best areas to sit for the indy 500

Hi,

my husband and are are coming over next year for a big trip and he has always wanted to go to the indy 500.I can see that the tickets are on sale already but am a bit lost where to choose to sit.Also where is the best place to stay,I have been reading all other posts but would appreciate any advice.We plan to fly in on the thursday and out on the monday to continue our trip.

thank you

best areas to sit for the indy 500

Hotels book up fast for that weekend. So it is good that you are starting to plan for it now. The hotels downtown would be great for sightseeing and shopping and dining, but you will need to get transportation to %26amp; from the track. There are some hotels close by the track that still will require transportation. The straightaway is where I have sat in the past as in turn 4.

In my opinion the fun and excitement of just being there is enough. The seats are secondary.

best areas to sit for the indy 500

Greetings, monopoly.

Since this would possibly be a one time trip and you%26#39;ll likely enjoy a very favorable exchange rate, I%26#39;d recommend you splash out a bit.

Regarding tickets, I%26#39;d look into two areas.....the front straight for outstanding views of the pre-race activities and action in the pits but with somewhat limited views of the racing action or E Stand in the first turn for what many consider the best views of the racing itself. Within these areas, the Penthouse seats are higher and will typically offer better views. I%26#39;m not terribly familiar with specific Sections on the front straight, but would suggest lower numbered Sections (1-5 if possible) in E Stand.

As a local, I%26#39;m not well versed in the pros/cons of hotel accomodations, however, if possible I%26#39;d strongly consider staying downtown.

Regardless, welcome to our city and best wishes in your holiday planning.

The straight away is really not that great for seeing the racing action in my opinion. For the best unobstructed views of the racing action I would want double letter rows in sections 7-18 of the Northeast Vista. You will not see the opening ceremonies here but I go to see the race.

There are MANY great vistas for the Indy 500. With this being your first race, my recommendation would be to sit high up along the front straight - you may even have the opportunity to get tickets behind the pits (most are now dedicated to suite owners) and those are also GREAT seats for first time race goers. The reason for the front straight for your first race:

1. There is NOTHING in sports as exciting as the flying start of the Indianapolis 500. And the best place to experience the flying start is the front straight - ideally near the start/finish line - but anywhere along the southern 2/3 of the straightaway would be fine.

2. The pre-race festivities are best viewed from the front straight.

3. The pit action is fun to watch - and viewable from certain sections of the front straight; and,

4. You%26#39;ll be the first to know who won ...

Of the front straight sections, the Penthouse (upper deck) seats are always primo; although I strongly advise getting either front row, second row, or top row seats in the straightaway penthouses. You can stand whenever you want in the top row to get a good view; and the first two rows are nearly unobstructed %26amp; simply great places to view the entire sweep of the front straight.

If you choose the lower deck, I also strongly advise you to choose a seat in a double letter row - the higher the better (for straightaway seats) - although seats at the very top of the lower deck have the upper deck blocking a fair part of your line of sight (you can see the track fine - but everything above the track is wiped out by the lower deck - kinda like looking out your car%26#39;s windshield with cardboard covering it%26#39;s upper third ...

The A and Paddock stands are good for straightaway viewing - the Paddock includes the start-finish line seats while the A stands are likely the best for viewing a wide range of pit action. The B stands start to get into the first turn (you see only the pits at the south end of the pit lane - which typically are the best teams) %26amp; the C stands are right at the entrance to the pits.

If you prefer sitting in a turn - the E stand, Southwest, SE, NW, and NE Vistas are your good bets. Many opt for the E stands as you can see down the main straight from the western most seats in the stand, clear through Turn One and most or all of Turn Two. The penthouse seats in the E stand are considered by many to be the true ';golden race tickets'; - those passionately sought after by aficionados with decades of race experience.

I%26#39;ve sat in the South Vista several years, and love these seats (have had many years of main straight and E stand seats) - I just happen to like the type of action you see here - the cars diving down low into Turn One (often after a critical pass at the end of the main straight), the occasional pass in either Turn One or Turn Two, and PLENTY of spins %26amp; the like.

If you are sun sensitive at all - the NE and NW Vistas aren%26#39;t for you - no shade and typically direct sun. The lower parts of the main straight stands and the E stands, along with the SE and SW and South Vistas are unprotected as well - although your back is to the sun in the southern stands - and the upper deck will shade most of the A,B,C,E, and Paddock stands later in the day.

Good luck getting the seats you want!!

Just wanted to say thanks ton you all for your advice.I have noticed you cant actually purchase the tickets at the moment,only apply for them.I guess the earlier you apply the better chance you get,thanks again