SPEEDWAY — We have bad news to report if you were planning on bringing a trampoline, pogo stick or swimming pool with you to the track on race day.
More bad news if your back-up plans involved bringing fireworks or flagpoles.
None of those items, along with dozens of others, are prohibited from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway grounds.
The following items are prohibited through Indianapolis Motor Speedway gates:
- Aerosol cans
- Animals (except service animals)
- Bicycles
- Carts and wagons
- Coolers larger than 18" x 14" x 14"
- Fireworks and flares
- Flagpoles
- Glass containers
- Golf carts, ATVs, scooters and minibikes
- Illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia
- Items restricted by local, state or federal law
- Lasers of any kind
- Offensive or obscene materials
- Rollerblades, skateboards, skates, pogo sticks, hoverboards and scooters
- Soliciting of any kind
- Scaffolding or platforms
- Selfie sticks
- Stickers or decals
- Trampolines and swimming pools
- Unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones and also referred to as remotely piloted aircraft and similar remote-controlled devices
- Weapons of any type
- Any other items not mentioned that may pose a safety hazard or diminish the enjoyment of the event.
The following items are allowed in the venue:
- Personal, non-commercial photo and video cameras
- Binoculars, scanners and headsets
- Camelbacks
- Camera stands as long as they do not cause a safety hazard or obstruct the view of others
- Coolers no larger than 18”x14”x14”, coolers may be hard or soft-sided
- Flags as long as they do not obstruct the view of others
- Food and beverages (i.e., water, soft drinks, beer, and wine in non-glass containers)
- Mobility aids are used by guests with disabilities
- Strollers, lawn chairs and folding camping chairs
- Umbrellas as long as they do not obstruct the view of others
And if you're thinking you will be able to slip through, think again.
IMS implemented new gate procedures in 2023 for the 500-mile race.
There will be security screening detection devices at all pedestrian gates. As fans pass through one of the pedestrian entrances, they will walk through a CEIA OPENGATE® security device.
Fans won’t need to empty their pockets or remove items of clothing, simply walking through the gate and enter the facility.
Parking and Traffic
If you're scrambling to find a plan to get to the track, you're not alone.
According to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, parking, camping and shuttles to the track for race day weekend are already sold out for the 108th Indianapolis 500.
Race Day parking and Race Weekend camping from #IMS for the 108th #Indy500 are SOLD OUT!
— Indianapolis Motor Speedway (@IMS) April 23, 2024
Neighborhood parking around IMS will be available and remains an great option for those who arrive early.
🧵 of remaining Race Day transportation options ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/3wBRst2Iyt
IMS says neighborhood parking will still be available for those who arrive early, but that in itself will be a challenge as many detours and diversions will be in place.
For more information on traffic and directions to your parking lot, or a nearby area, visit the IMS Day of Directions page.
Make sure your gas tank is plenty full and your patience is ready.
If maneuvering vehicular traffic is not something you want to do, there are more options.
If you like to sweat, you can join in on Bike to the 500 presented by Bike Indianapolis for a safe commute from The AMP at 16 Tech. You can learn more about the ride, here.
If you've already purchased parking, make sure to have the IMS parking guide bookmarked and ready to go in your phone.
The green flag for the 108th Indianapolis 500 will wave at 12:45 p.m. on Sunday, May 26.
