Indianapolis Motor Speedway releases details of this year's Indianapolis 500
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced its plans for this year's Indianapolis 500 on August 23. The plan includes fewer spectators, entry screening, a face covering requirement and fewer events.
The 88-page plan was released Wednesday.
“Everything will be different about this year’s race, from the reduced crowd size, to a new distanced seating arrangement, to mandatory masks and a live broadcast throughout Central Indiana,” said Mark Miles, Penske Entertainment Corp. president & CEO. “We will welcome fans to the ‘500’ based on a highly detailed, careful plan that was developed in collaboration with national, state and local health experts.”
Many of the events including concerts, the 500 Festival parade, mini marathon, and autograph sessions have been cancelled.
Highlights of the plan include:
- Attendance will be at approximately 25 percent.
- Seats will be reassigned to provide for greater distancing.
- Masks will be mandated throughout the entire venue, both indoors and outdoors.
- Everyone will be screened with a contactless thermometer, and individuals with a temperature in excess of 100.4 degrees will be prohibited from entering the Speedway.
- All drinking fountains and misting stations will be removed.
- Capacity limits on elevators will be enforced.
- Options from concession stands will be limited to mostly pre-packaged foods.
- To reduce crowding, many activities will be eliminated, including all concerts, the VIP Red Carpet and the Indiana Press Foundation’s Last Row Party.
- To help the venue and community prepare for Indy 500 Race Day, all Saturday activities, including Legends Day at IMS and the downtown 500 Festival Parade, have been canceled. Key 500 Festival programming will transition to digital platforms.
- Signage will be displayed throughout the venue to encourage healthy practices, and staff will move about the facility to monitor conditions and assist customers.