I'm planning on making my first visit to the 500 this year, and am searching for tickets. I prefer something toward turn 1. If anyone has tickets, or knows of someone with tickets, please PM me and we'll go from there. Thanks.

Have you tried the speedway?

I have, but they're not showing me anything within the desired area. Am I being picky? Probably, but I might as well try to maximize the experience by sitting in my preferred location.

Wait until May, if you dont find something here on the board then there will be thousands on sale on the street the week or day of the race. Scalping is legal in Indiana. If you wait until just before the race you can get some under face value. Good year to come, its looking like one of our own may end up with a ride

I've had that option proposed to me, but I'd sure like to go there with tickets in hand, rather than hope to get a couple where I'd like to be. And yeah, one of the main reasons I want to go this year is to hopefully get to see BC run.

the Speedway does have an amazing "viewable" ticket sales website, where you can type in any (available) grandstand and seat location and this website will show you the view from those seats. It also will give you multiple choices on your favorite seats. I figure you have already tried all these, and so the best thing I can offer is to make a call to the ticket office (1-800-822-INDY). The ladies they have working the counter are extremely helpfull and very friendly, they will spend time with you to try & make you a happy customer, they like return business. Hope this helps, bob.

I took your advice, HARFprez, and bought tickets from the speedway. I just decided this was the prudent way to proceed. I didn't get exactly the location I wanted, but it's pretty close, and I'm sure it will be an experience I won't soon forget just the same. And you're right, the ticket office representative was very helpful. Thanks for the advice.

Now it is time to get the tickets for the parade.

That's a great idea. It hadn't even crossed my mind. I'll look into it. Thanks.

Jonr makes a good suggestion regarding the parade. We've done the parade a few times over the years and it's something to consider doing, especially if you're not expecting to make The 500 an annual trip.

We've watched the parade both ways. By that I mean we've bought reserve tickets and we've also viewed the parade from the sidewalk in an area where they don't charge to watch.

There again, whether or not you're going to make it an annual might sway your decision on buying reserve tickets or not. If it's a one and done situation you might want to experience the reserved seating deal.

Either way it's the same parade and a really neat way to spend the Saturday afternoon before The 500.

Also, be advised to be sure to get to your seats early prior to The 500. The pre-race ceremonies are a must see for everyone, but especially so for a "first timer".

If you're coming over early, like on Thursday prior to The 500, you might also think about stopping at Terre Haute for the Hulman Classic USAC Sprint Car show and also taking in the Hoosier Hundred USAC Silver Crown show on the Indiana State Fairgrounds Mile on Friday night. We do both when they aren't rained out and they're both well worth the time, money and effort. The Night Before the 500 out at ORP or the Little 500 up at Anderson is also a great way to spend the Saturday night before the big race. Any or all of those deals makes for a real nice lead up to The 500.