The Best Places to Sit at The Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Want to learn more about the Indy 500 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 Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS)

Despite the Indy 500 being one of the most renowned races in the world, the ticket prices are very manageable and there are lots of great deals throughout the month of May. Tickets range from $25 - $235 (USD) depending on the seating, day, and accessibility chosen. One thing to keep in mind is that the concert access for the Miller Lite Carb Day concert and the Snake Pit are NOT included in the ticket prices for the race. Unfortunately it’s an added cost, but according to numerous race attendees, they’re both something you cannot miss, so if you like the performers, it might be worth the additional expense. 

‍

Considering this is the largest sporting venue in the world, there are trams available to take fans to and from certain areas at the track. Ahead of the race weekend, a schedule will be published with the tram times so that fans will be able to plan their race weekend accordingly. 

General Admission

As a general admission ticket-holder, you have access to a TON of viewpoints around the circuit. These tickets DO NOT have reserved seating and there isn’t shade or coverings to protect you from the sun or the rain. There is a HUGE variety of viewpoints with people watching from stairs, watching the screens located in the fan zones and even setting up camp at certain points within the track. Fans are allowed to bring in foldable chairs or seat cushions into the circuit which will make the experience much more enjoyable, not to mention they’re allowed to bring in food and beverage options to ensure they are fuelled for the action at the track!

Grandstands

Paddock Grandstand

Big Screen: Yes

Covered: No

Numbered Seating: Yes

This is by far the best seat in the house at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The Paddock Grandstand is located right on the main straight away, directly across from the pit lane and in front of the start / finish line. Fans will have a view of the iconic Pagoda and will get an insider peak at every tire change and fuel stop as the race unfolds in front of this very grandstand.

Most of the sections in this grandstand offer backrests, something that is considered a novelty at IMS as the bleacher style seating is usually known to be slightly on the more uncomfortable side. Another benefit to sitting in the Paddock Grandstand is that most of the upper sections have an overhead cover, allowing fans to be more protected from the elements. The lower sections are uncovered but are closer to the on track action, so it is up to the fan on what they would prefer in terms of comfort or viewing level.

Depending on where you are in the grandstand, fans can usually get a great view of the post race festivities, including the iconic kissing of the bricks. Fans can access this grandstand by entering Gate 5 and or taking Tunnel 7 from the inside of the circuit. There is a large screen situated opposite of the grandstand, allowing fans to stay up to speed with the rest of the on track action.

This grandstand is also the best spot to view the pre-race rituals, with the drivers and teams preparing the grid and having the flyover go right over the grandstand. If you want to do some celebrity spotting, this would be the place to sit!

Grandstand A

Big Screen: Yes

Covered: No 

Numbered Seating: Yes

Attached to the Paddock Grandstand, Grandstand A has one of the best vantage points for fans to experience the thrill of the Indy 500. This grandstand is located just outside of the front straightaway, on the south end of the track. Here, fans get to see the cars entering Turn 1 after they’ve just sped through the iconic main straight. Fans will also get a glimpse of the cars exiting the pit lane.

The grandstand isn’t just one of the best places to sit, but it also has a historical significance to the track with it being one of the original grandstands from the track's opening. Although the lower sections offer backrests for their seats, fans should note that it is uncovered, leaving them exposed to the elements. The higher levels in Penthouse A, offer stadium-style seating, with a roof for protection as well as more enhanced panoramic views.

This section is great because it also allows fans to get a glimpse into Gasoline Alley, adding to the excitement of the weekend as they can watch drivers and their teams entering and exiting the track. There is a large screen situated opposite the grandstand, and fans get a great view of the grid during the pre-race celebrations. 

Grandstand B

Big Screen: Yes

Covered: No 

Numbered Seating: Yes

Grandstand B at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is located in between Grandstand A and Grandstand E on the south end of the track. This is the perfect spot for fans to watch the cars entering Turn 1 and coming out of the pit lane.

Like many of the other grandstands, Grandstand B is separated into two different sections, the lower section and the upper section. The upper section, also known as Penthouse B, offers fans seating with backrests and covering, keeping fans dry and in the shade depending on the weather. The lower section does provide seats with backrests, but they are exposed to the elements.

This is a great grandstand to sit in as fans can watch the cars as they accelerate and brake, heading into Turn 1. It also provides unparalleled views of the pre-race activities with the drivers and teams getting ready on the grid. There are numerous food and beverage options located just behind the grandstand and fans are able to find merchandise pieces at pop ups behind the grandstand to sport their favorite teams and drivers throughout the duration of the weekend. Fans should enter the track through Gate 1 as that is the closest to where Grandstand B is located along the circuit. 

Grandstand C

Big Screen: Yes

Covered: No 

Numbered Seating: Yes

Located in between the Paddock Grandstand and Grandstand H, Grandstand C provides fans with a view of the entry into the pit lane as well as the north end of the main straightaway. Located directly above Grandstand C is the Hulman Terrace Club Suites which actually provide fans sitting in Grandstand C with some coverage from the elements. The grandstand features a bleacher style seating arrangement with backrests in most of the row.

This is an incredible area for fans to witness the unparalleled action of the cars roaring down the main straight towards Turn 1. Fans seated here aren’t right at the start / finish line, but they are close enough to the action and as mentioned, are in a great spot to see the cars entering the pit lane to complete their strategic stops. There is a screen located opposite of the grandstand, allowing fans to stay up to date with what's happening at other points of the track. 

Grandstand E

Big Screen: Yes

Covered: No 

Numbered Seating: Yes

Located beside Grandstand B, Grandstand E is in a prime location for fans to witness the action at Turn 1 of IMS. Situated along the outside of Turn 1, fans will be able to catch a glimpse of the drivers heading down the South short chute towards Turn 2. There is a large screen located opposite of the grandstand, keeping fans up to speed with the on track action at other points in the circuit.

The Penthouse E offers fans an elevated seating experience where they can get panoramic views of the entire track. Those seats also have back rests and coverage from the elements, ensuring a more comfortable experience overall. The lower sections do not offer coverage, but the view is incredible and fans should not discount this seating option. Fans should come in through Gate 1 to ensure a seamless trip to their grandstand. Visitors can also expect food and beverage options located right behind the grandstand, as well as a variety of merchandise pop up stands encouraging race goers to purchase items in support of their favorite teams or drivers. 

Grandstand G

Big Screen: Yes

Covered: No 

Numbered Seating: Yes

Grandstand G is on the smaller side in comparison to the large-scale ones located across IMS. Situated right at the entrance of Turn 2, Grandstand G offers fans an incredible view of the on track action as cars navigate their way through the South short chute between Turns 1 and 2.

Grandstand G does not offer backrests nor does it offer coverage from the elements so fans are encouraged to bring items to ensure comfortability at the track during the sessions. There is a large screen situated right across from the grandstand and the loud speakers can be heard from every point of the track. Fans should enter the track through Gate 1 or 2 as this will be the most convenient way for them to access Grandstand G. 

Grandstand H

Big Screen: Yes

Covered: No 

Numbered Seating: Yes

Located right on the main straight near the pit entrance, Grandstand H is a perfect spot for fans who want to see some high-speed action. Situated on the iconic front straightaway, on the north end, this grandstand provides a great view of the exit of Turn 4 and is in close proximity to Tunnel 7 as well as the Snake Pit.

There is a large screen across from the grandstand, providing fans with the ability to tune into the on track action happening at other points of the circuit. Keep in mind that there are no backrests in this grandstand and it isn’t covered seating, so it’s imperative to come prepared for the weather conditions to ensure a comfortable race weekend experience!

Grandstand J

Big Screen: Yes

Covered: No

Numbered Seating: Yes

Located right beside Grandstand H on the north end of the main straightaway, this is the perfect view to see the cars exiting Turn 4. Grandstand J offers an exciting vantage point and allows audiences to see the cars entering the pit lane, providing incomparable views of the on track action. Like Grandstand H, fans sitting in this vicinity are close to the Snake Pit and Tunnel 7.

There is a screen located across from the grandstand, which helps to keep the fans up to speed with what is happening at other parts of the track. These seats are numbered but there are no back rests and it is not a covered grandstand, so prepare yourself accordingly ahead of the race weekend! It is recommended to sit higher up in the grandstand as that allows views of the entire circuit and offers the best panoramic views.

‍

North Vista Grandstand

Big Screen: Yes (not ideal location)

Covered: No 

Numbered Seating: Yes

The North Vista Grandstand is located in between Turns 3 and 4 of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Here, you’ll be able to see the cars speeding down through the north short chute, entering Turn 3 and exiting Turn 4 before the switch gears to fly down the infamous main straightaway.

One of the perks of this grandstand is that it is slightly less busy in comparison to the ones located on the main straights. It is recommended to enter the track near Gate 10A, and behind the grandstand, fans can expect to find tons of food and beverage options.

There is a screen located across from the track, but the location of it is less than ideal as it isn’t facing the grandstand head on. Fans will be able to catch a glimpse of the on track action at different points of the circuit, but expect the view to be slightly more limited on the screens. The grandstand seats are numbered, but there are no back rests and  keep in mind that there is no coverage so be sure to come prepared for all weather conditions!

Northeast Vista Grandstand

Big Screen: Yes

Covered: No 

Numbered Seating: Yes

Situated on the backside of the track, opposite of the main straightaway, this iconic grandstand allows fans views of the cars entering Turn 3 and diving into the North Short Chute before entering and exiting Turn 4. Along with the main grandstand, there is also the Northeast Vista Deck which provides an even more elevated surface for fans to get a panoramic view of the track and the cars in action.

Uncovered bleacher seating at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is quite typical, so unless you are in the main grandstand or watching from a suite, it is important to note that the stands do not have back rests, nor do they have any coverage from the elements. 

There is a large screen situated right across from the Northeast Vista Grandstand, allowing fans glimpses of the on track action happening at other areas of the track. This grandstand is the most easily accessible via Gate 11C.

Northwest Vista Grandstand

Big Screen: Yes

Covered: No 

Numbered Seating: Yes

Located right in Turn 4, this iconic grandstand provides an incredible viewpoint for fans looking to experience the on track action at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The Northwest Vista Grandstand is situated in the perfect position to see the cars coming out of the North Short Chute, which is a crucial entry point ahead of the front straightaway.

Located just above the main grandstand, fans can find the Northwest Vista Deck which provides panoramic views from an even more elevated surface. There is no bad view within this grandstand, but it would be preferable to sit higher up as it allows unobstructed views of the track. 

Like almost all of the other grandstands at IMS, the Northwest Vista Grandstand is uncovered, leaving fans exposed to the elements. The seats are numbered, ensuring no mix ups or confusion on where to sit, but there are no backrests. This grandstand is best accessed via Gate 9, and race goers can expect a plethora of food and beverage options located behind the grandstand. There is also a large screen across from the grandstand, keeping fans up to speed with the rest of the on track action. 

South Vista Grandstand

Big Screen: Yes

Covered: No 

Numbered Seating: Yes

The South Vista Grandstand is located right in between Turn 1 and Turn 2 along the outside of the track. This is an exemplary location for fans to watch the cars as they navigate the south short chute between the first two turns. Like all of the other Vista grandstands, the South Vista Grandstand offers bleacher style seating which doesn’t provide covering from the elements or back rests.

Similar to the other Vista Grandstands, the South Vista Grandstand offers the South Vista Deck where fans can get a more elevated view of the track, watching the cars drive at high speeds from a panoramic viewing area. 

Fans should enter the track through Gate 1 to reach this grandstand. Along the way, visitors can stop at the numerous food and beverage options that are located right behind the grandstand, while also perusing the array of merchandise options available. 

Southeast Vista Grandstand

Big Screen: Yes

Covered: No 

Numbered Seating: Yes

Located near the entry and exit of Turn 2, fans seated in this grandstand will get an unparalleled view of the cars coming through the south short chute heading towards the back straight of the track. This is an incredible place to sit, especially at the beginning of the race as the cars come through after the race has been green flagged to start. The Southeast Vista Grandstand provides a perfect view of the cars as they come from the exit of Turn 1 into Turn 2, allowing fans a glimpse at the maximum speeds reached at IMS.

Like the other Vista grandstands, the Southeast Vista Grandstand provides an elevated viewing area in the Southeast Vista Deck where fans can get an uninterrupted view of the track. Fans should enter through Gate 1 to access this grandstand and race goers can expect a wide array of food and beverage options located just behind the grandstand. 

Southwest Vista Grandstand

Big Screen: Yes

Covered: No 

Numbered Seating: Yes

The Southwest Vista Grandstand offers fans an incredible view of the cars exiting Turn 1 and heading into the short chute towards Turn 2. This grandstand offers fans bleacher style seating, meaning that there are no backrests and the grandstand itself is uncovered from the elements.

The Southwest Vista also has a Southwest Vista Deck which allows fans to choose an option that has more of an elevated seating option, providing more panoramic views of the track, and specifically Turn 1.

There are screens located directly across from the grandstand, providing unlimited viewing access to the action happening all across the circuit. Fans should enter through Gate 1 to get to this grandstand and race goers can expect a variety of food and beverage options located just behind the grandstand itself. 

Tower Terrace Grandstand

Big Screen: Yes

Covered: No 

Numbered Seating: Yes

The Tower Terrace is one of two grandstands that look and face the Paddock grandstand. Located right in front of the media center, the Tower Terrace is an amazing place for fans to sit as it provides an incomparable view of the main straight, but it also gives fans the closest view to the action happening within the Pit Lane. 

This grandstand is located on the infield side of the track, stretching all the way from near Turn 4, right up to the iconic Pagoda. From here, race goers will get to see the cars crossing the start / finish line, and battling for position along the straightaway. One of the benefits to sitting in this grandstand is how close in proximity you are to the activations taking place within the infield. It isn’t hard to get to the merchandise stands, see gasoline alley, view the garages, or head to the Snake Pit, whereas the fans sitting in the other grandstands have to make their way into the infield via tunnel.

Besides the race itself, this is a prime location to view the pre-race festivities with teams gearing up their cars and drivers. This will also be the best spot to watch the flyover, national anthem, and do some celebrity spotting as people making their way through the grid walk ahead of the race start.

Fans can locate this grandstand by entering in Gate 5 and taking Tunnel 7 into the infield. There are screens located directly across from the grandstand and the loud speakers can be heard from any point at the track. 

Pit Road Terrace

Big Screen: Yes

Covered: No 

Numbered Seating: Yes

The Pit Road Terrace grandstand is located directly across from Grandstand A. Attached to the infamous Pagoda, this grandstand is in a prime location to offer fans views of the main straight, the pit lane, and the entrance into Gasoline Alley. 

This grandstand offers fans an exceptional view of the track, but keep in mind that there is no coverage from the elements as the seats are completely exposed. Like the Tower Terrace grandstand, this option is located within the infield side of the straightaway. Fans can access this grandstand by taking either Gate 5 and taking the Tunnel, or walking from Gate 2 (near the IMS museum). 

The northern end of the Pit Road Terrace offers views of the start / finish line, while the southern end gives fans an incredible view of the entrance into Turn 1. There are large screens located across from the grandstand so fans can be sure to keep up with the on track action happening at other points of the circuit.