| Specific Items I've Used and Recommend |
| Things NOT to Take to the Speedway |
Spotter's Guide
Shows photos of all the cars with driver names. Print one for the Indy 500 from this page.
The Day's Schedule
I've goofed many times by not having this!
Sharpie
In case you want to get an autograph.
FM Radio or Race Scanner with Headphones
Depending on where you sit, it may be hard to hear the P.A.
There are people renting scanners at IMS on race day.
I provide frequency lists for those with their own scanners on this page.
I prefer to just listen to the radio broadcast with noise-cancelling FM radio headphones.
A nice pair only costs $40. They also protect your ears from the loud noise of the cars.
Stop Watch & Binoculars If You're 'Old School"
The Speedway does a good job keeping you informed of drivers' speeds. However, I find
it fun to time race cars with a stop watch on practice days. I can calculate their average
speed with a: Indycar Speed Chart for the oval track.
Shows photos of all the cars with driver names. Print one for the Indy 500 from this page.
The Day's Schedule
I've goofed many times by not having this!
Sharpie
In case you want to get an autograph.
FM Radio or Race Scanner with Headphones
Depending on where you sit, it may be hard to hear the P.A.
There are people renting scanners at IMS on race day.
I provide frequency lists for those with their own scanners on this page.
I prefer to just listen to the radio broadcast with noise-cancelling FM radio headphones.
A nice pair only costs $40. They also protect your ears from the loud noise of the cars.
Stop Watch & Binoculars If You're 'Old School"
The Speedway does a good job keeping you informed of drivers' speeds. However, I find
it fun to time race cars with a stop watch on practice days. I can calculate their average
speed with a: Indycar Speed Chart for the oval track.
Booze
If you park in the infield, you can bring a keg! But if you'll be parking outside the track,
have some coolers and ice unless you want to buy beer. You cannot buy ice inside the
speedway. Glass containers are NOT allowed, so buy CANS!
A Frisbee or Football
Something to play with in the 3rd Turn infield grass. If you're not Peyton Manning, you
might choose a NERF in case you hit a car or someone's kid.
Little Red Wagon
These are good for towing large coolers around if you will be hanging out in the infield or
for hauling your drunk friend back to the car at the end of the day! They're no longer
permitted on Indy 500 race day.
FOR TAILGATERS:
Cornhole & Ladder Games
Nice if you'll be hanging out by your car where the ground is flat.
Lawn Chair or Blanket
If you don't like sitting on the ground. I use an adjustable chair for sitting on hills (see
below.)
Gondola Tent
Some shade is welcome on a long hot day.
Charcoal Grill
Grill up some breakfast or lunch! The speedway used to ban propane tanks, but
apparently that rule was dropped in 2020 when Penske took over. If you use charcoal,
don't leave behind hot coals!
If you park in the infield, you can bring a keg! But if you'll be parking outside the track,
have some coolers and ice unless you want to buy beer. You cannot buy ice inside the
speedway. Glass containers are NOT allowed, so buy CANS!
A Frisbee or Football
Something to play with in the 3rd Turn infield grass. If you're not Peyton Manning, you
might choose a NERF in case you hit a car or someone's kid.
Little Red Wagon
These are good for towing large coolers around if you will be hanging out in the infield or
for hauling your drunk friend back to the car at the end of the day! They're no longer
permitted on Indy 500 race day.
FOR TAILGATERS:
Cornhole & Ladder Games
Nice if you'll be hanging out by your car where the ground is flat.
Lawn Chair or Blanket
If you don't like sitting on the ground. I use an adjustable chair for sitting on hills (see
below.)
Gondola Tent
Some shade is welcome on a long hot day.
Charcoal Grill
Grill up some breakfast or lunch! The speedway used to ban propane tanks, but
apparently that rule was dropped in 2020 when Penske took over. If you use charcoal,
don't leave behind hot coals!
| Race Fans Take |
| Party Crowd Takes |
Don't Forget Your Race Tickets & Parking Passes!
You will need your ticket at the entry gate and at your grandstand.
Plastic ticket holders on a lanyard are handy and keeps your ticket nice.
Or, buy digital tickets and just use your cell phone for entrance.
Track Schedule & Spotter Guide - Every time I don't bring them, I regret it later!
Credit/Debit Cards - Everything in the Speedway is Cashless!
(There are machines on-site that convert cash into a credit card.)
Comfortable Shoes! You'll do a lot of walking as well as go up and down stairs.
Seat Cushion I think the best are dense foam rubber ones that are sold as kneeling pads for
gardening. They are inexpensive.
On Indy 500 race day, you can rent STADIUM CHAIRS - seat cushions that have a back rest.
These are great for the stands that don't have backrests.
You can also buy them at sporting good stores for $25-$75.
See images further down page.
Can Coolie - keep your beverages cold
Sunglasses and Hat
Sun-screen or Umbrella / Poncho
Ear Plugs Cheap simple foam ones do the trick
FM Radio or Scanner with Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Coolers Restricted on Race Day to a maximum size of 18" x 15" x 15".
Fannypack, Backpack or Tote
Hand Sanitizer If you learned anything from the pandemic
Small Towel For drying your seat after rain or drink spillage.
Wet Naps / Papertowels For messy foods.
Camera and Camcorder If a cell phone just isn't good enough
Guide to taking Racing Photos
Note: On race day, expect all bags, coolers and purses to be searched.
You will need your ticket at the entry gate and at your grandstand.
Plastic ticket holders on a lanyard are handy and keeps your ticket nice.
Or, buy digital tickets and just use your cell phone for entrance.
Track Schedule & Spotter Guide - Every time I don't bring them, I regret it later!
Credit/Debit Cards - Everything in the Speedway is Cashless!
(There are machines on-site that convert cash into a credit card.)
Comfortable Shoes! You'll do a lot of walking as well as go up and down stairs.
Seat Cushion I think the best are dense foam rubber ones that are sold as kneeling pads for
gardening. They are inexpensive.
On Indy 500 race day, you can rent STADIUM CHAIRS - seat cushions that have a back rest.
These are great for the stands that don't have backrests.
You can also buy them at sporting good stores for $25-$75.
See images further down page.
Can Coolie - keep your beverages cold
Sunglasses and Hat
Sun-screen or Umbrella / Poncho
Ear Plugs Cheap simple foam ones do the trick
FM Radio or Scanner with Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Coolers Restricted on Race Day to a maximum size of 18" x 15" x 15".
Fannypack, Backpack or Tote
Hand Sanitizer If you learned anything from the pandemic
Small Towel For drying your seat after rain or drink spillage.
Wet Naps / Papertowels For messy foods.
Camera and Camcorder If a cell phone just isn't good enough
Guide to taking Racing Photos
Note: On race day, expect all bags, coolers and purses to be searched.
| Things to Take to the Speedway |
| TOP 3 THING I FORGET : SUNSCREEN - SCHEDULE - SPOTTERS GUIDE |
| If you forget something, the Speedway gift shops sells it. |
No Pets
You may be able to sneak your pooch in with your car, but don't try taking it into the grandstands.
Seeing Eye Dogs and the like are allowed, but not emotional support animals.
One time a dog got out on the track before the start of the 500!
No Drugs
All forms of Marijuana are illegal in Indiana and you can be arrested.
No Glass Bottles
Only bring beer in cans. Pour your whisky into flasks.
No Fireworks or Firearms
No Skateboards, Skates, Scooter, Golf Carts, ATV's, etc.
* If you ride a bicycle to the track, you cannot bring it in. However, you can chain it up outside
Gates 1,6 or 9. The speedway will not be responsible if it gets stolen.
* You CAN use a motorized wheelchair or scooter if you're handicapped.
OTHER WAYS TO CUT DOWN ON WALKING
1. There are tractor-pulled trams that run up the middle of the speedway from the north end to the
south end, carrying people back and forth, but only on Race Day and Carb Day.
2. There are courtesy golf carts and vans running around that give a lift to people who have trouble
walking. There are various benches scattered around where you can sit and wait on a golf cart.
3. There are pedi-cabs that work on tips, which can take 1-2 people where they want to go
No Drones
No Air Horns
While they are popular at Formula 1 races, air horns are not allowed in the stands.
Flags are also popular at F1 races, but you should not use them in the stands at IndyCar races
if they will block other peoples' view.
You may be able to sneak your pooch in with your car, but don't try taking it into the grandstands.
Seeing Eye Dogs and the like are allowed, but not emotional support animals.
One time a dog got out on the track before the start of the 500!
No Drugs
All forms of Marijuana are illegal in Indiana and you can be arrested.
No Glass Bottles
Only bring beer in cans. Pour your whisky into flasks.
No Fireworks or Firearms
No Skateboards, Skates, Scooter, Golf Carts, ATV's, etc.
* If you ride a bicycle to the track, you cannot bring it in. However, you can chain it up outside
Gates 1,6 or 9. The speedway will not be responsible if it gets stolen.
* You CAN use a motorized wheelchair or scooter if you're handicapped.
OTHER WAYS TO CUT DOWN ON WALKING
1. There are tractor-pulled trams that run up the middle of the speedway from the north end to the
south end, carrying people back and forth, but only on Race Day and Carb Day.
2. There are courtesy golf carts and vans running around that give a lift to people who have trouble
walking. There are various benches scattered around where you can sit and wait on a golf cart.
3. There are pedi-cabs that work on tips, which can take 1-2 people where they want to go
No Drones
No Air Horns
While they are popular at Formula 1 races, air horns are not allowed in the stands.
Flags are also popular at F1 races, but you should not use them in the stands at IndyCar races
if they will block other peoples' view.
The supplies I need varies by:
* What is going on that day
* Where I'm parking
* Where I plan to sit
* The Weather and
* How long I plan to be there.
* What is going on that day
* Where I'm parking
* Where I plan to sit
* The Weather and
* How long I plan to be there.
LAWN CHAIRS
For use on the viewing hills.
While normal lawn chairs can be used along the top of viewing hills,
those spots are all taken early on busy days.
The GCI Outdoor Everywhere Chair. allows you to sit on a hill.
It has adjustable straps that allows you to arrange the chair for
different grades of incline.
Also handy at outdoor concerts.
For use on the viewing hills.
While normal lawn chairs can be used along the top of viewing hills,
those spots are all taken early on busy days.
The GCI Outdoor Everywhere Chair. allows you to sit on a hill.
It has adjustable straps that allows you to arrange the chair for
different grades of incline.
Also handy at outdoor concerts.
If you prefer soft-sided coolers, I recommend this Thermos cooler
because it has a reach through cover that velcroes closed. Its very
handy not having to constantly zip and unzip the top.
It also has a zippered external pocket for storage and comes with a
strap.
It is small enough to take into the stands on race day.
Once it's empty, you can use it as a seat cushion.
because it has a reach through cover that velcroes closed. Its very
handy not having to constantly zip and unzip the top.
It also has a zippered external pocket for storage and comes with a
strap.
It is small enough to take into the stands on race day.
Once it's empty, you can use it as a seat cushion.
COOLERS
I have a large cooler that I leave in the trunk for refilling smaller
cooler or for tailgating. It has wheels and a handle. I used to take it
to the Carb Day concert so I'd have something to stand or sit on.
Get one with wheels and a handle!
The Coleman 16-quart Personal Wheeled Cooler is small enough
to use at your seat on race day! The handle retracts. What it lacks
is a handle for carrying it up the stairs. It was easy to attack a rope
handle to this cooler - Cooler Modification Instructions
I have a large cooler that I leave in the trunk for refilling smaller
cooler or for tailgating. It has wheels and a handle. I used to take it
to the Carb Day concert so I'd have something to stand or sit on.
Get one with wheels and a handle!
The Coleman 16-quart Personal Wheeled Cooler is small enough
to use at your seat on race day! The handle retracts. What it lacks
is a handle for carrying it up the stairs. It was easy to attack a rope
handle to this cooler - Cooler Modification Instructions
FANNY PACK / Waist Pack / Hip Pack / Crossbody Bag
The problem with backpacks is you have to take them off each
time you need something out of it. Do you really need to take
that much stuff? Also, you don't have room for a backpack and
a cooler in the stands on race day.
Fanny packs can be a better option.
I like ones that have several sections or zippered pockets as it
makes finding stuff easier.
I chose the EngYen Waist Bag from Amazon. It has several
compartments. It has a stretchy material on either side to hold
a water bottle or beer can.
Waist packs are available in a wide range of sizes, colors and
prices. Some are small like a money belt.
The problem with backpacks is you have to take them off each
time you need something out of it. Do you really need to take
that much stuff? Also, you don't have room for a backpack and
a cooler in the stands on race day.
Fanny packs can be a better option.
I like ones that have several sections or zippered pockets as it
makes finding stuff easier.
I chose the EngYen Waist Bag from Amazon. It has several
compartments. It has a stretchy material on either side to hold
a water bottle or beer can.
Waist packs are available in a wide range of sizes, colors and
prices. Some are small like a money belt.
CAMERA STRAP
If you have a large, heavy camera, or one with a long lens, I think
the best way to carry it is with the Skout sling-style harness,
made by Cotton Carrier.
It holds the camera securely to your chest. It does not bounce
around or get in my way. The camera can be easily and quickly
removed or attached using just one hand.
It is adjustable to fit different sized people.
Cotton Carrier makes a Skout to hold binoculars as well as larger
harnesses for people who need to carry two large cameras.
If you have a large, heavy camera, or one with a long lens, I think
the best way to carry it is with the Skout sling-style harness,
made by Cotton Carrier.
It holds the camera securely to your chest. It does not bounce
around or get in my way. The camera can be easily and quickly
removed or attached using just one hand.
It is adjustable to fit different sized people.
Cotton Carrier makes a Skout to hold binoculars as well as larger
harnesses for people who need to carry two large cameras.
| WHAT TO BRING TO THE TRACK |
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Lawn Chairs Easy to Transport -
Camping Bag chairs collapse and fit into a tubular bag
that has a shoulder strap.
You want one as light as possible, but strong enough to
support your weight.
Some options for these chairs are:
* Sunshade
* Wider Seat
* Tilted Back
* Foot Rest
Camping Bag chairs collapse and fit into a tubular bag
that has a shoulder strap.
You want one as light as possible, but strong enough to
support your weight.
Some options for these chairs are:
* Sunshade
* Wider Seat
* Tilted Back
* Foot Rest
I like to be prepared, but I also
like to travel as light as possible.
like to travel as light as possible.
STADIUM CHAIRS
Some grand stands do not have backrests -
All Vista stands, Stands G, H, & J.
For those who need backrests, there are two options:
1. Rent a stadium seat at IMS on Indy 500 Race Day.
I see them used each year, but I never see where people
rent them from. This is probably because they go quick.
I do not know how much they cost to rent.
I sat in one and they are better than I expected.
They seem to be specially designed for the speedway
and do not encroach on people's space behind or beside
you.
You don't need to return them - just leave them in the
stands after the race.
2. Buy your own stadium chair.
They are often sold at sporting good stores.
People who attend their kid's ball games often buy them.
They range in price from $20-$70.
They collapse and usually come with a shoulder strap or
handle. Some have armrests and pockets.
I bought a nice sturdy one that has a high back.
It is made by Brawn Tide, I bought it on Amazon.
I noticed that some cheap ones lean back and greatly
impede the space of people behind. Don't buy those!
Some grand stands do not have backrests -
All Vista stands, Stands G, H, & J.
For those who need backrests, there are two options:
1. Rent a stadium seat at IMS on Indy 500 Race Day.
I see them used each year, but I never see where people
rent them from. This is probably because they go quick.
I do not know how much they cost to rent.
I sat in one and they are better than I expected.
They seem to be specially designed for the speedway
and do not encroach on people's space behind or beside
you.
You don't need to return them - just leave them in the
stands after the race.
2. Buy your own stadium chair.
They are often sold at sporting good stores.
People who attend their kid's ball games often buy them.
They range in price from $20-$70.
They collapse and usually come with a shoulder strap or
handle. Some have armrests and pockets.
I bought a nice sturdy one that has a high back.
It is made by Brawn Tide, I bought it on Amazon.
I noticed that some cheap ones lean back and greatly
impede the space of people behind. Don't buy those!
| Speedway Rental Chairs |
WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING TO THE SPEEDWAY?
THINGS TO CONSIDER:
1. A lot of walking is involved, so aim to travel light. If bringing coolers, I recommend the
style that has a handle and wheels.
2. Space in the stands is tight on race day. The more you have, the more you have to
manipulate. Coolers are limited in size to 18x15x15 inches.
3. If you park inside the speedway grounds (the infield,) you can bring everything that
might be needed in your car, assuming you are willing to return to your car for supplies.
e.g, umbrellas or lawn chairs, extra food and drink, etc.
4. If parking outside the speedway, deciding what to bring in is a balancing act between
what you might need and how much hassle it is to carry it with you.
Most anything you could need is for sale inside the speedway's souvenir stands - e.g. rain
parkas, umbrellas, ear plugs, hats, sunglasses, batteries, coolies, seat cushions, etc.
5. FOOD & DRINK - You can bring your own
* If you plan to walk around and sight see, it's nice to be free of carrying around a cooler.
There are many concession stands open on race day, fewer on less busy days.
On race day, you can drop off your cooler at your assigned seats, then go on a walkabout.
I did this once and mistakenly left all my stuff in the wrong section! Make sure you leave
your stuff in the right spot!
* If you plan to just watch cars on track all day, it's nice to have all your favorite snacks
with you and stay at your seat without making trips to the concession stand.
* Food and drink are more expensive at concession stands.
THINGS TO CONSIDER:
1. A lot of walking is involved, so aim to travel light. If bringing coolers, I recommend the
style that has a handle and wheels.
2. Space in the stands is tight on race day. The more you have, the more you have to
manipulate. Coolers are limited in size to 18x15x15 inches.
3. If you park inside the speedway grounds (the infield,) you can bring everything that
might be needed in your car, assuming you are willing to return to your car for supplies.
e.g, umbrellas or lawn chairs, extra food and drink, etc.
4. If parking outside the speedway, deciding what to bring in is a balancing act between
what you might need and how much hassle it is to carry it with you.
Most anything you could need is for sale inside the speedway's souvenir stands - e.g. rain
parkas, umbrellas, ear plugs, hats, sunglasses, batteries, coolies, seat cushions, etc.
5. FOOD & DRINK - You can bring your own
* If you plan to walk around and sight see, it's nice to be free of carrying around a cooler.
There are many concession stands open on race day, fewer on less busy days.
On race day, you can drop off your cooler at your assigned seats, then go on a walkabout.
I did this once and mistakenly left all my stuff in the wrong section! Make sure you leave
your stuff in the right spot!
* If you plan to just watch cars on track all day, it's nice to have all your favorite snacks
with you and stay at your seat without making trips to the concession stand.
* Food and drink are more expensive at concession stands.
| Footloose & Fancy Free? or Super Prepared? |
| Are You ... |
| MORE DETAIL |
| Brawn Tide Stadium Chair |
| $24 EngYen Waist Bag |