The Indianapolis 500 has sold out its grandstand seating for the second consecutive year, with over 230,000 seats sold. Additionally, the local TV blackout for the race has been lifted for 2026.
Key points
Indianapolis 500 grandstands sold out for the second year in a row
Over 230,000 grandstand seats sold
Local TV blackout lifted for the 2026 race
First time general admission infield tickets could sell out since 2016
High anticipation for race day among fans
Mentioned in this story
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Indianapolis 500NTT IndyCar Series
Indy 500 grandstands sell out again, local TV blackout lifted for 2026
INDIANAPOLIS – For the second year in a row, Indianapolis Motor Speedway has sold out its grandstand seating for the Indianapolis 500. With the sellout, Penske Entertainment has again lifted the central Indiana television blackout of the race.
IMS has sold all of its more than 230,000 grandstand seats, as it could sell out general admission infield tickets for the first time since 2016. Last year, which was the first grandstand sellout since 2016, IMS sold out those tickets five days before race day. With grandstand tickets selling out before qualifying, the infield could come next.
"Anticipation for race day is approaching an all-time high right here in central Indiana andacross the globe," IMS and IndyCar president Doug Boles said in a news release. "We can’t thank the world’s greatest and most loyal fans enough. The stars of the NTT IndyCar Series are ready for an unparalleled showcase of speed, bravery and competition in front of a historic and massive crowd."
This will be the ninth time that local fans will be able to watch the race live on television, and the sixth time this decade. The race was televised locally in 1949 and 1950 before IMS enacted its blackout rules. It was not lifted again until the 2016 sellout for the 100th edition of the race. The blackout was lifted in 2020 when no fans were able to attend the race (which occurred in August) due to COVID-19, and again in 2021 when only 135,000 tickets were allowed to be sold.
Juncos Hollinger Racing driver Rinus Veekay (76) jumps into his car Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Q&A
How many grandstand seats were sold for the Indianapolis 500 in 2026?
Over 230,000 grandstand seats were sold for the Indianapolis 500 in 2026.
What does the lifting of the local TV blackout mean for the Indianapolis 500?
Lifting the local TV blackout means that fans in central Indiana will be able to watch the Indianapolis 500 on television without restrictions.
When did the Indianapolis Motor Speedway last sell out its grandstand tickets before 2025?
The last grandstand sellout before 2025 occurred in 2016.
What is the significance of the Indianapolis 500 grandstand sellout for local fans?
The grandstand sellout reflects high anticipation and support from local fans, enhancing the race's atmosphere and experience.
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Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing drivers Graham Rahal (15) and Louis Foster (45) give a quick hug Tuesday, May 12, 2026, ahead of practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
HMD Motorsports with AJ Foyt Racing driver Katherine Legge (11) puts on her helmet Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Arrow McLaren driver Nolan Siegel (6) laughs with his team Tuesday, May 12, 2026, ahead of practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Team Penske driver Scott McLaughlin (3) signs and autograph for a Carmel Elementary student Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Juncos Hollinger Racing driver Rinus Veekay (76) puts on his safety gear Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Dreyer and Reinbold Racing driver Jack Harvey (24) gets prepared Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Meyer Shank Racing with Curb Agajanian driver Marcus Armstrong (66) takes off his helmet Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The car of Team Penske driver Scott McLaughlin (3) is pulled through Gasoline Alley on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The car of Dreyer and Reinbold Racing driver Conor Daly (23) is pulled through Gasoline Alley on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing driver Mick Schumacher (47) puts on his safety gear Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Ed Carpenter Racing driver Christian Rasmussen (21) takes off from the pit Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Team Penske driver Josef Newgarden (2) sits down into his car Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Juncos Hollinger Racing driver Rinus Veekay (76) puts on his helmet Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing driver Takuma Sato (75) puts in ear protection Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Fans watch Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Dreyer and Reinbold Racing driver Conor Daly (23) sits down into his car Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
HMD Motorsports with AJ Foyt Racing driver Katherine Legge (11) sits down into her car Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
A race fan carries a Gasoline Alley sign through Gasoline Alley on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Crew members for Meyer Shank Racing with Curb Agajanian driver Felix Rosenqvist (60) hug Tuesday, May 12, 2026, ahead of practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Ed Carpenter Racing driver Christian Rasmussen (21) looks out onto the track Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Meyer Shank Racing with Curb Agajanian driver Marcus Armstrong (66) talks with crew members Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
HMD Motorsports with AJ Foyt Racing driver Katherine Legge (11) talks with a crew member Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Drivers take to the track Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Team Penske driver Scott McLaughlin (3) sits in his pit box Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
A tire sits ready for use Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Dreyer and Reinbold Racing driver Conor Daly (23) puts on his safety gear Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Juncos Hollinger Racing driver Sting Ray Robb (77) sits down into his car Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Juncos Hollinger Racing driver Rinus Veekay (76) sits down into his car Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing driver Mick Schumacher (47) puts in ear protection Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Team Penske driver Josef Newgarden (2) sits down into his car Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
HMD Motorsports with AJ Foyt Racing driver Katherine Legge (11) prepares to get into her car Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Juncos Hollinger Racing driver Rinus Veekay (76) jumps into his car Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Juncos Hollinger Racing driver Rinus Veekay (76) jumps into his car Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing drivers Graham Rahal (15) and Louis Foster (45) give a quick hug Tuesday, May 12, 2026, ahead of practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
3 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
HMD Motorsports with AJ Foyt Racing driver Katherine Legge (11) puts on her helmet Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Arrow McLaren driver Nolan Siegel (6) laughs with his team Tuesday, May 12, 2026, ahead of practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
5 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Team Penske driver Scott McLaughlin (3) signs and autograph for a Carmel Elementary student Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Juncos Hollinger Racing driver Rinus Veekay (76) puts on his safety gear Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Dreyer and Reinbold Racing driver Jack Harvey (24) gets prepared Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
8 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Meyer Shank Racing with Curb Agajanian driver Marcus Armstrong (66) takes off his helmet Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
9 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
The car of Team Penske driver Scott McLaughlin (3) is pulled through Gasoline Alley on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
10 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
The car of Dreyer and Reinbold Racing driver Conor Daly (23) is pulled through Gasoline Alley on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing driver Mick Schumacher (47) puts on his safety gear Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Ed Carpenter Racing driver Christian Rasmussen (21) takes off from the pit Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Team Penske driver Josef Newgarden (2) sits down into his car Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Juncos Hollinger Racing driver Rinus Veekay (76) puts on his helmet Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing driver Takuma Sato (75) puts in ear protection Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Fans watch Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Dreyer and Reinbold Racing driver Conor Daly (23) sits down into his car Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
HMD Motorsports with AJ Foyt Racing driver Katherine Legge (11) sits down into her car Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
A race fan carries a Gasoline Alley sign through Gasoline Alley on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
20 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Crew members for Meyer Shank Racing with Curb Agajanian driver Felix Rosenqvist (60) hug Tuesday, May 12, 2026, ahead of practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
21 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Ed Carpenter Racing driver Christian Rasmussen (21) looks out onto the track Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Meyer Shank Racing with Curb Agajanian driver Marcus Armstrong (66) talks with crew members Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
HMD Motorsports with AJ Foyt Racing driver Katherine Legge (11) talks with a crew member Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Drivers take to the track Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Team Penske driver Scott McLaughlin (3) sits in his pit box Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
26 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
A tire sits ready for use Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Dreyer and Reinbold Racing driver Conor Daly (23) puts on his safety gear Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
28 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Juncos Hollinger Racing driver Sting Ray Robb (77) sits down into his car Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Juncos Hollinger Racing driver Rinus Veekay (76) sits down into his car Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing driver Mick Schumacher (47) puts in ear protection Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
31 / 32
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Team Penske driver Josef Newgarden (2) sits down into his car Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Photos: Drivers take the oval on the first day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
HMD Motorsports with AJ Foyt Racing driver Katherine Legge (11) prepares to get into her car Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Despite the blackout technically being back for 2022, NBC was unable to geo-block the race locally on its Peacock streaming service, allowing Central Indiana fans with a subscription to watch it live. The blackout returned fully in 2023, but was lifted on race day in 2024 as a four-hour weather delay caused many ticket buyers to leave IMS early. (The 2024 race was on pace for a potential grandstand sellout until race-day forecasts stalled ticket sales in May.)
This year is just the third time the ticket-induced blackout has been lifted since it began 75 years ago. In the second year of IndyCar's partnership with Fox, the first two Indy 500s on the network will be aired locally.
IMS and IndyCar have leaned on their "United We Race" campaign to sell tickets for this year's race. In celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States, several elements of the race are U.S.-themed, including red, white and blue coloring on the race's logo and pace car. IndyCar, in celebration of the country's birthday, is holding a street race on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., in August.
The positive momentum of IndyCar and its marquee race has continued, meaning there won't be empty seats on race day. As a result, those not at the race in Indy will have the chance to watch it live.
