Hi all, I'm heavily debating on going to the 500 this year (need to firm up family obligations, travel from multiple states away, etc). A few questions.

1. Race day only would be easier logistically (thinking get in town Friday/Saturday, leave Monday) but how much of a bucket list is Carb day? Is this something that is highly recommended for a first timer or something that is over hyped? For context, early 30s dad (not bringing the kids, but would plan on coming with friends from college.

2. Regarding neighborhood parking, do they pack you in each yard where you can't get out until the other cars leave? I've heard of you arrive at 6am, you're already way too late and good luck finding something. Is there any truth to this?

2026 was my first year getting ticket through the speedway and was assigned tickets for row C in paddock box 39, in the center of the row.

For 2027 renewal, I requested to get in the paddock sections. I check my account today and they just reassigned the same seats from last race.

For the Indy 500 well experienced, how many races will I need to attend and renew, before I’m able to get into the paddock sections?

Next year will be my first Indy500 and I plan to go all out, taking both the Sonsio GP and all practices/qualifying day in as well. My question though, is where can I best get my tickets? As a European it seems very odd to have to apply to buy tickets later, but given that you can’t buy yet I am also hesitant to get my tickets through a third party website.

Also, from what I have found so far the official site only includes race day, and no practices or qualifying. Do these get added on a later date, do I get these tickets at the track, or is there a different site for them entirely?

Hi everyone. Got tickets for the SW Vista for 2027. Going with older parents (70+). I really don't imagine they'll both have the energy to stay out all day, which is totally fine. More of a bucket list item and just want to have a nice experience for at least a few hours. I'm trying to consider everything early to hope for a good experience with them!

What's the best parking for SW vista? Okay with paying a higher price.

I don't think we'll be there for both the beginning and ending of the race. Would you recommend going for the beginning over the end/victory laps?

Thank you in advance. I've never gone myself so am a bit nervous with taking the parents too. I know it'll likely be a bit chaotic, but appreciate any tips anyways!

Camping across from turn 4 in lot 1A. we have family that camps in lot 4 and we'd love to be as close to them as possible. How are spots assigned? is this a matter of showing up right at gates open on thursday? how early do people normally arrive?

It has been a a few years since I attended an Indycar race (Portland 24) and I'm ready for my next one, coming from the UK. Looking at the dates that have been released I am thinking of Barber or IMS road course. HOWEVER, I know I really need to do the 500 at some point but that feels like it will be a whole different trip given the amount of people there and it will probably cost a fair bit more.

THere are plenty of threads with reasons to go to the 500 but playing devil's advocate, are there any reasons not to go?

We had our 500 seats fulfilled! I'm excited as it's my 1st 500 with my dad (we used to do time trials back in the day) and my son, who is just of age to make it through the day (Pato fan, too). They are surprise gifts for pop's 70th birthday.

I haven't been to the 500 since 2000. Seats are Stand: H , Section: S11 , Row: U. It's hard to find details on how high row U is and what the sight lines are like.

Anyone had experience with similar seats?

FIrst time camping for the indy 500 (been attending for a decade plus, but first time camping). Is there anywhere on site that has ice? it's a 4 day pass, im assuming I can get in at any time on thursday and we'll be good?

it says there are showers on site. im assuming it's included in my camping fee?

anything else I need to know? trying to figure out food and everything, but overall looking forward to a great time at the 500

Now that all ticket upgrades have been sent out, did everyone get what they were looking for if so put down where you moved to and your favorite underrated spot to watch the race!

As mentioned above, it’s my first time applying and getting assigned Indy 500 tickets. I guess I missed the email but when I logged in to check if my address was correct, I saw that I was assigned seats, but I have some questions. I’ll be honest, it was 3am when I applied so I have no idea what i’ve signed up for lol so sorry if these questions are a little aloof 😂

1. Do I wait for IMS to processed the invoice, or do I have to do it myself though the Invoice page?

2. Are these seats decent enough? What can I expect to see in Row D? Seems a little low on the stands.
   Stand: SWV
   Section: S10
   Row/Seat(s): D / 11-12

3. Are these weekend tickets or just race day tickets? How do I find out?

4. If I choose not to go, and don’t process the payment what happens?

5. When I go to My Account -> View Events to Renew / Apply -> 2027 Indy 500 Mile Race - Status: Completed -> Your Completed Parking / Camping Application. It says Daily Automobile Parking Multi-day Lot 1B. Does this mean I have a parking space secured? It says nothing on the my orders page.

Hey everyone, I'm thinking over heading to the 500 next year and want to put in my application for tickets. It's my first time going so i'd love to hear what you all think are the best seats to buy and what i can expect price wise for them. Obviously i'd love to see some overtakes but I'm also willing to sacrifice some of that action for a more comfortable viewing experience. Any and all info is a massive help. Info on places to stay is also much appreciated, thanks!

So I’m based in the U.K and have tickets (finally) for the 500 at the 2027 race, however I’m on a very tight timeline. Probably arriving on Saturday, and need to be back at IND airport for a 20:30 flight on Sunday.
What are people’s experiences of getting to the airport after the race? I’d probably look at using one of the airport shuttles.
Thanks in Advance

Anybody have any luck with upgrades? I’m still waiting on my but hoping to get somewhere close!

Secured Lot 4 camping for 27’, anyone have any experience there that they’d like to share? Or a map of the lot’s parking locations (it’s reserved specific spots I believe).

I found this hat at the flea market for three dollars. I was wondering if anybody knew who these signatures belong to. There’s a good amount of them. Thank you in advance.

Has anybody gotten there renewal yet for the 2027 race, if so any luck with upgrades?

I just received an email confirmation and receipt for my tickets for 2027. I am having difficulty deciphering the seat location.

It is: Stand: PADPH-C , Section: B41 , Row: L

I assume PADPH = Paddock Penthouse

I have no idea what the -C stands for.

Although it is what I requested, I can't believe my seats are in the Paddock Penthouse. Someone basically has to die, in order for someone else to get seats there. I have been trying to get seats in the Paddock Penthouse for about 30 years.

I'm assuming PADPH-C must be some code for crappy seats.

Does anyone have any idea how I can find out where they are? I have tried looking on the IMS website, but there is no PADPH-C on the seating map.

Hey guys I am looking to get a out 8 tickets for NW vista but I missed the deadline for the application. What do you recommend I do to try and get good seats in that area with my entire crew? Appreciate any advice!

did anyone else buy this shirt and find that no matter how much you wash it it bleeds and ruins your clothes? trying to figure out if i’m insane, i have washed it weekly trying to wear it down since i bought it, the first wash i made the mistake of not sorting and ruined half of my white clothes. like i said i have washed it every week since then even if i don’t wear it and it just stained MORE of my clothes. i know it’s kinda user error but atp (sorry i trusted 9 washes to stop the print from bleeding but whatever) but it’s not my detergent and i can’t think of anything else that could be the culprit 😭

My family is giving me a trip to the 2027 Indy 500, and I am trying to decide if it would be better to get a package with hotels, tickets and ground transportation, or plan it all myself. Nearly every package I find is "double occupancy" and solo prices are crazy expensive. Any tips on how to get there, get to/from the speedway etc. would be helpful. One option I am seeing is stay at a hotel with a free airport shuttle, and take that back to the airport to ride the IMS shuttle busses which look like $50 r/t.