The Indianapolis 500 isn’t just an auto race. It’s an iconic event that belongs on the Mount Rushmore of American sports events alongside The Masters, U.S. Open Tennis, and the Super Bowl.
For more than a century, the Indy 500 has been the world’s most iconic auto race. While more than 350,000 fans descend upon Indianapolis each May, a select group experiences the race in a very different way. They bypass traffic, watch the race from private suites overlooking the front straight, mingle with team owners and drivers, and enjoy some of the Midwest’s finest hospitality.
The Indianapolis 500 is the culmination of a month-long celebration of speed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It is also an opportunity to immerse oneself in motorsport’s greatest traditions while enjoying a level of access and exclusivity that few spectators ever experience.
Here’s how to do the Indy 500 properly.
The Only Way to Arrive
Whether you own or charter, the easiest way to get to Indianapolis is by flying directly into Indianapolis Executive Airport (TYQ) on the north side of the city, or Indianapolis International Airport (IND) which features exceptional FBO facilities operated by Signature Aviation and MillionAir. Many attendees arrive on Thursday afternoon, spend the weekend in Indianapolis, and depart Sunday evening after the race.
Anyone who has attended the Indianapolis 500 knows that race-day traffic can be as legendary as the race. Many veteran Indy insiders consider helicopter transportation the single greatest luxury upgrade available during race weekend. Sweet Helicopters is the official VIP Partner of IMS, offering transfers from downtown to the infield just inside turn two where golf carts are waiting to take you to your seats.
The Suite Life
Private suites at Indianapolis Motor Speedway represent the pinnacle of race-day hospitality. The most coveted options include the Turn 2 VIP Suites, Tower Terrace Suites, and the Hulman Terrace Suites, which are only available on season long leases. Leasing one of these suites gets you anywhere from 30-80 tickets (depending on the size of the suite) to practice, qualifying, and race day to every event held at the speedway.
The Gasoline Alley Suites are available for month of May rental and include 80 tickets to the IndyCar Grand Prix on the IMS road course, and all Indy 500 practices, qualifying days, and race day events. They also include pit, garage, and grid access. These premium hospitality areas provide climate-controlled comfort, gourmet catering, premium bars, private restrooms, and exceptional views of the action. In addition, you also get 8 rounds of golf on the Brickyard course as well as four coveted Silver Badges.
Achieving Unprecedented Access
Pre-race grid access is among the most valuable credentials available at the Speedway. These passes allow holders onto pit lane and the starting grid before the race, providing unmatched proximity to drivers, team personnel, and race cars as the world’s largest single-day sporting event prepares to begin. The two best ways to gain access are via a suite lease or sponsoring one of the entrants in the race.
There are a number of sponsorship tiers for the Indy 500 and costs range widely. If you want to be the main sponsor for a top tier team, the cost could run from $2M – $4M. Associate sponsorships usually start around $25,000 and often include VIP hospitality, garage tours, driver meet and greets, and more.
Stay Where The Teams Stay
The Conrad remains the gold standard for luxury accommodations in Indianapolis. Located in the heart of downtown, the property offers spacious suites, personalized service, and convenient access to the city’s dining and entertainment districts.
The largest luxury hotel in the city, the JW Marriott serves as a gathering place for race teams, sponsors, and corporate guests. Its modern design, excellent restaurants, and panoramic city views make it one of the most sought-after properties during race week.
For guests seeking a more boutique experience, The Bottleworks Hotel has quickly become one of the hottest luxury destinations in the Midwest. Housed within a beautifully restored Art Deco Coca-Cola bottling facility, it combines history, style, and exceptional service.
The Best Places to Refuel
No restaurant is more synonymous with Indianapolis than St. Elmo.
Open since 1902, St. Elmo’s Steakhouse has hosted racing legends, business leaders, celebrities, and U.S. presidents. The restaurant’s famous shrimp cocktail has become a rite of passage for first-time visitors. Race week reservations are among the hardest dining bookings in the city.
For contemporary fine dining, Vida is Indianapolis’ premier destination. Its tasting menus, extensive wine program, and elegant atmosphere make it the preferred choice for sophisticated diners seeking a more modern culinary experience.
Salt on Mass is a non-steakhouse alternative that still delivers a world-class dining experience during Indy 500 weekend, It specializes in premium seafood flown in daily from around the world. The restaurant is particularly known for its oyster program, fresh fish selections, elegant presentations, and sophisticated wine list.
The Finish Line
The Indianapolis 500 remains one of the few major global sporting events where extraordinary access is still attainable.
Unlike Formula One’s increasingly exclusive paddocks or the security barriers surrounding major international sporting events, IndyCar retains a uniquely personal culture. With the right planning, affluent attendees can move seamlessly from private aviation to helicopter transfers, from luxury suites to the starting grid, and from intimate driver meetings to world-class dining.
It is one of the finest VIP sporting experiences in the world, combining American motorsport heritage, exceptional hospitality, and access that money alone cannot always buy.
