Indy 500 Sells Out for First Time in Decade, 350,000 Fans Set for Thrilling Race

Sarah Johnson
May 21, 2025
Brief
Indy 500 sells out for the first time since 2016, with 350,000 fans expected. Rookie Shwartzman takes pole as Newgarden faces drama.
The Indianapolis 500, the crown jewel of motorsport, is set to roar with a sold-out crowd of 350,000 fans, marking its first full grandstand sellout in nearly a decade. This Sunday, the Greatest Spectacle in Racing will electrify the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, drawing a sea of enthusiasts to witness high-speed drama unfold.
IndyCar officials confirmed every reserved seat—grandstands and suites alike—has been snapped up, a feat last seen during the 100th Running in 2016. Doug Boles, president of IndyCar and the Speedway, hailed the fans, saying, "The best in sports have delivered, filling every seat for the stars of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES." For those still craving a spot, general admission tickets for race day or passes for Carb Day and Legends Day are still up for grabs through the IMS Official Resale Marketplace.
The 109th Running is buzzing with storylines. Rookie Robert Shwartzman stunned the field, clinching pole position for Prema Racing’s Indy 500 debut. Meanwhile, Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden, chasing a historic third straight win, faces a steep climb from the back of the grid after a controversial pre-qualifying inspection failure alongside teammate Will Power. The drama promises a race as unpredictable as a Midwest spring storm.
Local fans without tickets can rejoice—the race’s local TV blackout has been lifted, so everyone can catch the action live on Fox starting at 10 a.m. ET, with the green flag dropping at 12:30 p.m. Buckle up—this one’s going to be a wild ride.
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Editor's Comments
Well, folks, the Indy 500 is so packed this year, even the hot dogs are fighting for a seat! Shwartzman’s pole is a rookie masterclass, but Newgarden starting from the back? That’s like putting a cheetah in a go-kart and expecting it to purr. This race is serving more twists than a soap opera, and I’m here for it.
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