Indy 500 Still Plans to Race Next Month but They Just Reduced Fan Capacity

The 104th running of the Indianapolis 500 has been scheduled for Sunday, August 23. The original plan set back in June would have the race happening with 50% fan capacity. However, as we all know, it doesn’t seem like anything is a lock these days. Instead, COVID-19 analysis seems to be changing with the weather. While many thought that we would have some sort of deep understanding of the virus at this point in time, that really doesn’t look like it’s the case.

With that, IndyCar has dialed back its attendance to just a 25% capacity race in order to adapt to the conditions. In addition, all attendees will be required to wear a face covering. At the end of the day, this is a step forward as all sorts of sporting events are coming back from being put on hold.

Breaking911 delivered a statement from Penske Entertainment Corp.’s President and CEO, Mark Miles: “In June, we announced the race was on and that attendance would be limited to no more than 50 percent of capacity,” said Miles. “We also made clear we intended to do things differently this year. By offering credits to fans who had previously purchased tickets, encouraging those over 65 to stay at home, limiting attendance in the infield, reducing tickets in our suites and promising fans their decision to not attend would not impact their seniority or right to renew tickets for 2021, we now anticipate attendance at approximately 25 percent of capacity. 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.”

The sport seems excited to bring back fans to see racing in person once again. As the facilities for their races are generally rather large and outdoors, it would seem as if they would be the safest to host a gathering. However, with the current state of affairs, it’s still something that is being monitored rather carefully.

With just over a month until the green flag waves, we can’t be 100% sure that this plan will stay in place. With the unpredictable nature of current events, we could be COVID free by then or entirely in lockdown. Who really knows anymore?

FAST FORWARD: 103rd Running of the Indianapolis 500