The 104th running of the Indianapolis 500 will take place with a attendance expected to be limited to 25 per cent, with masks being made mandatory at the venue.
Due to the covid-19 pandemic, the NTT IndyCar Series had a redrafted schedule with the Indy 500 moved to August, the first time ever in the race’s history it will take place outside the month of May.
NTT IndyCar Series and IMS owners Penske Entertainment Corp had announced in June fans would be able to attend the race, but with a restricted capacity.
Ticket sales for the event will also cease from July 24 in order to help keep the attendance down.
A raft of changes around the facility will also be put into place such as temperature checks before entry, issuance of masks, hand santiser and concession stands are set to only have pre-packaged food available with many other details yet to be announced.
“We will welcome fans back, and we have an aggressive plan in place, which has been developed through collaboration with national, state and local health experts,” said Penske Entertainment Corp. President & CEO Mark Miles.
“Our outdoor facility is mammoth, and with attendance of about 25 percent, it will certainly look different this year.
“We want to demonstrate that even under current circumstances, people can gather with carefully planned procedures in place so we don’t have to go back to shutting down our country and our community.”
Fans who had purchased tickets but chose not to attend the race will continue to have to option to renew their tickets for the 105th running of the race in 2021.
“By offering credits to fans who had previously purchased tickets, encouraging those over 65 to stay at home, limiting attendance in the infield, reducing tickets in our suites and promising fans their decision to not attend would not impact their seniority or right to renew tickets for 2021.”
First practice for the Indy 500 is set to begin on August 11.
