I love sitting at the entrance to turn 3.

-Not as packed as other sections as they're some of the last seats to fill.
-You can see half the track from there (from turn 2 exit to turn 4 exit) which is as good as you're going to get at Indianapolis.
-There's a big TV screen in the infield opposite you that allows you to see what's going on in the frontstretch and pits.

My first,and thus far only, 500 in '10,we sat 4 rows up in the middle of turn 4. Was able to see from turn 3 to turn 1. Also went to Anderson the night before for the Little 500! Still haven't decided which I enjoyed more!

glad i could help, and believe me all these other suggestions are great, there is a ton to do locally the days before the race. Another suggestion, and this depends on where you're staying in town, and that's the Night Before the 500 at IRP in Cleremont (west side), or the Little 500 in Anderson (northeast). With traffic the way it is locally that weekend, it makes a big difference what direction you go to the races. One other event that just started last year and that is the Indy 500 Memorabilia Show, held on the grounds in the Pagoda Plaza early Saturday morning, you will see racing memorabilia at that show that belongs in museums, and all FREE admission. Also on the Pagoda Plaza that morning is all 33 starters signing autographs, a huge car show and tons of displays to entertain race fans that might not be going downtown for the parade. The Speedway wanted to do something special for the race fan that is camped out locally and not wanting to travel to events. Like i said, last year was the first year for this show and it was HUGE. Hope this helps, i'll also be in touch about a parking spot for race day, according to where your seats are, you can't get much closer than my house. bob

I don't mean to hijack this thread, but the memorabilia show in the infield of The Speedway is well worth the effort to see. We walked over to it last year and it was a really nice deal.

Question: Do they still have the racing memorabilia show/sale on the Indiana State Fairgrounds in the Pioneer Pavilion just off of turn 1 of the Indy Mile? We went to that deal a few years ago when Paul Goldsmith was there, along with a couple other drivers.

...and I still say, the start of the Indy 500 is almost as cool as the start of the Little 500.

Lots of ideas posted here. Thanks for all the suggestions. I only wish I could be there for the whole week and really take in the complete experience. Unfortunately, my buddy Bo who's coming with me is still employed and has limited vacation time available. So we've planned to leave Kansas when he gets off work Friday afternoon, and driving part way. The plan has been to head directly to Anderson for the Little 500.

But now you've persuaded me that the parade is definitely worth seeing. So I'm going to try to convince Bo to take Friday off so we can leave earlier. The reserved seating for the parade seems like a good idea to me. Is it a hassle getting in and out of downtown and finding parking? How early should one plan to be there? And is there enough time after the parade to get to Anderson before things get rolling there? I think we may try to stay somewhere between Anderson and Indy Saturday night, then get up early Sunday morning to get to the Speedway.

Well, lots of questions for a first-timer. I should have started this discussion weeks ago. I probably would have insisted on leaving earlier and taking in more of the festivites. Oh well, at least you've got me thinking about next year already. HARFprez, I wish we'd had this conversation earlier. I did go ahead and buy a parking pass when I bought our race tickets. I'm sure we'll have a half-mile hike to get to the track. Don't know if you could have improved on that, but thanks anyway.

Thanks again for all the suggestions. I can't believe I've waited so long to go to the 500. I have such fond memories of the weeks leading up to the race as a boy, completely absorbed in everything in the newspaper that was related to the race. I can still recall the thrill of race day, listening to the voices of Sid Collins and the other announcers, especially describing the parade laps, as the mic was passed from one to another all the way around the track. What a thrill it was for this little race fan, as I'm sure it was for thousands of race fans around the country.

Good luck and be safe BC!

KDF, 500 Festival Parade traffic and parking is somewhat of a hassle but not unbearable, to be sure.

You'll want to be in the parade area no less than 1 hour prior to step off, which is Noon Eastern Daylight Time. If you can be there any earlier that would be good.

Most, if not all, municipal and private parking lots in the parade area will sell you a parking spot. Don't remember what they charged but it doesn't ring a bell that it was excessive. Keep your eyes peeled, you may get lucky and find a spot on the street.

Getting up to Anderson for the Little 500 from the parade shouldn't be a problem. The parade should be completed by 3:00-3:30 P.M. at the latest and Anderson is only 'bout 40 miles from downtown Indianapolis. The Little 500 doesn't go green 'till 8:00 P.M.

Remember, Indiana is on Eastern Daylight Time.

Have a great time!! We'll be wandering around The Speedway somewhere on Saturday. We camp on the old railroad right of way on Crawfordsville Rd. near where Crawfordsville and West 16th St. intersect by turn one of The Speedway and the "festivities" really kick in to high gear in that area on the Saturday afternoon prior to The 500.

They had both shows last year, not sure what is planned for next month.

steiny

Last year was my first trip to the 500. I was able to hit most of the topics above. Watched it rain at THAT on Thursday. Went to Carb day and the museum Friday during the day. Went to the Fairgrounds to watch the silver crown cars Friday night. Went to the parade Saturday and ORP Saturday night. Watched the race on Sunday and was able to make such good time out of the track that I went to Kokomo Sunday night.

As a rookie, this is what I noticed. Rain outs stink no matter where you are at. The Indy museum is a must see. This was my second time to the museum, and I was still impressed. I was glad to watch the Silver crown cars race on the mile track because I never seen a Silver Crown race or a mile dirt track. However, it was probably the least enjoyable race of the weekend. The parade was a lot of fun. A reserved seat is a must. I had no idea where I was going to park for the parade, but there was a ton of parking downtown. Parking was not an issue. Getting away from the parade was a little exciting. The parade route takes up a lot of the down town streets. Thus, my GPS was trying to take me down streets that I could not go. I eventually was able to get past all of the parade route and then the GPS took me through a part of Indy that I did not want to see. It was good to go to ORP because I always like watched the Thursday Night Thunder shows. The traffic getting to the race on Sunday was crazy. I just followed the crowd and hoped for the best. I ended up at a high/middle school somewhere close to the track. I had to walk forever to get to the track, but it was nice because they opened up the school restrooms before and after the race. It also made for an easier get away. The races at Kokomo were also a lot of fun. It was fun to see so many people at a local short track.

Good luck and hope for some good weather.

Jonr, that sounds like the way to do it. Maybe next year I can start planning a little earlier and try to take in more of the many things the week has to offer. I have to consider though, that driving 600-700 miles (one way) isn't exactly a casual trip for me any more. I have to plan and budget for it. Plus I have to factor in my desire to come back in 3 weeks for Midget Week. That's a first for me this year also, and I'll have to do that one by myself, with no one to share the cost. OK, that's probably more information than you wanted. Indiana race fans, you're blessed to live where you have so many options relatively close at hand.

Thanks for the good luck wishes. I'm betting on good weather for the weekend, and I know I'll enjoy myself.