For the first time in nearly a decade, the Indianapolis 500 has sold out its grandstands, and the long-standing local TV blackout, which has been in effect since 1951, has been lifted, allowing fans in central Indiana to watch the race live.
Doug Boles, president of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, announced Monday that while the roughly 230,000 grandstand seats had been sold out, general admission infield tickets were still available. He anticipates a crowd of approximately 350,000 race fans — equivalent to about 1 in every 1,000 people living in the U.S. — will be present at the track on Sunday for the 109th running of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
“From our longest-tenured ticket-holders who have been coming to the Racing Capital of the World for generations to new fans who’ve recently fallen in love with this iconic event, everyone has contributed to this exciting and historic moment,” Boles wrote in a letter to fans. “I am grateful for the support and passion you have for this race and this place.”
The decision to lift the local TV blackout is welcome news for Fox, which will be broadcasting the race for the first time, as well as NBA fans in central Indiana. Traditionally, the race would be aired locally after its conclusion on Sunday evening, which would have conflicted with the Pacers hosting the Knicks in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference final on the same night.
The sellout and the lifting of the blackout mark a significant milestone for the Indianapolis 500, showcasing the enduring popularity and excitement surrounding this iconic event. As fans from across the country and around the world gather at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the stage is set for an unforgettable and historic race day on Sunday.
