Coronavirus: Indy 500 officials drop fan attendance down to only 25% amid virus concerns

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Officials revised spectator attendance down from 50% to 25% for the upcoming Indianapolis 500.

In an announcement Tuesday, officials said they will be limiting the speedway to 25% capacity for the race which has been rescheduled from May 24 to Aug. 23 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the largest outdoor sporting venue in the world and can hold approximately 350,000 fans. Tuesday’s change will bring capacity down to just over 87,000 seats.

“Our outdoor facility is mammoth and with attendance of about 25% it will certainly look different this year,” said Mark Miles, President and CEO of Penske Entertainment Corp. “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.”

Spectators will also be required to wear a mask or face covering and seating will be arranged to ensure social distancing.

Miles said the speedway has offered credits to anyone who has purchased tickets but no longer wants to attend the race. IMS is also encouraging fans over 65 to skip the race, will limit attendance in the infield and reduce suite seating.

He said IMS will not penalize fans who choose not to attend on their 2021 ticket renewals.

“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,” Miles said.

Tickets for the race will not be sold after Friday.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Cox Media Group