The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has announced that the 104th Indianapolis 500 on Sunday 23th of August will allow spectators with a maximum of 25 percent of their capacity. Face coverings will be required for all attendees.
The IMS has prepared a detailed, nearly 100-page plan that provides guidelines and protocols for how the race will be run this year. The plan will be released publicly Wednesday, July 22 ahead of a conference call with the Speedway officials.
“In June, we announced the race was on and that attendance would be limited to no more than 50 percent of capacity,” said Penske Entertainment Corp. President & CEO Mark 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.”
Safety precautions
The Indy 500 officials have made clear that this race will have multiple safety precautions. They will start with the reassignment of the seats to make sure that there is enough distance between the spectators. There will be required use of mask, required use of hand sanitizer for anybody who enters. There will also be a temperature check before you can enter. Lastly changes throughout the facility to minimize lines and gathering spots, including limiting options from concession stands to mostly pre-packaged foods. Numerous other changes will also be in place.
“We look forward to welcoming fans back to the 500 in person. Our outdoor facility is mammoth, and with attendance of about 25 percent, it will certainly look different this year,” said Miles. “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.”
What do you think
What do you think about spectators at the racing tracks? Are we good to go, or is it still a bit too soon? Let us know in the comments.
