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Your guide to Indianapolis 500 weekend

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – It’s the moment racing fans around the world look forward to every year – when the green flag drops and those riveting 200 laps begin.

But, there’s plenty going on at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway before the 99th Running of the Indianapolis 500 kicks off Sunday.

Below is your go-to guide for all events Indy 500 and what fans can and can’t bring with them.Friday, May 22 – Coors Light Carb Day 

  • 8 a.m. – Gates Open
  • 8 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – Bob & Tom Live Show – IndyCar Fan Village
  • 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. – Vintage Car Exhibition
  • 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. – IMS Midway Open
  • 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Firestone Pin Distribution – Plaza
  • 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Verizon IndyCar Series Practice
  • 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Free Ivy Tech Garage Tours – Sign the waiver in Gasoline Alley Garage #35
  • 12:07 p.m. – Indy Lights Driver Introductions
  • 12:30 p.m. – Indy Lights Freedom 100 (40 Laps)
  • 2 p.m. – 3:10 p.m. – Tag Heuer Pit Stop Challenge
  • 3:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. – O.A.R. Concert – Turn 4 Infield Stage
  • 4:30 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. – 38 Special Concert – Turn 4 Infield Stage
  • 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. – Jane’s Addiction Concert – Turn 4 Infield Stage
  • 6 p.m. – Gates Close

Gate admission for Coors Light Carb Day is $30. This ticket provides concert access. Click here to buy that ticket, and special viewing area tickets, too. Prices for those range from $10-$130.Saturday, May 23 – Legends Day 

  • 8 a.m. – Gates Open
  • 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Indianapolis 500 Memorabilia Show
  • 8:45 a.m. – 9 a.m. – Sunoco Rookie Chat – Plaza
  • 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. – Full Field Autograph Session – Plaza
  • 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. – Al Unser Autograph Session – Plaza
  • 9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. – Vintage Race Car Laps
  • 10:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Public Drivers Meeting – Tower Terrace
  • 11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Al Unser Q&A – Plaza
  • 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Free Ivy Tech Garage Tours – Sign the waiver in Gasoline Alley Garage #35
  • 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. – Firestone Pin Distribution
  • 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. – Former Driver Autograph Session A – North Chalet
  • 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – IPL 500 Festival Parade – Downtown
  • 1 p.m. – Legends Day Concert presented by Firestone Gates Open – Must have concert ticket for admission into concert area 
  • 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. – Former Driver Autograph Session B – North Chalet
  • 3 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Frankie Ballard Concert – Turn 4 Infield Stage
  • 3:50 p.m. – 4:35 p.m. – Thomas Rhett Concert – Turn 4 Infield Stage
  • 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. – Florida Georgia Line Concert – Turn 4 Infield Stage
  • 6 p.m. – Gates Close – Legends Day concert ticket holders only through gates

If you want to attend the Legends Day Concert, admission is $40. Pit access is $75. Parking is also available and ranges from $15-$25. Click here for all ticket information.Sunday, May 24 – 99th Running of the Indianapolis 500

  • 6 a.m. – Gates Open
  • 6 a.m. – 2 p.m. – IMS Midway Open
  • 7 a.m. – Indy 500 Snake Pit presented by Miller Lite Opens feat. Kaskade, Steve Aoki and A-Trak
  • 8 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. – Parade of Bands
  • 9:30 a.m. – Celebrity Red Carpet – Plaza
  • 9:45 a.m. – 500 Festival Princess Laps
  • 10:15 a.m. – “On The Banks of the Wabash” – Purdue University Band
  • 10:38 a.m. – Green Flag Delivery
  • 10:40 a.m. – Former Indianapolis 500 Winner Laps
  • 10:50 a.m. – Vintage Race Car Laps
  • 11:10 a.m. – Military Laps
  • 11:37 a.m. – Driver Introductions
  • 11:48 a.m. – “America The Beautiful”
  • 11:50 a.m. – Military Speech
  • 11:52 a.m. – “God Bless America” – Florence Henderson
  • 11:55 a.m. – Invocation
  • 11:59 a.m. – National Anthem – Jordin Sparks
  • 12:10 p.m. – “Back Home Again in Indiana” – Straight No Chaser
  • 12:15 p.m. – 99th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race (200 Laps)
  • 6 p.m. – Gates Close

If you’d like to watch the Indianapolis 500 from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, you’ll need to purchase a ticket. General admission is $40 and reserved seat tickets start at $46. If you plan on visiting the Snake Pit, you’ll need to buy a ticket here. 

Coolers and bag are allowed at the track, but they must be the correct size. All coolers and bags must be smaller than 18 inches by 14 inches by 14 inches. Security will check the size and contents of each cooler and bag as fans enter the track.Here’s a look at common items fans can bring into IMS:

  • Coolers
  • Food and drinks
  • Binoculars, scanners and cameras
  • Camera stands, so long as they don’t obstruct the view for other fans
  • Strollers, lawn chairs and folding camping chairs
  • Umbrellas

There are some items that are prohibited:

  • Weapons
  • Fireworks and flares
  • Animals
  • Roller blades, skateboards, skates and scooters

Information in this story provided by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.