The Best Places to Sit for the IndyCar Detroit Grand Prix

Want to learn more about the Detroit Grand Prix before checking out the seating options? Find out what you can expect at the race so you aren’t left wondering about the experience at the track!

Map of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix Circuit

IndyCar offers fans an up close and unique experience at every single race, with one of the main selling points being the low ticket prices. The Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix offers a wide range of ticket options, with varying prices for all experiences. ‘Comerica Bank Free Prix Day’ on the Friday of the race weekend, allows free general admission to Grandstands 1 and 9 on a first-come, first-serve basis. It also allows access to the free viewing platforms along East Jefferson Avenue, creating an exciting atmosphere for all fans, regardless if they’ve purchased tickets for the weekend or not.

Single-day reserved seating prices vary by location and day. Friday is always the cheapest option with Sunday being slightly more expensive as it is when the Grand Prix itself takes place. Visitors can expect Friday tickets to range from roughly $65-85 USD, but again, if you’re a dedicated fan who is prepared to get up early and secure a spot, there are free grandstands available on this day. Saturday’s tickets are about $100-150 USD for reserved seating with the prices going up to about $105-170 USD for Sunday.

Rooftop viewing tickets are cheaper and include four different rooftops to choose from. Tickets range from $50 USD on Friday to $100 on Sunday. It is dependent on the demand and, like mentioned, which day the fan is looking to purchase for. There are multi-day passes available for purchase, and those are slightly more expensive, but can be a better option in comparison to purchasing three single-day tickets. 

General Admission

‍As a general admission ticket-holder, you have access to a TON of viewpoints around the circuit. There are FREE viewing platforms available along East Jefferson Avenue, providing opportunities to catch the racing action. On the Friday of the race weekend, also known as ‘Comerica Bank Free Prix Day’, Grandstands 1 and 9 are open for free general admission. This is based on a first-come, first-served basis, but it allows fans to get a glimpse of the on track action and take part in the festivities, even if they haven’t purchased tickets for the race weekend.

The General Admission tickets also offer access to the fan activation areas located in Hart Plaza, Woodward Avenue, and Spirit Plaza. All of these zones will be packed with different interactive displays, food and beverage options, merchandise vendors so fans can support their favorite teams or drivers, and lastly, there is live entertainment throughout the duration of the weekend. 

Grandstands

Grandstand 1

Big Screen: Yes

Covered: No 

Numbered Seating: Yes

Grandstand 1 is in one of the best locations at the track, looking over directly into the pit lane with a clear view of the start / finish line. Fans can witness the pure speed of the cars and the precision of the pit crews as they complete their strategic stops. Grandstand 1 is situated right beside Grandstand 9, and fans can expect a variety of food and beverage options located right behind both grandstands. From this grandstand, you’ll be able to get a little view of the Victory Circle, where the drivers receive their trophies and spray their champagne. The view isn’t the best, but it’s one of the closest grandstands that you’ll get to see this celebration from. 

Although these grandstands are in high demand for the Saturday and Sunday of the race weekend, they are completely free on Comerica Bank Free Prix Day, allowing fans to experience the quality views from the grandstand, without needing to reserve a ticket or seat. 

This grandstand follows bleacher style seating which means that there are no backrests and there is no coverage from the elements. Race goers should make sure they’re prepared for all weather conditions to ensure an enjoyable race weekend. There is a large screen located opposite the grandstand, but keep in mind that it is on the other end of the pit lane, so the view might not be the best. That being said, the loud speakers allow fans all over the circuit to hear what’s going on at different points of the track. 

Grandstand 9

Big Screen: No

Covered: No 

Numbered Seating: Yes

The view from Grandstand 9 is very similar to the one fans get from Grandstand 1. The only difference is that Grandstand 9 is located directly in front of the start / finish line, and actually gets a better view of the Victory Circle. Grandstand 9 is situated directly across from the two-sided pit lane and the views of the start / finish line are unparalleled. Seeing into the pit lane is difficult as the pit boxes block the view slightly, but fans will be able to watch the teams and crew members moseying around.

As mentioned, this grandstand will have free seating on the Friday of the race weekend, allowing fans to experience the thrill of an IndyCar race without needing to purchase tickets for the event. Like Grandstand 1, this grandstand follows bleacher style seating which means that there are no backrests and no overhead coverage. There is a very limited view of a screen from this grandstand, so fans should be aware that they’ll have to rely on the loud speakers to hear what’s happening at other points in the circuit. 

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Grandstand 8

Big Screen: No

Covered: No 

Numbered Seating: Yes

Located near Turn 8, Grandstand 8 is in a great location, providing fans with unparalleled views of the cars hurdling down the straight before needing to brake for the turn. Although this grandstand isn’t situated directly near the start / finish line, it is in close proximity to the Paddock area, allowing fans a glimpse at the ‘behind the scenes’ of the teams and drivers. 

Accessibility is a major point for Grandstand 8 as it is wheelchair accessible with dedicated ADA platforms at the front of the grandstand. Since this race takes place at the end of May, many fans are relieved to feel the breeze from the Detroit river which can cool race goers down during the warmer days. Every Grandstand 8 ticket includes paddock access, which continues to enhance the fans' experience at this Grand Prix. Fans sitting in this area should also note that there is no screen, so they’ll have to rely on the loud speaker to keep them up to date with the on track action at other points in the circuit. 

Like the other grandstands, this one follows a bleacher seating style, meaning that there is no overhead coverage and there are no back rests. Numerous merchandise stands will sell seat cushions to offer fans a more comfortable option for when they are sitting in the grandstands.

Grandstand 4

Big Screen: No

Covered: No 

Numbered Seating: Yes

Situated in the perfect position to see turns 4, 5, 6, and 7, Grandstand 4 is one of the most exhilarating places to sit for the Detroit Grand Prix. This is one of the best spots for the cars to do some challenging overtaking, giving the fans an exciting show.

Although Grandstand 4 isn’t necessarily listed as wheelchair accessible, there is a free ADA viewing platform that is conveniently located between Grandstand 3D and Grandstand 4, allowing accessibility for all fans. This grandstand is no different from the rest and it does not provide overhead coverage for the patrons sitting in this section. There are also no backrests, so fans are encouraged to bring gear that will ensure they stay comfortable during the entirety of the race weekend. There is also no screen, so fans will have to rely on the loud speakers to stay up to date with the drama happening at other points in the track. 

Grandstand 3A

Big Screen: Yes

Covered: No 

Numbered Seating: Yes

Located beside Grandstand 3D, Grandstand 3A is located right at the corner of Turns 1 and 2. Fans can also see the main straight, as the cars come roaring down at full speed, right before they have to brake into the turn. Like Grandstand 8, Grandstand 3A should be noted for it’s excellent accessibility that features wheelchair-accessible seating with comfortable padded chairs on some of the dedicated ADA platforms at the front of the grandstand.

Like the other reserved seating grandstand tickets, tickets for Grandstand 3A also include access into the Paddock, providing unlimited views of the behind-the-scenes of a race weekend. Similar to the rest of the grandstands at the Detroit Grand Prix, Grandstand 3A is uncovered and doesn’t have backrests for the fans sitting in this section. There is, however, a large screen situated directly opposite of the grandstand, allowing fans insight into the action happening at other areas of the track. 

Grandstand 3B

Big Screen: Yes

Covered: No 

Numbered Seating: Yes

NOTE: We weren’t able to go into Grandstand B so we tried to provide a photo of the rough view a fan will see from this section.

Grandstand 3B places the fans directly at the high-speed action as the cars come flying down the straight, braking into Turns 1 and 2. After some modifications made for the 2025 season, Grandstand 3B no longer includes a dedicated platform at the front for ADA and FRC seating. Like all reserved grandstand tickets, this one includes paddock access, allowing fans to get a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes workings at a race weekend. 

There is a screen situated in front of the grandstand, allowing fans to view the on track action happening at other points of the circuit. Keep in mind that like the rest of the grandstands, this one does not include coverage and there are no backrests. 

Grandstand 3D

Big Screen: Yes

Covered: No 

Numbered Seating: Yes

Grandstand 3D is the smallest grandstand that fans can sit in for the Detroit Grand Prix. This grandstand only has ten rows, providing a more intimate feel and placing fans relatively close to the action. Although Grandstand 3D doesn’t offer dedicated wheelchair-accessible seating, there is a free ADA viewing platform situated between Grandstand 3D and Grandstand 4.

Fans should keep in mind that there is no screen for this grandstand so they’ll have to rely on the loud speakers to keep them up to date with whatever is happening at other points of the track. Like the rest of the grandstands, there is no overhead coverage for Grandstand 3D and it doesn’t offer back rests, so fans should come prepared to ensure they enjoy the race weekend! This ticket does include paddock access allowing fans to get insight into the inner workings of an IndyCar race weekend. 

Rooftop Viewing

River East Garage

Big Screen: Yes

Covered: Yes (not on the rooftop) 

Numbered Seating: No

The Detroit Grand Prix has one of the most unique viewing experiences for fans, opening up the local parking garages within the vicinity, allowing for an exceptional experience with panoramic views of the circuit.

The River East Garage offers fans some of the best overhead views of the pit lane. Fans will be able to watch the pit crews in action as they battle it out in this complicated two-sided pit lane. The River East Garage is one of four roof top viewing decks that are a part of the ‘Rooftop Viewing’ ticket package that allows race goers to rooftop hope and experience different vantage points throughout the race weekend. Fans can also expect large screens on top of the roof top allowing them to stay up to date with the drama happening at other areas of the track. 

Franklin Garage

Big Screen: Yes

Covered: Yes (not on the rooftop) 

Numbered Seating: No

The Franklin Garage offers one of the most distinctive viewing areas for the Detroit Grand Prix. This garage is located between the Franklin and Woodbridge Streets, this roof top offers an exceptional vantage point that overlooks Turn 9 and the start / finish line. Fans can get an incredible birds eye view of the entrance to the pit lane, offering incredible behind-the-scenes views of the action in the pit lane.

The Franklin Garage is also a part of the Rooftop Viewing package that allows fans to rooftop hop with the Center, Port Atwater and River East Garages that all offer distinct perspectives of the circuit. There is a large screen at the top of the garage to ensure fans get glimpses of the rest of the on track action. 

Port Atwater Garage

Big Screen: Yes

Covered: Yes (not on the rooftop)  

Numbered Seating: No

The Port Atwater Garage offers a prime rooftop viewing experience at the Detroit Grand Prix that is strategically situated to give fans excellent views of Turns 8 and 9. The Port Atwater Garage provides fans with a birds eye view of the entrance to the unique two-sided pit lane that allows viewers to get insight into the pit crew completing their strategic stops.

The Port Atwater ticket gives you the flexibility to ‘rooftop hop’ and experience different elevated views all throughout the race weekend. Fans can expect a large screen at the top of the rooftop keeping them up to date with every session over the course of the weekend. All rooftop tickets include paddock access that allow an inside perspective for fans to see the inner workings of the teams and drivers ahead of the race weekend. 

The Rooftop Presented by Piston Group Garage

Big Screen: Yes

Covered: Yes (not on the rooftop)  

Numbered Seating: Yes

Located at the Center Garage between Bates Street and Renaissance Driver, the rooftop presented by Piston Group offers a fantastic and lively atmosphere for fans watching the Detroit Grand Prix. This elevated viewing area provides excellent panoramic views of the on-track action between Turns 4 through 7.

This garage is known for its ‘party atmosphere’ and has become a very popular spot for fans looking for more than just a good view of the race. Like the other rooftop tickets, ticketholders for this garage are allowed to rooftop hop and will be granted paddock access. Fans can also expect a large screen at the top of the rooftop, giving them insight into the drama of the Grand Prix.