|
Post by marysue63 on May 25, 2016 19:48:55 GMT
I'm going to the Indy 500 for the first time this weekend. I'm not a race fan but it's one of those bucket list kind of things. I'm excited to go and experience it! My husband has gone a few times and went 2 years ago with his boys. I ask him about it but he gives me the guys perspective (naturally!) What should I expect? I've watched it on TV but that's not the same thing. I know I need to take earplugs. Anything else I need to know?
|
|
miyooper2b
Full Member
Posts: 330
Location: Central Indiana
Jun 27, 2014 15:38:05 GMT
|
Post by miyooper2b on May 25, 2016 19:56:56 GMT
Plan on arriving early! They are expecting record crowds and every seat and parking space is sold out. They will be scanning every ticket and searching every bag so it will take a while to get through the gates. Take sunscreen and lots of water and wear comfortable shoes. It's hot in the stands and the temps and humidity are going to be up there on Sunday.
Enjoy! I won't be there by my hubby will. I'll be home watching it on TV. The first time it hasn't been blacked out in years! Doubleheader day for me with Indy Car and then NASCAR on later in the day. Woo Hoo!
|
|
|
Post by mzza111 on May 25, 2016 19:57:05 GMT
I've never been to an Indy race but look into renting a scanner to listen to the drivers. Look on the track website to see if you can bring in a soft side cooler, if so take your own water. Don't forget sunscreen.
Have fun!
|
|
eastcoastpea
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,252
Jun 27, 2014 13:05:28 GMT
|
Post by eastcoastpea on May 25, 2016 19:58:01 GMT
You're going to smell a lot of burning rubber.
Have fun and report back to us.
|
|
JustTricia
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,837
Location: Indianapolis
Jul 2, 2014 17:12:39 GMT
|
Post by JustTricia on May 25, 2016 20:01:53 GMT
Be prepared to hurry up and wait. Since it's the 100th running it's the biggest crowd that has been in years (big enough that the race isn't blacked out in Indianapolis for the first time since I think the 50's). Hopefully you already know where you're parking; if not I'd suggest figuring that out now.
Be prepared to sit in traffic forever, possibly hours between getting in and getting out.
Check the website to see what you can and can't take in.
It's going to be 85, but may rain. So be a typical Indianapolis person ~ prepare for it to be HOT and for it to rain. Cover all your bases.
If you can (I haven't checked the website) bring snacks at least. Food is expensive.
Georgetown Rd is completely closed running along the track, you can't drive down it anymore.
|
|
|
Post by marysue63 on May 25, 2016 20:14:00 GMT
I know we are leaving our hotel at 6:00am and will park at the Coca-Cola plant and tailgate there before the race.
Since I'm not a race fan, do you think I'll still enjoy it? I'm not worried about myself as much as I am DD15. Everything to her is BORING, but I can't help but think you would get caught up in the excitement of the whole thing.
|
|
|
Post by *KAS* on May 25, 2016 20:20:28 GMT
I don't think you have to be a big race fan to enjoy it, if you go into it understanding it's a historic event, with a massive crowd, and appreciate it for what it is. They got a GREAT story with the winner of this year's pole literally nearly dying last year at the same event....what a fabulous story of redemption! I would definitely try to rent a radio headset if possible, and get her a program and let her pick a favorite driver, and listen to their scanner - I think that makes it more fun! And if you can, be someplace in viewing area of a large screen. I'm actually bummed that I'll be at NASCAR in Charlotte this year - I'd love to be there! But we always get pretty excited watching the last few laps on the big screen at the NASCAR track though.
|
|
JustTricia
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,837
Location: Indianapolis
Jul 2, 2014 17:12:39 GMT
|
Post by JustTricia on May 25, 2016 20:50:26 GMT
I know we are leaving our hotel at 6:00am and will park at the Coca-Cola plant and tailgate there before the race. Since I'm not a race fan, do you think I'll still enjoy it? I'm not worried about myself as much as I am DD15. Everything to her is BORING, but I can't help but think you would get caught up in the excitement of the whole thing. The track is HUGE, you will only see a small section of it depending on where you sit, so there will be times nothing will be in front of you.
|
|
JustTricia
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,837
Location: Indianapolis
Jul 2, 2014 17:12:39 GMT
|
Post by JustTricia on May 25, 2016 20:53:32 GMT
|
|
|
Post by papercrafteradvocate on May 25, 2016 20:55:16 GMT
Sun screen, hydrate A LOT, wear a hat, if you are drinking drink 2 waters for every drink!
|
|
|
Indy 500
May 25, 2016 21:56:14 GMT
via mobile
Post by alissa103 on May 25, 2016 21:56:14 GMT
Indy native here! 1. Bring a small set of binoculars. Watching people is more entertaining than the race (for me) at times. Especially the infield . 2. I'd personally bring all my food/drinks in a small cooler for the day. It's often very annoying to get out of your seat and I try to do that only when I have to pee. Several area groceries sell "track packs" with food to make it easy. Check out Marsh. 3. Bring a poncho. They don't take up much space and you'll be thankful you have one since rain is forecasted. 4. Be prepared to walk quite far to/from the track. 5. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your seats. 6. SUNSCREEN. Wear it. Reapply it. Baseball or other small, brimmed hat is good. 7. Bring a small pack of wet wipes and hand sanitizer. Bathrooms get dirty after several hours and you may just want to wipe your hands before/after you eat. 8. Earplugs are good! Have fun! I haven't been in years. I really don't have any desire to go again, but it's definitely fun to do at least once in your life!
|
|
|
Indy 500
May 25, 2016 22:01:03 GMT
via mobile
Post by alissa103 on May 25, 2016 22:01:03 GMT
Also if you have some sort of small sling or cross body bag, I'd pack that with your essentials. Easier to carry and fit under your seat or even slide on top of the little cooler.
|
|
|
Post by cindyupnorth on May 25, 2016 23:16:06 GMT
I agree, go on the site, and see what you can actually bring in 1st.
I actually think the Indy 500 is one of the worst tracks to actually be at. you can't really see much, since it's SOOO big. But to go just once is fun I think.
|
|
AmandaA
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,502
Aug 28, 2015 22:31:17 GMT
|
Post by AmandaA on May 26, 2016 0:22:49 GMT
Another Indy native here... Ditto to what everyone has said. Be prepared to be hot and surrounded by other hot, sweaty folks who have likely consumed too much alcohol. Honestly, probably more enjoyable if you aren't a race fan because it isn't a great track for actually watching the race. But it is historic and cool in its own way. I cannot fathom what it will be like with a total sell out. I am just over the moon excited that we will get to watch live locally for the first time in my lifetime. Haven't been since I was in the princess court in '97 and after getting police escorts in & out and seats that surround victory circle... Pretty sure any other spectator experience would be a let down! Have fun and let us know what you think of it!
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Jul 1, 2024 4:50:24 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on May 26, 2016 0:52:10 GMT
It's hard to duplicate sitting at an Indy 500 race. It's going to be a scorcher, so reapply the sunscreen several times. Understand that getting out of the parking lot may take as long as the race itself. People watching is highly rewarding, but the lines to use the women's restroom are not.
The speed as those cars zip by you gets your heart pumping every time. It's hard not to catch the excitement when that many people are cheering!
|
|
|
Indy 500
May 26, 2016 2:19:34 GMT
via mobile
Post by keknj on May 26, 2016 2:19:34 GMT
I haven't been to the Indy 500, but I have been to other Indycar races. It's HOT in the stands. If you have one of those cool towel things, take it. And as much water as you can carry. Don't think you can go back to your car for forgotten stuff. Once you're in, you're in. The action in front of you will be over in one second. Definitely rent the radios if you want to know about what's going on in the race.
ENJOY! I wish I was going with you.
|
|
gramma
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,920
Location: Sacramento, Ca
Aug 29, 2014 3:09:48 GMT
|
Post by gramma on May 26, 2016 4:59:12 GMT
I wish I was going. A friend's grandson is in the race. So if you don't have a favorite chosen already cheer for Bryan Clauson.
|
|
|
Post by alissa103 on May 26, 2016 13:48:03 GMT
Another Indy native here... Ditto to what everyone has said. Be prepared to be hot and surrounded by other hot, sweaty folks who have likely consumed too much alcohol. Honestly, probably more enjoyable if you aren't a race fan because it isn't a great track for actually watching the race. But it is historic and cool in its own way. I cannot fathom what it will be like with a total sell out. I am just over the moon excited that we will get to watch live locally for the first time in my lifetime. Haven't been since I was in the princess court in '97 and after getting police escorts in & out and seats that surround victory circle... Pretty sure any other spectator experience would be a let down! Have fun and let us know what you think of it! That's fun! I was at the race in '97 with my dad. We actually had pretty good seats that year, right above the pit crews. That was fun to watch! But not nearly as good as your princess court seats
|
|
JustTricia
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,837
Location: Indianapolis
Jul 2, 2014 17:12:39 GMT
|
Post by JustTricia on May 26, 2016 14:32:46 GMT
Forgot and drove past 30th and Georgetown this morning (couple of blocks from the track) at 6:50 am. Completely stopped line of campers from the Coke Lot to the corner, then turning the corner and all along the other side of the Coke Lot. It has begun.
|
|
smcast
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,366
Location: MN
Mar 18, 2016 14:06:38 GMT
|
Post by smcast on May 26, 2016 17:18:45 GMT
It is always very hot, with no shade. Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, ear plugs, and a cooler with drinks/snacks are a must. If you have the chairs to use on bleachers so you have a backrest (don't know official name), they are a bonus. They do rent them there but sell out quickly.
|
|
|
Post by cmhs on May 26, 2016 20:23:06 GMT
I've never been to the race but I did get to go to the time trials back in 1983 or 84. My dad and uncle used to go to the time trials and race every year. It was fun to people watch and just see it all. Stay hydrated and be prepared to see lots of drunk people.
|
|