INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – The Indianapolis 500 has achieved a significant milestone by selling out its grandstands for the first time in nearly a decade. This exciting development also coincides with the lifting of a local TV blackout that has been in effect since 1951, allowing fans in central Indiana to watch the race live for the first time.
Doug Boles, the president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, announced on Monday that the grandstand seating, which totals approximately 230,000, is completely sold out. However, general admission tickets for the infield remain available. Boles anticipates a massive turnout, expecting around 350,000 racing enthusiasts to fill the track on Sunday for the 109th running of "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing."
In his letter to fans, Boles expressed gratitude to both long-time ticket holders and new fans who have developed a passion for this iconic event. He emphasized that every individual contributed to this historic moment, stating, “I am grateful for the support and passion you have for this race and this place.”
The lifting of the local blackout is particularly beneficial for Fox, which will be broadcasting the Indianapolis 500 for the first time. The change allows central Indiana NBA fans to watch the race without conflict with the Pacers’ Game 3 against the Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals, which is scheduled for the same evening. Fox Sports CEO Eric Shanks expressed his excitement about the sellout and the live broadcast, noting that as a lifelong fan, he looks forward to sharing this moment with viewers.
This year's sellout marks the first since the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 in 2016. The heightened excitement around the event can be attributed to multiple intriguing storylines surrounding the race, particularly the fierce competition among drivers.
Josef Newgarden, aiming for a historic third consecutive victory, will be forced to start from the back of the field after his car and that of his Team Penske teammate Will Power were disqualified due to an illegally altered piece. This disqualification means that both Newgarden and Power will have to navigate their way through the field from the rear. Teammate Scott McLaughlin will also be racing in a backup car following a significant crash during practice.
Meanwhile, two-time defending IndyCar champion Alex Palou is eager to secure his first Indianapolis 500 win after finishing second in 2021 and fifth in 2022. At just 28 years old, the Spaniard has demonstrated dominance this season, winning four out of the first five races in the series.
Rookie driver Robert Shwartzman, who holds dual Israeli and Russian citizenship, has made headlines by qualifying on the pole position after a remarkable performance from Prema Racing, which is making its Indy 500 debut. The organization last saw a rookie qualify on the pole in 1983 with Teo Fabi.
Also notable is NASCAR star Kyle Larson, who is attempting to complete “the Double” for the second time. This involves racing all 1,100 laps of both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte on the same day—an accomplishment achieved only once before by Tony Stewart in 2001.
Boles encapsulated the essence of the event by stating, “This really is about the fans. This event has been here for 108 runnings up to this point—the 109th coming up—because of the way fans have embraced it. It is a race, but it’s so much more than that. It’s an event.”
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