Indy 500 ticket sellout lifts local TV blackout

The IndyCar Series and its marquee event with the Indianapolis 500 has delivered a welcome result with the anticipated sellout of tickets, which has resulted in the lifting of the local blackout of the network broadcast.

“All reserved seating for race day will be sold out for the first time since the legendary 100th edition of the race in 2016,” a statement from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway read. “Right now, a select few tickets remain in the IMS grandstands, with a full reserved seating sellout likely to occur by the checkered flag for Monday’s practice and possibly before the end of PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying Weekend. Fans who would like a reserved seat for the event are encouraged to visit IMS.com before it’s too late.

“In tandem with this historic update, event organizers also have lifted the local broadcast delay of the race. Expanded coverage of the very first Indy 500 on FOX starts on Sunday, May 25 at 10am ET across the country, with the green flag set for approximately 12:45pm ET.”

“While general admission tickets will still be available in the IMS infield through race day, the massive grandstands around the 116-year-old 2.5-mile oval, and all hospitality suites, will be completely filled. Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the world’s largest spectator sporting facility, and the Indy 500 is annually the largest spectator sporting event on the planet, hosting a crowd of approximately 350,000 people.”

IMS President Doug Boles was elated to share the news.

“The very best fans in sports have delivered in historic and fitting fashion for the incredible stars of the IndyCar Series,” Boles said. “The sheer size and scale of this crowd is going to be massive and will offer an epic backdrop for the very first Indy 500 on FOX. The 109th Running will be a full-scale, nonstop spectacle that draws the eyes of the world to Speedway, Indiana.”