Inside INdiana Business is reporting that the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is again reducing the number of fans who will be able to attend the 104th running of the Indianapolis 500 next month. The Speedway says attendance for the race will be approximately 25%, down from 50% announced last month, and all fans will be required to wear face coverings.
Additionally, IMS says ticket sales will not be permitted after July 24 in an effort to further limit the number of people attending the race.
The mask requirement is one of several safety precautions being implemented at the track, including the reassignment of seats to accommodate social distancing, distribution of hand sanitizer to all who enter IMS on race day, temperature checks in order to enter, and changes throughout the Speedway to minimize lines and gathering spots.
“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. chief executive officer 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.”
IMS says it has prepared a nearly 100-page plan that will provide guidelines and protocols for how the race will be run. The plan will be released to the public on Wednesday.
In March, IMS and INDYCAR officials announced the postponement of the Indy 500 and the GMR Grand Prix due to COVID-19 concerns. The grand prix was held over the Fourth of July weekend, while the 500 is currently scheduled to take place August 23.