket requests that have been received from existing customers, that means over half of the fans that previously had a ticket said no to this year’s race.

The reason I know that it’s over half is, IMS honored all tickets that were wanted from those that opted in and still have some on sale.

What If I Already Ordered Tickets?

If you held a ticket and opted in when IMS sent out the memo of finding out who wanted to keep their tickets and who wanted a credit, then you are good to go. That means IMS was able to fulfill your order as you will be getting more guidance the first week of August on what to do.

Did My Tickets Move?

More than likely yes. There’s no way to accommodate people in their normal seats that they previously sat in. With needing to distance 70-90k of spectators and also needing to use every seat available, some tickets will be moved from their original location. But, just be glad that you’re going and in.

What If I Still Need Tickets?

You have until Friday to purchase Indy 500 tickets. All event tickets will no longer be for sale past Friday, July 24.

Attendees From Hot Spot States May Have Extra Screening

Pre-event – Aggressive, targeted information to CDC defined higher risk populations regarding risks of attendance
• Pre-event – Targeted communication with known populations in communities with high illness burden (Texas, Arizona, Florida at present)

Masks Will Be Enforced

The mandatory mask requirement will be enforced in a “progressive approach.” We are asking everyone in attendance to join together and do their part by wearing face coverings. A broad, public
messaging campaign will begin prior to the event on safe practices called “Be Smart, Be Safe, Be Prepared.”
Pre-event communications will be directly sent to all ticket holders, workforce and participants regarding the face covering mandate and that masks will be provided at all entry gates.
Signage regarding face coverings will be at all parking lots and gates as guests approach entry gates, and once on property the public address system and video screens will repeatedly message the importance of face coverings and individual responsibility for fans to do their part to “Be Smart, Be Safe, Be Prepared” as reminders of safe practices.
Enforcement will occur in “stages.” The enforcement team effort will include our guest service staff, contracted security personnel and law enforcement as appropriate or as needed.

Can I Still Camp?

All campers will be located outside the oval racetrack (glamping and tiny houses in the
infield are cancelled).
Protocols for camping include:
• Masks are required throughout the venue, including all campsites
• All infield camping has been eliminated, and outside lot campsites will have increased
spacing in campsites, particularly in non-self contained (RV and tow behind)
• There are two shower trailers located in 2 camping lots that are individually stalled with
privacy doors, and portable restrooms available that will be disinfected and cleaned
regularly.
• All campers will be advised through signage and staff monitors to:
Observe physical distancing in the lots
Do not walk or drive through other camping locations
Use appropriate lot entrances and exits to lots

What About Infield Tickets?

Masks are required throughout the venue, including in the infield
• Public tickets: Infield capacity is reduced by 90% to enable physical distancing and
minimize congestion
• Turn 3 public area – limited parking has been sold, spaces will be expanded for physical
distancing, additional gravel spaces are available in this area with the cancelation of
the Snake Pit Concert
• All individuals who are parking will be advised through signage and staff monitors to:
Observe physical distancing
Do not touch other vehicles
Use appropriate lot entrances and exits to lots

What Gates Are Open?

Getting To The Gates

As a guest approaches a public gate, they will be greeted by a line manager ( ) who will welcome them to IMS and assist them with finding the shortest line.
• The guest will then approach mask/sanitizer distribution ( ) where they will receive the items in a pre-packaged
kit.
• The line manager will be responsible for encouraging guests to follow the physical distancing protocols put in place while they wait and the public health order to wear face coverings.
• As the guest makes it to the front of the line, their bag/cooler will be checked by security guard ( ) by asking the guest to open their bags and coolers themselves, and a visual check by security. If security is not satisfied with the
visual check, they will have hand sanitizer available to physically check the item, then sanitize again.
• After passing the security check, the guest will move up to the ticket scanning staff ( ) who will scan their tickets
o The ticket scanners will be located at least 6’ away from the bag checkers to ensure that another guest is able to get their bag checked while another is getting scanned.

How Do I Get Through The Gates? What’s The Protocol?

All spectators will be required to undergo a contactless temperature check prior to entering the facility. Anyone displaying a temperature over 100.4°F will be taken to a secondary screening location at each gate for an oral temperature test and pulse oximeter screening. If a fever is confirmed following the secondary screening, the spectator will be directed to leave the property and receive a voucher to use for ticket refund to the account that purchased the original ticket. Refunds will be offered for all members of a party that have come to the event together if all members of the part
depart the venue. Any disinfection measures possible would be taken at this time in the secondary screening location.

Guest kit (mask, sanitizer) handout as guests approach gate lines, signage indicating
face covering is required to enter gate lines
2. Guest will wait in shaded queue lines spaced apart as they approach the entry gate
3. Temperature Screening by trained individuals
a) Wristband distributed if below threshold
b) Directed to secondary location if above threshold
4. Security Bag & Cooler Check
5. Ticket Scan
6. Guest may enter gate

Contact Tracing: IMS will cooperate with the State of Indiana and City of Indianapolis on contact tracing.

Wristband Is Key

All individuals who are entering the facility will be required to wear a wristband upon
passing a temperature check:
• Wristband colors will change daily.
• This wristband will be distributed at each testing location and applied by the individual, not the screener.
• This wristband will be required in conjunction with a valid ticket or credential to allow
access to the facility.
• The wristband policy will be in effect beginning on 8/3 (except 8/7-9 when IndyCar
teams are at Mid-Ohio race) and will continue through 8/24.
• The wristband should be visible at all times to venue staff

You’ll Be Given A Kit At The Gate

Upon entering a gate queue, spectators will receive a guest kit containing a disposable
mask and bottle of hand sanitizer each day they attend the event. Uniformed Guest
Experience staff will be at each location to hand spectators guest kits.
• Guests will be required to wear their mask from the time they enter a gate queue
through exiting the facility unless eating or drinking according to the public health order.
• Gate supervisors will responsible for replenishing as needed throughout the day at the
entry gates.

What If I’m Driving In?

Vehicles will only be allowed to enter the infield through two gates: 10A and 2.
• Temperature screens will be conducted by two people (one on each side of car) to avoid
delays with entry.
• If one person in the vehicle registers with an elevated temperature, all individuals in the vehicle will be directed to a secondary screening location where they will receive the oral temperature and pulse oximeter screening. Any members of the group that pass the health screening are welcome and allowed to proceed to the entry gates.

When In, Do I Need To Bring Cash Or Card?

IMS has increased cashless points of sale. Cash will still be accepted at some
points of sale, however cashless options are recommended and preferred by all
vendors:
Gates (all days but race day) – Cash and Credit Cards, vary by gate
Ticket Remote Trailers (all days but race day) – Cash and Credit Cards, card
preferred
Legends Retail – Cash and Credit Cards, card preferred
Levy Concessions – Cash and Credit Cards, card preferred
Photo Retail – Credit card only
Outside Venue Parking Lots – Cash

Are Bathrooms Open?

Total Restrooms Open = 126. 70 Restrooms Outside the Oval and 56 Restrooms Inside the Oval.
Process
• Entrances marked “In / Out” to encourage one-way traffic
• All restrooms will be cleaned every 60 minutes
• Requires restrooms to be closed 10 minutes each hour
• Doors locked while cleaning with signage
• Create signs “Restroom Being Cleaned and Sanitized, We Reopen Momentarily”
• Wipe down all surfaces with disinfectant
• Sweep, spray and mop floor with disinfectant
• During occupancy, doors left open to minimize hand contact
• All trash removed

Restroom Locations

Restroom Locations
Exterior Oval Locations
• Southeast Vista: 3,4, 5, 6
• South Vista: 7, 8, 9, 10
• Southwest Vista: 13, 14, 15, 16
• E-Stand: 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26
• B-Stand: 27-30, 200, 201, 204, 205
• A-Stand: 33, 34, 208, 209
• Paddock: 37, 38, 40, 41, 42, 43, 47, 48, 51,
52, 211, 212, 215, 216, 218, 219, 222, 223
• C-Stand: 54, 55 (Hulman Terrace 41-49
upstairs)
• H-Stand: 58, 59, 64, 65, 66, 67
• J-Stand: 71, 72
• NW Vista: 73, 74, 77, 78
• North Vista: 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84
• Northeast Vista: 85, 86, 88, 89, 90

Concession Stand Protocol

Food
• Streamlined menus and pre-wrapped food
• No self service, no communal carts
• No condiment pumps, only packets provided by cashier
• Pre-wrapped single use utensils and straws
• Alcohol will only be served in cans
• Spacing
• In permanent stand locations, one line/casher per window with spacing ground graphics
• In temporary tent locations, each size determines number of lines and workers, spacing ground graphics

How Will Seating Work?

All grandstand seating sections will be open on Indy 500 race day and approximately 25% of the spectator grandstand seats will be used by customers. Red stickers will be placed on each seat that is not available for use. Seats will be assigned so guests will have an empty seat on at least one side and no one sitting directly in front or behind each spectator. Masks are required throughout the venue, including in the grandstands.
Signage stickers on bench seats and stickers with tie wraps on stadium seats will define
closed/restricted seats. Workforce will direct guests to use only open seats, with reinforcement from public address system and video boards. Fans will be reminded to remain physically distant from others when entering and exiting the grandstands.

What About Practice Days?

Attendance will be allowed. On practice and qualifying days, when seats are not specifically assigned to an individual, fans can sit in any seat without a red sticker. An ample amount of grandstands will be open for spectators. Grandstands will be marked prior to opening the first practice day to indicate where spectators can sit.

Is There A Capacity Limit For Practice/Quals Days?

No. There will be designated stands and seats open in those stands for spectators, but if more people show up than space allotted, IMS will just make more stands open. Doug Boles said that in theory, 25% capacity would be available for practice and qualifying days too and they’ve yet to hit that mark on a practice or qualifying day in years.

Practice, Quals Schedule

The track is open and will be GA. Opening day of practice will be Aug. 11 with practice being run 11-14. Quals will be Aug. 15-16. Carb Day is Aug. 21 with race day Aug. 23.

Can I Buy Practice/Qualifying Tickets After July 24?

Yes. Race day only tickets won’t be sold post July 24 but you can still get practice and qualifying day tickets into August.

Will Bronze Badges Be Honored?

Yes. If you have already ordered a badge, you’re good. They’re good for gate and garage admission just as they normally are. For those that haven’t ordered one yet, it’s too late. They cut off sales in June and won’t put any more for sale in order to limit the amount of people in the garage area.

Most Off Track Activity Is Canceled

There will be no concerts, no Legends Day, no REV party, no red carpet, no fan midway, no parade, etc.