IMS Unveils Exit Plan as Indy 500 Parking and Grandstands Reach Capacity
May 25, 2025, marks the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500, and Indianapolis Motor Speedway releases important traffic patterns ahead of the sold-out race this weekend.
Grandstand Seating Sells Out Ahead of 2025 Indy 500
For the first time since 2016, the Indianapolis 500 has sold out its grandstands ahead of this weekend's popular motorsport event in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Parking Also at Capacity for This Year's Race
The grandstands at Indianapolis Motor Speedway hold approximately 230,000 seats. While it is officially a sell-out for those seats, there are still general admission infield tickets available. However, parking is also sold out for the 2025 race.
Expect Big Crowds: 350,000 Fans Anticipated
Event organizers say they are expecting a massive crowd of nearly 350,000 people to be in attendance at this year's race. According to AP, that equates to about 1 out of every 1,000 Americans who will be in the Hoosier capital for this race. In addition to the grandstands, the race has also sold out all of its race day parking.
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IMS Shares Post-Race Traffic and Exit Strategy
With the massive crowds expected to be in attendance and sold-out parking, traffic could be a challenge. Organizers have released their post-race exit plan in hopes of keeping everyone safe and traffic flowing smoothly.
Know Your Quadrant: Parking Dictates Exit Route
On its website, Indianapolis Motor Speedway shares details of that exit plan, explaining that the area surrounding the speedway has been divided into quadrants, and fans will be expected to leave the area based on where they are parked and not where they are traveling to next.
The Speedway and surrounding area is divided into four quadrants. As you leave the Speedway, you will be directed to the nearest interstate access based on the quadrant in which you are parked – not your intended destination. Find your parking spot on the available map and note where you will be directed.
Google Maps & Waze Will Reflect Real-Time Closures
Indiana Motor Speedway says they have been working alongside Google Maps and Waze, an app popular with travelers, to ensure real-time road closures and directions are updated. Event attendees are encouraged to utilize these resources to help navigate their departure.
Why Pedestrian Traffic Will Delay Vehicle Exits
They also say that they will not allow vehicular traffic to begin exiting the parking lots until pedestrian traffic slows enough to allow for clear roadways. Once the race is over, they say it could take up to an hour for pedestrian traffic to clear.
To learn more about traffic, parking, and tickets for the Indianapolis 500, visit IndianapolisMotorSpeedway.com.
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