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Indianapolis Motor Speedway Indianapolis IN USA 2025 Indianapolis 500 Packages

Indianapolis Motor Speedway, IN: May 23-26, 2025

Custom 2025 Indy 500 Travel Packages

It’s regarded as the “greatest spectacle in racing” and attracts more people than any other single day sporting event in the world. With an unrivaled capacity for over 400,000 spectators, there’s simply nothing like it. Our custom 2025 Indianapolis 500 travel packages are tailored so they are perfect for you. Your personalized package includes your preferred tickets to IndyCar’s premier race, three nights’ first-class accommodations in downtown Indianapolis, VIP reserved festival parade seating or Legends Day admission, onsite host services, and much more. Take advantage of our 30+ years of experience so you can enjoy the ultimate 2025 Indy 500 weekend.

Customized 2025 Indy 500 travel packages are available now from $1,985 per person (based on double occupancy).

About the 2025 Indy 500

The Indy 500 is the most prestigious event on the IndyCar circuit, held annually at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This iconic race plays out over 500 miles (200 laps) and is traditionally held over Memorial Day Weekend. The next Indy 500 is scheduled for May 25, 2025 and will be the 109th running of this thrilling event. This beloved auto race showcases the top level of American Championship IndyCar racing. It is considered part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport, one of the three most prestigious motorsport events in the world (the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Monaco Grand Prix are the other two).

Event at a Glance

2025 indy 500 package pricing, 2025 indy 500 package inclusions, 2025 indy 500 package inclusions:.

Every year the Indy 500 is one of our most popular events and one that our clients simply love returning to. There’s just something about Indy that draws people in and keeps them coming back. Steeped in tradition, this race is always in high demand and continues to grow in popularity.

Roadtrips has some of the finest downtown Indianapolis accommodations available that you can combine with any combination of seating options and extras like pit passes and Carb Day tickets to create the ultimate Indy 500 experience. Ready to get started? Contact one of our Sports Travel Experts today and they’ll help you plan your perfect itinerary!

Additional options and possibilities:

• Tickets to the Post Race Garage Experience (Sunday)
• Pre-race pit pass (Sunday)
• Legends Day tickets (Saturday)
• Carb Day tickets (Friday)
• Extra nights
• Suites and room upgrades
• Private transfers

2025 Indianapolis 500 Package Pricing

2025 indianapolis 500 tickets.

Whether you want to feel the roar of the engines from the grandstands, paddocks, penthouses or a luxurious suite, you can choose your preferred tickets for the 2025 Indianapolis 500. Our Sports Travel Specialists can help you select your perfect seat in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. To complete your ultimate Indy 500 experience, you may want to consider adding pre-race pit passes, post-race Garage Experience tickets, or tickets to Carb Day on Friday.

Located in Speedway, Indiana, a suburb of Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a racing icon of epic proportions. Constructed in 1909, the track has remained relatively unchanged since its inception, featuring a two-and-a-half mile, nearly rectangular oval layout. The Speedway boasts a permanent seating capacity of over 250,000. With infield seating, capacity climbs to a whopping 400,000, creating an electrifying atmosphere that cannot be replicated in any other sporting venue. With seating categories ranging from infield to penthouse to luxurious private suites, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the largest and highest-capacity sporting facility in history, and for racing fans is a venue that can’t be missed.

Your tickets will be located in your choice of the following seating categories:

Paddock Box (Low Rows) A Grandstand Paddock Stand (High Rows) B Grandstand E Grandstand Paddock Penthouse A Penthouse B Penthouse E Penthouse Gasoline Alley Suite

Indianapolis 500 Disclaimer

Roadtrips is in no way associated with the Indianapolis 500, Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), or IndyCar. The term Indianapolis 500 is used only for the purpose of properly describing certain events and without the specific permission of event organizers. Roadtrips’ travel packages and services are not affiliated with the Indianapolis 500, IMS, or IndyCar.

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107th INDIANAPOLIS 500

Indianapolis motor speedway, it’s time to secure your space for the 2024 indy 500 and watch a field of highly motivated competitors trying to take the title and ‘drink the milk’ at the brickyard. this is the biggest party in us motorsport, don’t miss out – our travel team is able to tailor-make any of our tour packages to suit your requirements, please call us to discuss alternative hotels, trip duration and vip upgrades..

BOOK YOUR 2024 INDY 500 TRAVEL PACKAGE TODAY

Silver package, 23-27 may, 2024, indianapolis, in, ** limited availability **, $1675 per person.

All rates based on double occupancy

WHAT’S INCLUDED :

4 nights accommodation staying at Staybridge Suites Indianapolis Downtown 

Guest Airport ‘Meet & Greet’ Service

Private round-trip Airport – Hotel transfers

Miller Lite Carb Day – Friday ‘Concert Access’

Race Day Round-trip Circuit transfers  (located across the street from Lucas Oil Stadium at 345 West McCarty St. Indianapolis, IN 46225)

Saturday : 500 FESTIVAL PARADE Tickets

Race Day Reserved Indy 500 ‘S.W. Vista Grandstand’   (Turn 1) or ‘S.E. Vista Grandstand’ (Turn 1) Tickets

MOTO ‘Goody Bag’, souvenir lanyard, ear plugs and credentials holder

Just Add Your Flights…

GOLD PACKAGE

**fan favorite**, $1895 per person.

4 nights accommodation staying at the Hampton Inn Indianapolis Downtown

Premium Race Day Round-trip Circuit transfers  (located across the street from Lucas Oil Stadium at 345 West McCarty St. Indianapolis, IN 46225)

Race Day Reserved Indy 500 ‘Paddock Grandstand’ Tickets (covered stand)

PLATINUM PACKAGE

** vip hospitality **.

4 nights accommodation staying at the luxury Omni Severin Hotel

Miller Lite Carb Day – (Friday) – General Admission & ‘Concert Access’

PIT & GARAGE PASS

Race Day Round-trip Circuit transfers

Race Day Reserved Indy 500 ‘Tower Suite Hospitality’

• Spectacular views of the track 
• All-inclusive food and beverage. Beer and wine are included, with liquor available for purchase.
• Indoor, climate-controlled suite with tables and chairs and stadium seating
• Closed-circuit television
• Souvenir event program per person
• Private restrooms
• Live TV and audio feed

“Your Tailor-Made Indy 500  Experience”

Race tickets included.

A full weekend of Indy 500 tickets are included in your total package price.  If you need specific seating arrangements for your race experience we can help with that too.

Accommodation included

We offer a choice of World Class hotel accommodations and luxury options for all our guests staying in Indianapolis. It’s included in your final package price.

Need Transfers ?

The travel team can also arrange private helicopter transfers to and from the circuit, Parking Passes or a Rental Car… just ask us.

Just Add Flights

Our package price includes pretty much everything except the flights. Please let us know if you need to add flight arrangements to this package (all subject to availability)

Circuit Name: Indianapolis Motor Speedway/The Brickyard

Constructed: 1909, first race: 1911, race length: 500 miles / (805 km), circuit length: 2.500 mi (4.023 km), 2023 winner : josef newgarden  (team penske).

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Front Straightaway at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The sound of engines roaring and fans cheering follow the pack of 33 cars as they navigate the world's most famous oval.

Taps Being Played on Memorial Day Weekend

The lead up to the start of the Indianapolis 500 is a patriotic salute to the brave men and women who give it all for freedom.

Kissing the Bricks is a Winning Tradition

A series of traditions accompany a championship run at the Indy 500, from chugging milk to kissing the bricks.

Indianapolis 500-Mile Race

The greatest spectacle in racing.

The century-old Indy 500 is called the Greatest Spectacle in Racing for good reason. It is the largest single-day sporting event in the world and annually attracts over 300,000 fans to the hallowed grounds of the  Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) to revel in tradition while cheering on the elite open-wheel drivers of the NTT IndyCar Series. Since the inaugural race in 1911, the Indy 500 has captured the hearts of race fans while driving automotive and racing innovation as the epicenter of racing in America. The  Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is a year-round attraction located on the grounds of IMS that allows visitors to relive the rich history and unique traditions that make the Indy 500 a Bucket List experience.

The 108th running of the Indy 500 takes place on Sunday, May 26, 2024.  CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

2023 Indy 500 Champion Joseph Newgarden

Turn 4 at ims, race day in indy.

Race day in Indianapolis is steeped in tradition. Each Memorial Day weekend the mammoth facility and surrounding town of Speedway welcome spectators from around the world to revel in a day of patriotism, spine-tingling racing, and a whole lot of partying (particularly within the infield and the infamous Snake Pit).

Visitors camp and tailgate in lots and backyards in the adjacent neighborhoods. Once fans make the pilgrimage through the gates at IMS, pre-race ceremonies include stirring renditions of God Bless America, The Star Spangled Banner, and a stoic playing of Taps in remembrance of the soldiers who gave their lives for freedom. Back Home Again in Indiana is a crowd favorite that pays homage to the Hoosier state. After the flyover and invocation, it is time for the most famous words in racing: “Drivers, start your engines!”

The sound of 33 cars firing up their engines means it is time to race. After the green flag drops drivers battle for 200 laps around the 2.5-mile oval for the opportunity to claim immortality as an Indy 500 champion. Winners and their cars are lifted on the winners’ podium and the champion is adorned with a floral wreath before chugging a ceremonial bottle of milk. The winner kisses the famed bricks and has their likeness sculpted to adorn the Borg Warner Trophy.

Book Your Race Day Hotel

The indy 500 snake pit, plan your visit.

Tickets to the Indy 500 can be purchased through the  Indianapolis Motor Speedway box office and their seasoned experts can guide you to the right seat for your needs. Plan for early morning arrival to navigate traffic and find parking in nearby lots and yards. By 10:30 am the starting grid is lined up and shortly thereafter pre-race traditions begin until the green flag drops at 12:45 pm. The race generally lasts about three hours. While some seats are shaded, sunscreen is recommended. Spectators are allowed to bring coolers with food. Food and beverage are also available to buy on site. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway offers  accessibility services , and wheelchair accessible golf carts are available for transporting guests.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

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For our first experience with your company it was great. Imogene (TABA tour rep) and Karl (bus driver) were the best we have had so far in all our tour ...

Joseph Hastick & William Jensen Union City, NJ New Hampshire, Sylvania 300, September 2010

2025 Indianapolis 500 Packages Indy 500 Packages - Indy 500 - Courtyard Airport

Indianapolis 500 Travel Packages with Convenient Airport Hotel

Join us on one of our Indy 500 Packages for the 109th running of the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” - the Indianapolis 500! Our Indianapolis 500 Packages staying at the Courtyard Indianapolis Airport offer a perfect location if you are planning to fly into Indianapolis International Airport (IND) and has easy access to Indianapolis Motor Speedway and many other regional attractions in the area. The hotel includes offers complimentary on-site parking. Our Indianapolis 500 Packages also include your choice of great Indy 500 tickets and include bus transfers to the track on Sunday morning with a Police Escort and options to enhance your race day experience such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum passes and scanner rentals.  Booking one of our Indy 500 Packages makes attending the Indianapolis 500 easy.  Join one of our Indianapolis 500 packages for a hassle-free experience to the Indy 500.

Other packages

• Ticket Info
• Indy 500 Tickets - SouthWest Vista or Upgrade, Select Below
• Two or More Nights at the Courtyard by Marriott-Indianapolis Airport
• Roundtrip Track Transfers via Deluxe Motorcoach Sunday
• Indy 500 Sunday Police Escort to Track
• Breakfast Buffet Sunday
• Free Parking at the Courtyard
• TABA Ticket Holder and Lanyard
• Indy 500 Souvenir Gift
• Airport Transfers
• TABA Tour Representatives
• Race Day Essentials: Bottled Water, Earplugs, Sunscreen, and Koozies

Our INDY 500 tickets are located in the Southwest Vista in Turn One of Indianapolis Motor Speedway and also in the Northwest Vista in Turn Four.  We also have the J Stand between turn 4 and Pit Road entrance.   The Northwest Vista has good views coming into Turn 3, and thru Turn 4 toward the start/finish line and of all cars entering the pits.  The Southwest Vista is located in Turn One and is the closest grandstand to the bus parking.  The Southwest Vista has good views from Turn One through Turn Two.   J Stand is located just out of turn 4 on the front stretch close to pit road entrance.  A Limited number of upgraded tickets will be available.  Upgraded tickets will be in the Paddock Penthouse, Grandstand E or Grandstand E Penthouse.

Please note that upgraded tickets must be paid in full at the time of deposit and they are non-refundable due to the nature and the demand for these premium tickets.  Upgraded tickets costs can be substantially higher than face value of the event ticket.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

"Home to the Greatest Spectacle in Racing", Indianapolis Motor Speedway opened in 1909 giving way to becoming an American Icon and being known as the world's greatest racecourse.  The motorsports facility has a permanent seating capacity of over 250,000- the world's largest . A 2.5 mile track with 4 distinct turns and straightaways, the challenging layout hasn't changed in 99 years. In 1987, the Speedway Hall of Fame Museum and Speedway grounds were honored with the designation of National Historic Landmark and 1994 marked the year of the inaugural NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series Allstate 400 at The Brickyard race event.

2009 marked Indianapolis Motor Speedway's 100th Anniversary of the facililty.

Courtyard by Marriott - Indianapolis Airport

The perfect aiport location for attending the Indianapolis 500, the new state-of-the-art lobby at Indianapolis Airport (IND) hotel provides greater flexibility and choices for guests. The exciting new features at Courtyard Indianapolis Airport hotel include inviting, flexible spaces to work or relax in, free Wi-Fi throughout and easy access to the latest news, weather and airport conditions via our GoBoard. The highlight of the new lobby experience is The Bistro - Eat. Drink. Connect. Guests will enjoy enhanced food and beverage offerings in the morning, all-new dinner service in the evening, or relaxing over cocktails at the end of the day. Patrons looking for an Indy Airport hotel will be only 7 minutes away from their terminal, and 9 miles away from downtown Indianapolis. They offer complimentary airport shuttle service, a fitness center with indoor pool and whirlpool, and convenience to area attractions, including Lucas Oil Stadium. Your stay at Courtyard Indianapolis IND Airport Hotel is sure to be more comfortable, more productive and more enjoyable than ever before.

select package

A deposit of $200.00 per traveler is due to secure your reservation. A 2nd deposit to equal $500.00 per traveler is due by February 23, 2025. Full payment is due by March 25, 2025.

A deposit of $200.00 per traveler is due to secure your reservation. A 2nd deposit to equal $600.00 per traveler is due by February 22, 2025. Full payment is due by March 24, 2025.

Tickets for the Indy 500 will be in the Southwest Vista

Upgraded Tickets for the Indy 500 will be in the Northwest Vista in Turn 4.

Upgrade your tickets for the Indianapolis 500 to the J Stand.

Located along the frontstretch, these seats offer a view coming out of Turn 4 and headed down the straight-away.  These seats are under Shade.

Best Indy 500 Weekend: 15 Things to Do in Indianapolis

• Beyond Cars

Memorial Day Weekend in Indianapolis offers tons of things to do when you're not at the Indy 500.

The Indianapolis 500 may be the pinnacle of American open-wheel racing, but if you’re making the trip, you might want to experience a little more of what Indianapolis has to offer — especially since the event’s nonstandard format leaves plenty of free time between on-track activities. If you need a little something else to keep you occupied, we’ve got you covered.

Find Your Favorite Driver’s Street Sign

Each year, different streets in downtown Indianapolis are temporarily renamed after all 33 drivers that will take the green flag on race day. If you’re an avid race fan, it can be a lot of fun to wander the streets and pose with your favorite driver’s sign.

Check out the 500 Festival

The 500 Festival is an organization that hosts tons of different events around Indianapolis inspired by the Indy 500. You can nab tickets to Breakfast at the Brickyard or line up to watch Saturday’s driver parade — both of which I highly recommend.

The Last Row Party

Hosted by the Indianapolis Press Club Foundation, the Last Row Party is a way to celebrate — and roast — the drivers that make up the final and 11th row of the Indy 500 starting grid. These are the drivers that were just quick enough to make it into the show but who were still much slower than the pole sitter. The event takes place every year on the Thursday before the race; tickets are $75, but you get to eat tons of food (the buffet is excellent) and drink wine in the Pagoda. Worth it? Absolutely.

Autographs, Autographs, Autographs

If you’re keen on a driver autograph, it can be tough to get at the Indy 500. That said, on the Saturday of the race weekend, you can get to the track early to line up for the full-field autograph session — a name that’s a little misleading, since the field of drivers is split into their starting rows, and you have to select a row to nab autographs from those three drivers. I’ve been able to hit two or three rows in the past, but the session is only an hour, so you have to strategize! Start off in what you think will be the longest line (i.e. the row with the most popular drivers) and then hit up some of the shorter lines after. This session runs from 9 to 10 a.m. local time.

Go to the Zoo

I love many things in this world, but there is no better weekend for me than visiting a zoo and then going to watch a race — and the Indianapolis Zoo is one of the finest I’ve ever seen. I make a point of going every year if I can, despite the fact that I am a grown adult.

Have a Drink

If you’re of legal drinking age and wish to partake in some local brews, Indianapolis has an incredibly fun beer scene . I could go on and on about it for days, but my personal favorites are Metazoa (a dog-friendly bar), Daredevil Brewing Co., and Rad Brewing Co. (formerly Flat12). If you want a nice brew and a hot meal in Speedway after the race, check out Big Woods.

If beer isn’t your style, then I highly recommend New Day, a cidery/meadery with an incredible selection of drinks. I go every year to stock up on strawberry rhubarb mead... and usually end up bringing it to the race as my alcoholic beverage of choice.

Never Stop Eating

The first time I went to Indianapolis, I can’t say I was exactly expecting much of a food scene — but I was pleasantly proven wrong. Whether you’re keen on a fancy brunch at Café Patachou, hungry for a massive amount of cheap donuts from Long’s, or ready for fried chicken at The Eagle, you really can’t go wrong. Just be warned that hotspots like St. Elmo’s will be busy all weekend, so it’s best to make reservations for more popular places.

(And not to continue going on about Big Woods in Speedway, but their macaroni and cheese is literally worth driving across the country for. Trust me. I’ve done it.)

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is a gorgeous collection of 500 history that I recommend for any racing fan. Every time I go, I find some new tidbit that sends me off on a research spiral when I get home.

Pro tip: You’re definitely going to have a better time at the IMS Museum at any time that is not Indy 500 weekend (and if you go in the dead of winter, you can take advantage of discounted merchandise), but if you’re a history buff, it’s worth braving the crowd.

Tour Speedway, IN

Speedway, Indiana is technically the home of the Indy 500, and it’s a cute little town that plays host to Sarah Fisher’s karting facility, Ed Carpenter Racing’s shop, Dallara’s factory, and A. J. Foyt’s wine shop. Local residents also go all-out decorating their homes and yards for the race weekend; if you want to pass some time near the track, Speedway is the place to be.

Children’s Museum

You don’t have to be a child to enjoy the Indianapolis Children’s Museum — you just need to access your inner child. During the month of May, there are always tons of racing displays.

Indianapolis Cultural Trail

The Indianapolis Cultural Trail is an eight-mile long walking and biking path in downtown Indianapolis featuring different gardens, bridges, and more. I’ve tried to walk the length of it multiple times and have always failed, largely because you’re inevitably going to get distracted by a restaurant, bar, or other attraction.

Visit Broad Ripple

Broad Ripple is a neighborhood just six miles from downtown Indianapolis, and it is gorgeous . If you’re a fan of boutique shopping, gastropub fare, and indie vibes, you’re going to love Broad Ripple. It’s one of the few places where I was able to find vegan food when I was of the vegan persuasion. I got tattooed in Broad Ripple. It’s also the home of The Shop , which sells tons of unique IndyCar merchandise.

Eagle Creek Park

Eagle Creek Park is the only place on this list that I haven’t visited, but I’ve wanted to for one specific reason: The Go Ape Treetop Adventure , where you can indulge in zip lines, rope crossings, swings, ladders, and more. I cannot imagine having any more fun than crawling around in the trees.

Walk the Monon Trail

The Monon Trail is a former railway line that has been converted into a walking and biking path in the Indianapolis area. It’s a whopping 26 miles long if you’re looking to check out the whole thing — but even just a short jaunt down the shade-lined path can be nice.

Watch Some Other Sports or Something

I hear that there are other sports that happen in Indianapolis, maybe with balls? I don’t know much about that, but you can probably find a stadium to tour or a game to see.

IndyCar Series dream schedule: What would it look like?

W hat would constitute the perfect IndyCar Series calendar? In the middle of the three-week Olympics break, it feels as good a time as any to think about it.

What we’ve already got is a great base to work from: IndyCar’s fine blend of ovals, natural terrain road courses and street tracks makes it stand out as the ultimate test for open-wheel racers in cars capable of over 800 horsepower.

The good news is that the shift to the FOX TV network from NBC means there won’t be Olympics or Tour de France concerns to worry the schedulers. But FOX’s American football-heavy sports programming means the season will have hard bookends from mid-February to September, which is fine.

The 2025 schedule is already set, so let’s look ahead to 2026 for our fantasy schedule.

The Super Bowl is in early February, with NASCAR’s Daytona 500 the weekend after, so let’s shift up the season opener to an old IndyCar favorite, Homestead-Miami Speedway.

The good thing about that venue is that we can have midweek spring testing on its road course, leading into media content day in a fancy South Beach hotel, and then the season-opener on its 1.5-mile, variable-banking oval.

Miami Beach ambiance: the Loews Hotel

Photo by: Eric Gilbert

After a weekend off, we head across Alligator Alley to St Petersburg on the other coast of Florida for the first street race of the year. Then we take a southwestern turn, taking in another new event at Mexico City’s Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez to satisfy Pato O’Ward’s legion of fans. We can then pop back across the border for a return to Texas Motor Speedway, to take advantage of an essential sports market.

While I was chatting to McLaren Racing’s CEO Zak Brown at Toronto, I asked him what we were missing in terms of key markets, and one of his ideas was this: “I think we need to dial-up being more of a tech sport, so that’s west coast, so I think Sonoma as well as Laguna Seca and Long Beach. I don’t think that’s too much to ask.”

Colton Herta, Harding Racing Chevrolet, leading a pack at Sonoma

Photo by: Jake Galstad / Motorsport Images

So, let’s add Sonoma to the schedule as the first of a triple-header with Long Beach and Laguna. Add in some marketing around this ‘western swing’ and you just might get folks interested in attending all three of these classic tracks.

The mega Barber Motorsports Park keeps its spring date, but here’s another suggestion of Brown’s that I’m happy to include on my roster: “I’d love to see us in Denver. I think we need to get out of a few of the more rural markets, not all of them, to trade into bigger markets.”

Scott Dixon, Chip Ganassi Racing, racing in Denver

Photo by: Michael L. Levitt / Motorsport Images

Denver’s streets are no stranger to IndyCar, with CART racing there in 1990 and ’91, and then we enjoyed a five-year stint between 2002-’06. Let’s bring it back just ahead of the jewel in the crown, the Indianapolis 500, and who cares about the race on Indy’s road course that dilutes the majesty of the greatest oval race on the planet? Denver would be much more fun.

After such a run of races – we’re already at the midway point! – taking a toll on everyone involved in the sport, I’d grant a weekend off after Indy, before rolling through Detroit, St. Louis and Road America.

After a summer break, July would kick off with the fantastic Iowa weekend (hopefully with better racing thanks to a more weathered track surface) and then let’s make a double date out of IndyCar’s visit to Canada, pairing the brilliant Toronto street racing festival with a round at Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

Sebastien Bourdais leads the Champ Car field in Montreal

Photo by: Motorsport Images

I ran this one past Will Power , and he replied: “I'm always pushing for Montreal and we used to go to Edmonton too. They were always great, great races for us. So, start working on Montreal guys, like, get us to that track! That is right where we need to be.”

Then let’s get back to America’s heartlands and rekindle the round at Watkins Glen, in beautiful upstate New York, to lend a little northeast flavor that the schedule is otherwise lacking. Then, after a round at Milwaukee’s historic oval, let’s bring back another crowd favorite – which Brown is amped about being revived…

“I’d love to see something like the Burke Lakefront Airport in Cleveland again, but under lights this time,” he said. “Can you imagine that on a Saturday night?

“The fans can see everything, it’s a fairly inexpensive structure to set up, and I’d rather see us there than at Mid-Ohio, with all due respect to the history we’ve had there.”

Race start at Cleveland's Burke Lakefront Airport

Photo by: Steve Swope

Adding an airfield runway layout would just be another string to IndyCar’s bow, and I always remember that FedEx plane between the corners! The wide-open turns always invited some ambitious lunges (who can forget Jacques Villeneuve vs Robby Gordon?) and super racing.

Then, for the season finale, hopefully, by late 2026 we can reinstate Nashville’s street track layout, including stretches on its famous Broadway strip. That would be a tremendous way to conclude the season and give everyone the excuse to party afterwards.

Will Power, Team Penske Chevrolet, on the streets of Nashville

So there you have my ideal calendar, a 20-round championship featuring seven road courses, six ovals, six street events and one airport venue – with a nice variation across the season. Shown the exit door to make way for more interesting and relevant venues are Thermal, Indy’s road course, Mid-Ohio and Portland.

How about a Winter World Tour...

With an off-season that spans over five months, it leaves the door open for IndyCar to run some extra-curricular races. So why not take its show on a world tour?

An obvious place to start would be Japan. Title sponsor NTT Data is headquartered there, and engine supplier Honda just happens to own Motegi and Suzuka! Surely all it would take would be a logistics partner, like DHL, to pony up for the freight costs, and our show is on the road.

Helio Castroneves, Team Penske Dallara Honda, leads the Bridgestone Indy Japan 300 at Motegi

Photo by: Sutton Images

But where else? I asked Will Power for his thoughts on the topic and he replied: “We used to get a massive crowd in Brazil. That used to be a great place for us to go. When we used to go to Australia, we used to go to Japan, like all those places were big events.

“I don't know the financials behind it, if that's the reason we don't, or is it more of a TV thing? But I think they're kind of looking at that. I think they're always looking at different options.”

Having raced at an oval in Rio previously, IndyCar ran four races at a street track in Sao Paulo around the Anhembi Convention Center between 2010-’13. Portions of the circuit are now used by Formula E, and if it’s off the table then there’s always the option of racing at Interlagos.

Will Power leads Scott Dixon and Ryan Briscoe at Surfers Paradise

But the track that gets an “Awww yeah!” response from Power is mention of Surfers Paradise. While the 2.7-mile street track that IndyCar used from 1991 to 2008 has been neutered to 1.8 miles, it would still provide an epic flyaway to crown a Winter World Tour champion.

Let’s hope, under the visionary legend that is Roger Penske and his team’s relationship with race promoters, IndyCar’s horizons can be broadened in years to come.

NASCAR, IndyCar share Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Brickyard weekend

IndyCar and NASCAR share Indianapolis Motor Speedway from Aug. 11-13, 2023. All the Brickyard weekend action will take place on the 14-turn, 2.439-mile road course. Race winners in 2022 were Alexander Rossi (IndyCar), A.J. Allmendinger (NASCAR Xfinity) and Tyler Reddick (NASCAR Cup).

The IndyCar race will be 85 laps for 207.32 miles, shown on USA Network and Peacock, and heard on IndyCar Radio.

The Indy NXT race ‒ new to the weekend's action ‒ will be 35 laps for 85.37 miles, shown on Peacock and heard on IndyCar Radio.

The NASCAR Xfinity race will be 62 laps for 151.2 miles and shown on USA Network.

The NASCAR Cup race will be 82 laps for 200 miles and shown on NBC.

The NASCAR races will be carried on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network.

Auto racing FAQs: Is IndyCar the same as NASCAR?

IndyCar practice and qualifying

Friday, Aug. 11

IndyCar tickets : Prices start at $20

8 a.m. ET : Gates open

9-10:30 a.m. : IndyCar practice

11-11:50 a.m. : Indy NXT practice

12:30-2 p.m. : IndyCar qualifying

Silly season updates: Andretti Autosport is becoming a major player

2:20-2:40 p.m. : Indy NXT qualifying

4-4:30 p.m. : IndyCar practice

4:50-5:50 p.m. : Indy NXT race

IndyCar/NASCAR Xfinity doubleheader

Saturday, Aug. 12

IndyCar/NASCAR tickets : Prices range from $40-$175

7 a.m. ET : Gates open

9:35-10:05 a.m. : NASCAR Xfinity practice

10:05-11 a.m. : NASCAR Xfinity qualifying

11:35 a.m.-12:35 p.m. : NASCAR Cup practice

12:35-1:30 p.m. : NASCAR Cup qualifying

International drivers: Who is Shane van Gisbergen and NASCAR hopefuls?

They have an edge: 14 NASCAR Cup drivers to watch on Speedway road course

2 p.m. : IndyCar race

5:30 p.m. : NASCAR Xfinity race

NASCAR Cup race

Sunday, Aug. 13

NASCAR Cup tickets : Prices range from $40-$175

10 a.m. : Gates open

2:30 p.m. : NASCAR Cup race

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Reserved seat ticket prices, indianapolis 500 presented by gainbridge.

There are many different options for seating for the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. View our list below with details and pricing. Ticket prices are subject to change.

Taylor Swift's Indianapolis Eras Tour shows drive record hotel, short-term rental demand

Four months out from the final concerts of Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour , short-term rentals and hotel vacancies are nearly booked for her stop in Indianapolis at the start of November, as out-of-town fans comprise the majority of ticket holders .

In the midst of a potentially record-breaking year for the city's tourism, Indianapolis hotels and short-term rentals have had extremely high demand throughout the year because of large one-off events such as the NBA All-Star Game in February, the total solar eclipse in April and the Olympic Swim Trials in June.

But no event in 2024 will bring as many visitors to Indy as the hundreds of thousands of Swifties, who will descend upon the city in November for three nights of sold-out shows at Lucas Oil Stadium .

Hotel rooms across the city are virtually sold out for that weekend at prices three times higher than those in 2023, said Chris Gahl, executive vice president of Visit Indy.

“We know 87% of those clutching a ticket to step inside Lucas Oil Stadium for the concerts are from outside the [metropolitan area,] another strong tourism indicator," Gahl said.

Short-term rental bookings are up 207% compared to last year during the same weekend, Gahl said.

The Circle City has seen a 7,000% surge in searches year-over-year for Airbnb short-term rentals during the first weekend in November, according to an Airbnb report on the impact of Swift's concerts . In comparison, Airbnb recorded a 2,000% surge in Indianapolis for the solar eclipse.

Search surges give an idea of how many people are considering a trip to a city during a specific date range. Airbnb does not track booking or occupancy rates due to a potential influx of supply as dates get closer. Plus, most short-term rentals can be cancelled just a few days before a stay.

How it happened: Indianapolis lands Taylor Swift second Eras swing in 2024

The statistics show the strength of Swiftie "passion tourism" that drives fans to travel to great lengths to see their favorite performer. Thousands of Americans have traveled to see Swift play in Europe, where tickets tend to be cheaper and more accessible, said Haven Thorn, a spokesperson for Airbnb.

"These are folks that are more interested in the 'what' than the 'where,' and they're traveling for Taylor Swift," Thorn said. "And Americans accounted for more than a third of all the bookings on Airbnb in Europe during her tour."

All three of Swift's Indianapolis shows at Lucas Oil, which can hold nearly 70,000 people, sold out almost immediately, meaning upwards of 200,000 fans will be in attendance over the course of the weekend for Swift's last concert in the United States.

Indianapolis' search surge is 14 times higher than it has been for rentals in Miami, which saw a 500 percent increase in searches during the weekend Swift will perform in October and twice as high as the surge for the final 2024 dates in Vancouver.

Hotel rooms going for more than $500 a night for Swift concert weekend

The frenzy of visitors booking stays for the concerts has created headaches for even the most meticulously planned trips by Swifties.

Gracie Smith already saw Taylor Swift live last year and the 25-year-old from Atlanta knew she had to see Swift again when she announced more U.S. stops at the end of 2024.

After persuading her sister, cousin and aunt to accompany her to Indianapolis, Smith searched for hotels that were close enough to walk to the stadium, as the group would not have a car over the weekend, and eventually settled on a room at the Sheraton downtown. They booked it for $457 per night, more than Smith's initial budget.

Then in January, the group's room was spontaneously cancelled and a review of bank statements showed no charge was ever attempted for the room.

Scrambling, Smith and her relatives called the hotel every day for a month in search of an explanation. Eventually, Marriott offered them a room at another Marriott-owned hotel, the Courtyard Marriott near Victory Field.

Their new room was roughly $120 more per night, making their nightly hotel cost almost $600. Smith said she has seen firsthand how prices to see Swift have soared since her last tour in 2018, when Smith traveled to Dallas for a concert.

"We thought that it was expensive in 2018, but now we look back at it and think 'Dang, we really should have taken advantage of it," she said.

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How much would going to a Taylor Swift concert cost?

Any out-of-town fans scoring last minute tickets and travel will face limited options and hefty prices for lodging, though there is still some availability.

On Tuesday, Airbnb search results showed the cheapest price for a two-night stay that November weekend at $188 for a private room in a residence and more than $400 for an entire unit in or near Indianapolis.

Meanwhile, the cheapest hotel room for two people is more than $500 per night after fees, based on prices pulled from an Expedia search on Tuesday.

Currently, the cheapest concert tickets are at least $2,000 apiece on ticket resale sites.

Alysa Guffey covers retail growth and development as well as the economy for IndyStar. Contact her at [email protected]. Follow her on X: @AlysaGuffeyNews