Indy 500 ticket prices depend on when you buy, whether you choose general admission or an assigned grandstand seat, and which part of Indianapolis Motor Speedway you want to see. The 2027 race is scheduled for May 30, 2027, and IMS has published renewal pricing while ticket applications are open. Public ticket sales are expected to begin in fall 2026.
Quick Answer
The official 2027 renewal map lists Indy 500 general admission at $50 and reserved seats from $60 to $315, subject to change. Public-sale prices may be higher. Buy through IMS or its official resale marketplace, and choose seats based on whether you value corner action, pit stops, shade, comfort, or accessibility.
Key Takeaways
- Published 2027 renewal prices are $50 for general admission and approximately $60 to $315 for reserved seats, but later public-sale prices can increase.
- General admission includes the grounds and viewing mounds but not an assigned grandstand seat.
- Children 15 and younger enter general admission free with a paid adult GA ticketholder; every person needs a ticket for reserved seating.
- Use IMS, the IMS Ticket Office, or the IMS Official Resale Marketplace rather than relying on street sellers or screenshots.
- Arrange parking or transportation early because official Race Day parking can sell out months before the race.
Pricing note: The figures in this guide are the official 2027 renewal prices available as of July 20, 2026. IMS states that prices are subject to change and that prices increase after the renewal period.
How Much Are Indy 500 Tickets?
The official 2027 Indy 500 renewal-pricing map lists Race Day general admission at $50. Reserved-seat renewal prices range from approximately $60 to $315, depending on the grandstand, section, and seat category.
Those amounts are not guaranteed public-sale prices. IMS says renewal rates are the best prices of the year and that prices rise when tickets go on sale to the public and again as the event approaches. The official Indy 500 ticket FAQ says 2027 ticket applications are open and general ticket sales are scheduled for fall 2026.
The cheapest published price is not always the cheapest total trip. Parking, transportation, seat cushions, food, lodging, hospitality, museum admission, and entertainment add-ons can increase your final cost.
What Changes the Ticket Price?
- Purchase date: Renewal and early sales generally cost less than later sales.
- Location: Front-stretch, penthouse, deck, and premium areas usually cost more than lower-demand grandstands.
- Elevation: Higher rows may provide a broader view but can involve more stairs.
- Cover and seat backs: Covered seating and seats with backs are limited and often in higher-priced areas.
- Demand: Prices on the resale market can move sharply as inventory changes.
- Included benefits: Hospitality packages may include food, drinks, indoor space, parking, or special access.
General Admission vs. Reserved Indy 500 Seats
| Ticket Type | What You Get | Best For | Main Tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Admission | Admission to the grounds and designated infield viewing mounds; no assigned Race Day grandstand seat. | Budget-conscious fans, families, and people who prefer moving between viewing areas. | Viewing space is first-come, first-served, and sightlines may be limited by crowds. |
| Reserved Seat | Grounds admission, viewing-mound access, and a designated grandstand seat. | Fans who want a guaranteed place, a predictable view, and less time searching for space. | Costs more, and many stands have bench seating without backs or cover. |
| Premium or Hospitality | Benefits may include reserved seating, catered food, drinks, climate-controlled areas, private restrooms, or parking. | Corporate groups and fans who prioritize comfort and amenities. | Packages cost substantially more, and some indoor hospitality areas do not provide a direct track view. |
According to the IMS ticket policy, children ages 15 and younger receive free general admission when accompanied by a paid adult general-admission ticketholder. Every person, including young children, must hold a reserved-seat ticket to enter a reserved grandstand on Race Day.
Where to Buy Indy 500 Tickets Safely
The safest starting point is the official Indianapolis Motor Speedway website. You can also contact the IMS Ticket Office at 317-492-6700 or visit the ticket office at 4790 West 16th Street in Indianapolis during posted business hours.
Official Primary Tickets
Primary tickets come directly from IMS. Existing customers can renew, while new customers may submit an application for available seats. Applications are requests rather than guarantees for a particular section or row.
Official Resale Tickets
When reserved seating sells out, IMS may open its Official Resale Marketplace. IMS used that marketplace for the sold-out 2025 and 2026 races, giving buyers a safer option than informal transfers. Marketplace inventory, prices, and closing dates vary by year.
Warning: Do not rely on a ticket screenshot or an unverified social-media seller. Digital tickets can be duplicated, canceled, or transferred to another account. IMS also prohibits ticket scalping on its property. Use an official purchase or transfer process whenever possible.
Should You Wait Until Race Day?
Waiting is risky. All reserved Race Day seats sold out before both the 2025 and 2026 Indy 500. General admission remained available later, but that does not guarantee future availability. Buying early also gives you more time to coordinate seats, parking, lodging, and transportation.
Pro Tip: Compare the total checkout price, not just the listed ticket price. Review fees, delivery method, seat location, row, parking needs, and whether an add-on includes track admission.
How to Choose the Best Indy 500 Seats
There is no single best Indy 500 section. The right choice depends on which part of the race you care about most. Use the official IMS maps and 3D seating previews to compare the exact section and row before buying.
| Viewing Priority | Areas to Consider | What You May See Best | Tradeoffs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start, finish, pits, and ceremonies | Paddock, Tower Terrace, Pit Road Terrace, and nearby front-stretch areas | Pit strategy, pre-race ceremonies, the start, and the finish | Some lower seats may have catch-fence or pit-structure obstructions. |
| Turn 1 entry and opening-lap atmosphere | E Stand, E Penthouse, A, B, and nearby Turn 1 sections | Cars charging into Turn 1 after the start and restarts | High-demand sections can be difficult to obtain and may cost more. |
| Turn 2 action | Southeast Vista, Southeast Vista Deck, G Stand, and nearby mounds | Cars exiting Turn 2 and accelerating toward the backstretch | Vista and G seating is uncovered and does not have seat backs. |
| Turn 4 and the run to the finish | Northwest Vista, Northwest Vista Deck, J Stand, and nearby sections | Cars exiting the final corner and accelerating onto the front stretch | Most options are exposed to sun and weather. |
| Lower-cost assigned seating | North Vista, Northeast Vista Backstretch, South Terrace, and other available lower-price sections | A guaranteed seat at a lower cost than many premium turn or front-stretch areas | The view may emphasize one straightaway rather than a major corner. |
Check Elevation and Obstructions
Higher rows often provide a broader view over the crowd and nearby structures. They can also require a long climb. Review the 3D seat preview for catch fences, poles, pit buildings, video-board locations, and how much of each straight or turn is visible from the exact row.
Check Cover and Seat Backs
The official IMS seating FAQ says portions of higher Penthouse and Box seating are covered and have seat backs. H, J, G, and all Vista grandstands are uncovered and have no seat backs. Tower Terrace consists of benches with backs.
Consider Stairs and Accessibility
Access may involve stairs, ramps, or elevators depending on the location. IMS offers wheelchair-accessible and companion seating in several areas, including A Penthouse, B Penthouse, North Vista, Northeast Vista, Paddock Box, Pit Road Terrace, South Terrace, and Tower Terrace. Contact the IMS Ticket Office before purchasing if you need accessible seating or parking, and review the official ADA accessibility guide.
How to Make the Most of Indy 500 Race Day
Race Day involves far more than the time spent in your seat. Indianapolis Motor Speedway covers roughly 253 acres, the oval is 2.5 miles long, and large crowds create long walks and heavy traffic. Plan your ticket, gate, parking, and meeting point together rather than treating them as separate decisions.
Arrange Parking or Transportation in Advance
Do not assume parking is included with your ticket. IMS Race Day parking is generally pre-purchased, and official parking sold out well before the 2026 race. Review the current directions and traffic information for parking, rideshare, cycling, shuttle, and pedestrian updates.
Select the entrance closest to your seat. Crossing the infield or walking around the outside of the track can add substantial time. Download or save the facility map before leaving because mobile service may slow when the venue is crowded.
Download Your Digital Ticket Before Arriving
Add the ticket to your phone’s wallet or open it in the official account before approaching the gate. Increase the screen brightness and make sure everyone in your group knows who holds each ticket. A screenshot may not function when a rotating barcode or account transfer is required.
What to Bring
- Water, food, and non-glass beverages in a permitted cooler
- Hearing protection for adults and children
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A rain layer or poncho when showers are possible
- A seat cushion for bench-style grandstands
- Binoculars or a scanner with headphones
- A portable phone battery
- A saved map and a planned group meeting point
The current IMS gate regulations permit hard- or soft-sided coolers no larger than 18 by 15 by 15 inches. Food, water, soft drinks, beer, and wine may be brought in using non-glass containers. Prohibited-item rules can change, so check them again shortly before the race.
Warning: INDYCAR race cars are extremely loud, and Race Day can be hot with limited shade. Bring properly fitting hearing protection, drink water throughout the day, use sunscreen, and seek a cooling or first-aid station if anyone becomes dizzy, confused, weak, or overheated.
Pro Tip: Arrive early enough to clear security, walk from your parking or drop-off point, locate your section, and watch the pre-race ceremonies. Early arrival reduces stress, but it does not replace a pre-purchased parking pass or assigned ticket.
Sustainability Initiatives at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
IMS and INDYCAR describe their environmental program as Racing Toward Zero. Current initiatives include sourcing renewable electricity for purchased power, expanding recycling and composting, recovering food, and reducing disposable waste.
IMS also works with partners to replace many single-use plastic drink cups with recyclable aluminum cups. INDYCAR reports that the series uses race fuel made entirely from feedstocks categorized as renewable under applicable regulations and designed to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions compared with fossil-based gasoline.
Earlier programs allowed fans to purchase travel-related carbon offsets that supported GreenTrees habitat-restoration work in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley. Because checkout options and partner programs may change, look for a current offset option during the official ticket-purchase process rather than assuming one will be offered every year.
Fans can support these efforts by using marked recycling and compost containers, carrying reusable items when permitted, avoiding litter, carpooling, cycling, or using shared transportation where practical.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are 2027 Indy 500 tickets?
The official 2027 renewal map lists general admission at $50 and reserved seats from approximately $60 to $315. These are renewal prices, not guaranteed public-sale prices, and IMS states that all prices are subject to change.
Where is the best place to sit for the Indy 500?
Choose front-stretch areas for pit stops, ceremonies, the start, and the finish. Consider Turn 1 for opening-lap and restart action, Southeast Vista or G for Turn 2, and Northwest Vista or J for Turn 4 and the run onto the front stretch. Check the exact row in the IMS 3D seating map.
Can I buy Indy 500 tickets at the gate?
Event-day sales may occur only if inventory remains, so you should not depend on them. Reserved seating sold out before the 2025 and 2026 races. Buy through IMS in advance or use the IMS Official Resale Marketplace when it is operating.
Do children need Indy 500 tickets?
Children ages 15 and younger receive free general admission when accompanied by a paid adult general-admission ticketholder. Every child, regardless of age, needs a reserved-seat ticket to enter an assigned Race Day grandstand.
When do 2027 Indy 500 tickets go on sale?
IMS says ticket applications are currently open and general ticket sales are expected to begin in fall 2026. Applying does not guarantee a specific section, row, or price.
What Indy 500 ticket packages are available?
Options may include general admission, reserved grandstand seats, clubs, hospitality rooms, suites, group packages, parking, concert access, Snake Pit wristbands, and special credentials. Read the package description carefully because an add-on or wristband may not include the admission ticket needed to enter IMS.
Can I bring a cooler to the Indy 500?
Yes. Current IMS rules permit hard- or soft-sided coolers no larger than 18 by 15 by 15 inches. Food and beverages are allowed in non-glass containers. Rules can be updated, so check the official gate regulations shortly before attending.
Conclusion
The best Indy 500 ticket is the one that matches the part of the event you most want to experience. General admission offers the lowest-cost entry and freedom to use the viewing mounds, while reserved seating gives you an assigned place and a more predictable view. Front-stretch seats favor pits and ceremonies, while turn sections put you closer to corner action.
Start with official IMS pricing, inspect the exact section in the 3D seating map, and confirm cover, seat backs, stairs, accessibility, and transportation before checkout. Buying early is especially important after consecutive reserved-seat sellouts. Once your ticket and travel plan are secure, arriving early will give you more time to enjoy the pre-race atmosphere without rushing to your seat.
Sources
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway 2027 Renewal Pricing Map — official general-admission and reserved-seat renewal prices.
- Indianapolis 500 Ticket FAQs — ticket-sale timing, child admission, seat features, digital tickets, and ticket types.
- Indianapolis 500 Maps Hub — official seating previews, gates, parking, attractions, and facility maps.
- Indianapolis 500 Gate Regulations — cooler dimensions, permitted items, prohibited items, and venue policies.
- Indianapolis 500 Family Guide — hydration, hearing protection, seat cushions, walking, and family race-day preparation.
- IMS Racing Toward Zero — current renewable-energy, recycling, composting, food-recovery, and waste-reduction initiatives.
Leave a Reply