Like businesses across the nation, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Indianapolis 500 has taken a financial hit. In an effort to reenergize the Speedway and its fans, the track is taking a number of steps towards improving both the facility and the experience.
The state of Indiana recently approved a loan worth $100 million for improvements to the facility. Anyone that has come through the track would likely point towards the restrooms as an area begging for improvement. Speedway officials also believe that adding lights around the oval would enhance the Brickyard 400, which is set for July 28. The interest was lost and and the crowds were empty. IMS estimates had the crowd over 100,000 but that is being favorable.
May 26th is the date of this year’s Indianapolis 500, and it’s my hope that IndyCar and the Speedway and get the place going like the old days. I remember my parents going making the race an annual event. My dad went for 20+ years straight before the run ended in 1999 because 10-year-old me had a soccer tournament. I asked him if he was going to the race this year and he shrugged. It doesn’t quite have the same allure.
One big item the Speedway is adding is a zip line. After Indy’s Super Bowl success, which included a zip line that stretched in the middle of everything, the track is hoping that it’ll help attack fans back to the track and provide additional entertainment.
The zip line begins 32 feet above ground and travels 200 feet. It’ll be installed just north of the Tower Terrace and be open this weekend – Friday, Saturday and Sunday – before moving to the Snake Pit for race day. On the practice days it’ll cost just $5 to ride while on race day it’s free for those with a wristband.
These types of opportunities only add to the prestigious track and race. Every driver reiterates that the Indy 500 is the ultimate prize. On race day, fans can get in for as low as $30 with a general admission ticket (or from scalpers for under $10).
Another way the Indy 500 could improve its health is by bolstering the list of celebrities. We still don’t know who’ll serve as the Grand Marshall for the 500 Festival – might I suggest WNBA champion Tamika Catchings? Getting big names to attend race day raises the credibility of the event and shows it to be an event not just worth watching, but attending.
This is how I’d recommend navigating the month. Attend pole day this Saturday, tailgate in the Coke lot on the Saturday before the race, and definitely attend the race.