Indianapolis 500 sells out grandstands for the first time since 2016

In May 2023, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the United States experienced a monumental event as it announced the sellout of its grandstands for the Indianapolis 500, an iconic motorsport race that is often celebrated as 'The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.' The significance of this achievement is profound, marking the first sellout since the 100th running of the race back in 2016. With a projected attendance of around 350,000 fans, this year's race promises to blend longstanding traditions with new excitement, as various storylines swirl around key racers. Doug Boles, president of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, expressed gratitude to fans, highlighting their passion for the race that has attracted generations. While the roughly 230,000 grandstand seats sold out, general admission tickets remain available, indicating strong demand for this iconic event. The sellout coincided with the lifting of a local TV blackout that dates back to 1951, enabling local fans in central Indiana to watch the race live for the first time. The racing community has been abuzz with narratives leading up to the Indianapolis 500. Josef Newgarden, a prominent racer aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive victory, finds himself starting from the back of the grid due to disqualification stemming from illegal alterations to his car's parts. His Team Penske teammate, Will Power, faces the same fate, leading to heightened interest among fans as they both navigate these challenges. Meanwhile, rookie Robert Shwartzman made headlines by qualifying on pole, adding a fresh dynamic to the race. With the anticipation building, the iconic event is not only recognized for the racing but celebrated as a major cultural affair. This year's race is expected to draw fans from across the United States, showcasing the deep-rooted love for motorsport while stepping into a new chapter with the influx of new fans and the undeniable energy surrounding the event.