The Indy 500 in 2025, officially the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, is scheduled for Sunday, May 25, 2025, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana, with the green flag expected at 12:45 p.m. Eastern Time. As the centerpiece of the 2025 NTT IndyCar Series, this iconic 200-lap, 500-mile race on the 2.5-mile oval will draw global attention, broadcast live on FOX for the first time.
One of the things that makes this event so popular is the fact that it takes place on Memorial Day weekend. If you want to add the Indy 500 dates to your calendar, note that the event dates are fixed at the last weekend of May each year.
This article explores the event’s significance, and what fans can expect during the Memorial Day weekend spectacle…
Why the Indy 500 Matters
The Indy 500, nicknamed “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” is more than a race—it’s a global tradition since 1911, held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, known as the “Brickyard” for its historic brick start/finish line. Part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport alongside the Monaco Grand Prix and 24 Hours of Le Mans, it attracts fans from 50 U.S. states and 38 countries, with 33 drivers racing at speeds over 230 miles per hour for a shot at immortality. Held annually on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend since 1974, the event blends high-speed competition with festive celebrations, making it a bucket-list experience for motorsport lovers.
Indy 500 2025: Race Day Schedule
The Indy 500 race day on May 25, 2025, is packed with excitement, kicking off early and building to the main event. Gates open at 6:00 a.m. Eastern Time, welcoming over 300,000 spectators to the 2.5-mile oval in Speedway, Indiana. Here’s how the day unfolds, based on typical Indy 500 schedules and confirmed 2025 details:
- 8:00 a.m.: Pre-race festivities begin, including the Borg-Warner Trophy March, where the iconic trophy—featuring every winner’s face—is paraded.
- 10:30 a.m.: Driver introductions start, with all 33 competitors presented to the crowd, fueling anticipation.
- 11:30 a.m.: Pre-race ceremonies ramp up with performances of “Sweet Caroline” and “Back Home Again in Indiana,” plus a military flyover.
- 12:45 p.m.: The green flag drops for the 109th Indy 500, launching 200 laps—500 miles—of open-wheel racing, lasting about 3 hours unless weather delays occur (101 laps minimum for an official race).
After the race, the winner’s ceremony unfolds at the Yard of Bricks, where the champion drinks milk and kisses the bricks—a tradition since 1936. An EDM concert follows in the infield, free with race tickets, with 2025 headliners to be announced (past acts include Steve Miller Band, Bryan Adams). The Indy 500 Victory Celebration, a ticketed event at the JW Marriott Indianapolis, caps the night, honoring the champion.
Full Memorial Day Weekend Schedule
The Indy 500 is the highlight of a multi-day festival at IMS, running from May 23-25, 2025, with events leading up to race day. Below is the key schedule, drawing from 2024 patterns and confirmed 2025 plans, subject to final IMS updates:
- Friday, May 23—Miller Lite Carb Day:
- 8:00 a.m.: Gates open.
- 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.: Final IndyCar practice, the last chance for teams to fine-tune their 750-horsepower, hybrid-powered cars.
- 2:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m.: Pit Stop Challenge, a fan-favorite tournament where crews compete to complete the fastest pit stop, showcasing precision and teamwork.
- 2:45 p.m.: Carb Day Concert, a high-energy show in the infield (headliners TBD; past acts include Foreigner, Kool & the Gang), free with Carb Day tickets.
- Saturday, May 24—Legends Day:
- 8:00 a.m.: Gates open.
- 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.: Autograph session in Pagoda Plaza, where fans can meet all 33 Indy 500 drivers across 11 lines (arrive early).
- 10:30 a.m.: Drivers’ meeting near pit lane, where final instructions and awards are given, open to fans with passes (around $10).
- 12:00 p.m.: Indy 500 Festival Parade in downtown Indianapolis, featuring floats, celebrities, and all 33 drivers, drawing huge crowds.
- 7:00 p.m.: Legends Day Concert at Everwise Amphitheater, a country music event (artists TBD; past acts include big-name stars), requiring separate tickets.
- Sunday, May 25—Race Day: See the detailed race day schedule above.
Off-track, the Month of May includes community events like the 500 Festival Kickoff on May 2, Indy 500-themed street signs downtown, and porch parties with free IMS kits (available May 2-9 in Indy, Fishers, Zionsville, Avon, Speedway). Fans can also join the Rev fundraiser on the Yard of Bricks, supporting IU Health trauma care, or craft Indy 500 wreaths at the Harrison Center on May 2. Check IMS.com for updates closer to May.
How to Watch the Indy 500 in 2025
Catching the Indy 500 is easy, whether at the track or from home. For 2025, FOX takes over broadcasting rights from NBC, marking its first Indy 500 coverage, with Will Buxton as lead commentator, analysts James Hinchcliffe and Townsend Bell, and pit reporters Kevin Lee and Georgia Henneberry. Here’s how to watch:
- TV: FOX airs the race live on May 25, starting at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time with pre-race coverage, followed by the race at 12:45 p.m. Indianapolis locals face a blackout on FOX affiliate WXIN and WPBI-LD1 (ව, but streaming options bypass this. FOX Sports covers over 60 hours of May programming, including practice (2 hours daily on FS1/FS2) and 5 hours of qualifying on May 17-18.
- Streaming: Peacock streams the race live for subscribers, alongside practice and qualifying sessions, accessible on devices like smartphones or smart TVs.
- Radio: IndyCar Radio Network broadcasts on SiriusXM (channel TBD) and local stations, with live updates via the IMS Mobile App.
International fans can check local broadcasters—38 countries air the race—or stream via Peacock with a VPN. Practice sessions start May 13, with key dates like Fast Friday (May 16) and qualifying (May 17-18) also on FOX, FS1, or Peacock.
Attending the Indy 500: Tips for Fans
Joining the 300,000+ fans at IMS is a thrill, but planning is key. Tickets, available at IMS.com, range from general admission ($40-$75) to reserved seats ($100+), with kids 15 and under free for general admission with adults. Arrive by 6:00 a.m. to beat traffic—parking lots and nearby yards open early. Coolers with food and drinks are allowed (check IMS.com for restrictions), and sunscreen is a must, as many seats lack shade. ADA accommodations are available; contact 317-492-6700 or [email protected].
The infield’s Snake Pit, a lively party zone, requires separate wristbands ($35-$230), banning coolers but offering DJs and dancing. Free trams help navigate the massive facility, and the IMS Museum, showcasing historic cars and the Borg-Warner Trophy, is open daily. Expect pleasant May weather—mid-50s to mid-70s Fahrenheit—but pack a poncho for possible rain.
Why Memorial Day Weekend?
Since 1974, the Indy 500 has anchored Memorial Day weekend’s Sunday, chosen for its historical success since 1911 when Decoration Day (May 30) drew crowds after farmers’ spring work. Now the last Sunday in May, it aligns with a holiday weekend, boosting attendance and pairing with other major races like the Coca-Cola 600 and Monaco Grand Prix, creating motorsport’s biggest day.
Fan Experience: What to Expect
The Indy 500 is a festival of speed and tradition. Beyond the race, fans enjoy infield parties, the Pit Stop Challenge, and autograph sessions. The 2.5-mile oval’s four 9-degree-banked turns and long straightaways deliver heart-pounding action, with cars hitting 240 miles per hour. Pre-race rituals—driver intros, patriotic songs, and flyovers—create electric energy. Whether in the grandstands, infield mounds, or at home, the Indy 500’s roar and pageantry make it unforgettable. Book tickets early, check IMS.com for concert updates, and join the Month of May festivities for a full Indy experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Indy 500
When is the Indy 500?
The Indy 500 will take place on Sunday the 25th of May, 2025. Since the race is supposed to be conducted on Memorial Day weekend each year, it is easy to add it to your calendar for the next few years. However, the approximate timings and dates are subject to change per the Indy 500 organizers.
What time does the Indy 500 start?
The 2025 Indy 500 race is scheduled to start at 12.45 PM ET. This is when the flag is scheduled to go down.
What channel is the Indy 500 on?
The 2025 Indy 500 will be aired on Fox, so if you want to watch it in the comfort of your home, switch to the channel on time!
What radio station is the Indy 500 on?
The Indy 500 is broadcast on these local stations;
- 93.1 FM
- WFNI-107.5/1070 AM
- SATELLITE RADIO – SIRIUS 211
- XM 205
What time is the flyover for the Indy 500?
The flyover for the Indy 500 usually takes place between 12 PM and 1 PM on race day. However, for the exact time, you must refer to the events schedule once it is posted on the Indy 500 event page.
What does the Indy 500 winner get?
The Indy 500 winners take home a prize that differs each year. Before the pandemic, winners usually took home around $2.4 million. However, in 2022, this came down to around $2 million. The final prize is usually decided as the event dates get closer.
What is the milk tradition at the Indy 500?
The milk tradition began with Louis Meyer in 1936 and has remained strong. The winning driver is supposed to take a sip of ice-cold milk and pour it on themselves afterwards.
