Lights at the Brickyard to open Friday
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Tens of thousands of people are expected to head to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this holiday season, but they’re not going to watch any races. Instead, they’ll be checking out a major light display that’s been set up.
Lights at the Brickyard opens to the public on Friday at 6 p.m. On Wednesday, 24-Hour News 8 crews got a preview of the display from the back of an IndyCar.
The lights will turn on at IMS when the sun sets. More than two million bulbs make up 40 different scenes.
“We’ve got his huge facility here that historically this time of year we are quiet and we are not doing anything. We thought hey, here is a great way to give fans a reason to come out,” said Doug Boles, president of Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
A 1.7 mile path lined with lights has been designed inside IMS.
“There’s lots of great exhibits, lots of great displays and to be able to drive out onto the front stretch and to see that pagoda lit up, it gives me chills just thinking about it right now,” said former IndyCar driver, Sarah Fisher.
Rather than racing on the track, IMS is slowing things down and opening their doors for you to drive through. It’s a brand new way to experience the familiar sights of the speedway.
“It is pretty cool, just especially to go down the front stretch and see that iconic view of the IMS with the pylon and the pagoda, the pit lane and the racetrack and the grand stand. Just all those pieces of it,” said Boles.
It’s a unique way to celebrate the holidays at the racing capital of the world.
“To come here and to enjoy it in a relaxed setting and to check out some Christmas lights, it is a whole other setting, but it sure is beautiful to see this view here at night,” said Fisher.
The designated path will take about 20-30 minutes to drive through. Tickets start at $20 per car.
For more information on how to purchase tickets, click here.
Those who attend the exhibit and save their ticket will get a discount at select Speedway restaurants. For more information on participating restaurants click here.