Why A Sold-Out Indianapolis 500 Is So Important

BusinessSportsMoneyWhy A Sold-Out Indianapolis 500 Is So ImportantByBruce Martin,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I have been chasing race cars since the first Michigan 500 in 1981.Follow AuthorMay 21, 2026, 03:10pm EDTOne of the most beautiful scenes in all of sports, the Pace Lap before the start of the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 25, 2025, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. (Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesThe biggest celebration on Memorial Day Weekend takes place in the Crossroads of America – Indianapolis, Indiana. It’s a celebration that began on Memorial Day in 1911 and with the exception of World War I, World War II, a week later in 1986 because of rain and the COVID Pandemic of 2020 has been held on Memorial Day, or Memorial Day Weekend ever since. It’s the Indianapolis 500, where fans arrive from all over the United States and around the world to be part of a truly amazing American spectacle. It’s not unusual to see license plates from fans who have driven from states like Washington, Idaho and California to continue this incredible tradition.Before there was an infield road course installed in time for the 2000 United States Grand Prix, the infield crowd combined with the massive grandstands of the world’s largest sporting stadium approached 400,000 spectators.On Sunday, it’s time for the 110th Indianapolis 500 and for the second year in a row, and the third time since 2016, the race is a complete sellout. That means 350,000 spectators will be in their seats, or in the infield to witness one of the most thrilling spectacles in all of sport, and a celebration of humanity as the cold days of winter are over and summer is about to begin.They arrive with coolers stocked with fried chicken, ham sandwiches and enough beer to clean out a brewery. Don’t forget the miles of hot dogs that will either be cooked on the grill or sold at the conc...