2025 Indianapolis 500: How to pack for the track

INDIANAPOLIS — The 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 is fast-approaching, and knowing how to pack for the track is vital for those attending the event.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has lists of permitted and prohibited items on its website.

Here are some of the notable items spectators are allowed to bring to the track on race day:

• Binoculars
• Headsets
• Camera stands
• Collapsible carts and wagons
• Coolers
• Flags
• Food and beverages
• Mobility aid and other medical devices
• Service animals
• Strollers
• Lawn chairs
• Umbrellas
• Personal photo and video cameras

It is critical for fans to know that there are limitations attached to some of the items permitted inside IMS. Coolers may be no larger than 18″ x 15″ x 15,” and beverages in glass containers are not allowed inside IMS.

Additionally, while permitted at the track, lawn chairs, strollers, folding chairs, personal cameras and flags may not be brought inside Concert Pit and certain VIP areas.

Similarly, flags and umbrellas are allowed inside IMS, however, they must not obstruct other spectators’ view of the race.

Perhaps even longer than the list of permitted items is the list of items fans are not allowed to bring to IMS:

• Aerosol cans
• Non-service animals
• Bicycles
• Drones or unmanned aerial systems
• Fireworks
• Flares
• Flagpoles
• Golf carts
• ATVs
• Scooters
• Minibikes
• Roller blades
• Skateboards
• Pogo sticks
• Hover boards
• Lasers
• Scaffolding or platforms
• Selfie sticks
• Stickers
• Trampolines
• Swimming pools
• Guns
• Knives

Certain exceptions are in place on some prohibited items. For instance, aerosol cans containing sunscreen are allowed inside IMS.