For the 105th running of the Indianapolis 500 this May, the speedway is planning to host approximately 135,000 fans in the grandstands.
The number represents approximately 40 percent of the capacity of the large venue, and allows organizers to space out attendees amid the ongoing pandemic.
Last year, the infamous race was delayed to August for the first time ever, and was forced to race behind closed doors as infection numbers remained high.
This year will much more closely resemble a traditional event, with lower infection numbers and the distribution of vaccines allowing fans to attend in a limited capacity.
The plan for the race day at the world’s largest sporting facility was developed in close consultation with state and local health officials, and has been approved by the Marion County Public Health Department
Infield parking and the spectator viewing mounds will be closed to the general public throughout the month of May, with no race day General Admission tickets sold.
Standard pandemic-related safety measures will also be required for all attendees, including face coverings and temperature checks.
“Our fans mean everything to us, and we can’t wait to welcome them ‘Back Home Again’ for this year’s Indy 500,” said Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles.
“The city and state have worked with us to identify the appropriate health and safety precautions so that we can successfully host a limited but very enthusiastic crowd.
“The health and safety of everyone coming to IMS, along with Central Indiana and the Hoosier State, have been paramount throughout this process.”
Indianapolis Motor Speedway continues to host mass vaccination days, and will continue to do so on select days in May when there is not any on-track action.
There are also plans to have walk-up vaccinations sites on the property during race day, but people planning to attend the event are encouraged to get vaccinated ahead of time to provide extra protection for everyone involved.
The 105th running of the Indianapolis 500 takes place in just over one month’s time, on Sunday, May 30.
Multiple days of practice and the traditional qualifying weekend are also planned in the lead-up to the race.
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