How to Get Good Seats for the Indy 500

Whether you're a seasoned Indianapolis 500 fan or you're gearing up for your first race in person, anyone can use a little help figuring out how to get tickets and where the best seats at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are. Get the seats that you want at a price you like by considering these suggestions.

Instructions

    • 1

      Visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's official website (see Additional Resources) to buy your tickets. You can try other sites that claim to have the best prices, but the official website is reliable and the prices are usually the same as others.

    • 2

      Choose your seats. The great thing about these races is that there are no good or bad seats. Every seat offers its own advantage, from the ability to see the pits to a good view of the Turn 4 and the front stretch. You may prefer being right at the finish line or getting up-close and personal near the winner's circle.

    • 3

      Wait to buy tickets the day of the race. At the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, you have the option of sitting inside the track on grassy hills. This area is General Admission, alcohol-free and family friendly. General admission tickets are cash only.

    • 4

      Decide in advance where you want to park. If you park in the infield, you can go back to your car (in the event of a sudden downpour or to refill your cooler and so forth). You cannot leave the track to go to your car if you park elsewhere. Coordinate your seats and parking to minimize walking distance and maximize time spent at the track. For people who park in the third turn and the North 40, trams are available to reduce some of the distance.

    • 5

      Optimize your views. If crashes are your thing, get seats near the turns. Outside corners give you the widest view. Choose seats in the Tower Terrace, Paddock, Stand A or Pit Road Terrace for the best pit views. Opt for Paddock for views of the Start/Finish line.

    • 6

      Opt for folding seats with backs in Stand B if you prefer a more comfortable seat versus bleachers. The Penthouse (in Sections A, B, E and Paddock) also contain seats with backs, in addition to the Tower Terrace, which features bleachers with backs. Most sections have 44 rows, starting at A and going through RR.

    • 7

      Consider the elements. While the Penthouses have roofs to keep you out of the rain in case of inclement weather, they require a considerable amount of climbing to get there. Remember that you may have coolers (no glass containers allowed) and other items to haul along. You may have already hiked a long way from the parking lot as well. Suites, on the other hand, have elevator access (and include pit passes). They are located at the tops of Tower Terrace, Stand C, F1 garage and Pagoda Tower.