Hardik Pandya trains for over three hours but set to miss Punjab Kings fixture in Dharamsala
Hardik Pandya trains hard but will miss Punjab Kings match due to injury.
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.
Mentioned in this story
Indy 500 grandstands sell out again, local TV blackout lifted for 2026
INDIANAPOLIS β 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 canβt thank the worldβs 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.
Over 230,000 grandstand seats were sold for the Indianapolis 500 in 2026.
Lifting the local TV blackout means that fans in central Indiana will be able to watch the Indianapolis 500 on television without restrictions.
The last grandstand sellout before 2025 occurred in 2016.
The grandstand sellout reflects high anticipation and support from local fans, enhancing the race's atmosphere and experience.
Hardik Pandya trains hard but will miss Punjab Kings match due to injury.
Lena Tsonis caps her college career at UMass Dartmouth with an LEC title!

Remembering Charle Young: USC's first great tight end passes away at 75
Exploring how conference revenue shapes NCAAF roster management strategies.
NFL announces 2026 international schedule; Cardinals excluded again
See every story in Sports β including breaking news and analysis.
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.
1 / 32
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.
1 / 32
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.
2 / 32
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
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.
4 / 32
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
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.
6 / 32
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.
7 / 32
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
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
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
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.
11 / 32
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.
12 / 32
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.
13 / 32
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.
14 / 32
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.
15 / 32
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.
16 / 32
Fans watch Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
17 / 32
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.
18 / 32
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.
19 / 32
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
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
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.
22 / 32
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.
23 / 32
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.
24 / 32
Drivers take to the track Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
25 / 32
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
A tire sits ready for use Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
27 / 32
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
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.
29 / 32
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.
30 / 32
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
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.
32 / 32
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.
Zion Brownis IndyStar's motorsports reporter. Follow him atΒ @z10nbr0wn. Get IndyStar's motor sports coverage sent directly to your inbox withour Motor Sports newsletter. Subscribe to the YouTube channel IndyStar TV: IndyCarfor a behind-the-scenes look at IndyCar and expert analysis.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indy 500 local TV blackout lifted, grandstands sell out again