Headed to the Indy 500? Don't bring these things to IMS. Here's what is and isn't allowed
If you're headed to the Indy 500 to watch the greatest spectacle in racing Sunday, you might need a refresher on what is and isn't allowed at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Some things like snacks and refreshments are OK. Not everything goes, through. No glass containers are allowed. And some carts and wagons that are typically allowed at IMS aren't on Indy 500 race day.
Here's what to know about what you can and can't bring to IMS. Remember, the general rule to keep in mind at the Indy 500 is this: if it can obstruct someone's view of the race, leave it at home.
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No, leave the aerosol cans at home. Sunscreen, however, is alright. Just be careful where you spray it.
No, the Indy 500 race track is incredibly loud and could terrify your pet. The only animals allowed are service animals trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability.
Bicycles are prohibited and should be parked at Gates 1, 6 and 9.
Yes, you can bring those with you to the track at IMS.
Sure, camelbacks are fine. Bonus: They leave your hands free to hold more hot dogs.
You can bring your a tripods or monopod with you to IMS so long as they do not cause a safety hazard or obstruct the view of others. However, camera stands are not allowed within the grandstands or concert areas.
You can bring carts and wagons to IMS, but there are limitations. They're allowed every day except Sunday during the Indy 500. Collapsible carts and wagons are OK, but are restricted in some areas.
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You can bring cash with you to the Indy 500, but it won't do you much good. IMS is a cashless facility. Have a debit or credit card ready to make any purchases.
Coolers and bags are allowed at IMS. Pack plenty of refreshments so long as your drinks aren't in glass containers. Your cooler can be hard or soft-sided. However, it cannot be larger than 18'x15'x15.'
No, absolutely not. While it would make for an awesome crowd shot, drones are not allowed at IMS.
No, leave the fireworks to the professionals and do not bring them to the race track.
No, they could obstruct the view of the people who want to watch the race.
You can have a flag but it can't obstruct the view of other people there. Note: Flags are not allowed within concert areas.
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Food and drinks are permitted in most areas at IMS. Water, soft drinks, wine and beer are OK so long as they're in plastic or aluminum cans.
No, glass containers are prohibited. Keep your liquids in aluminum cans or plastic containers.
No, golf carts as well as ATVs, scooters, minibikes, roller blades, skateboards, skates, pogo sticks and hover boards are prohibited.
Really? Are you doing a PowerPoint presentation during the Indy 500? Weird. Also prohibited. Laser pointers aren't allowed at IMS.
Seriously? No, you can't have that stuff at the Indy 500.
Marijuana is illegal in Indiana. You cannot smoke it at the Indy 500. To avoid an unscheduled tour of the Marion County Community Justice Campus, do not bring illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia to the race.
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Mobility devices are fine, but guests are responsible for securing them when left unattended. IMS also reserves the right to prohibit any mobility device based upon safety considerations.
IMS doesn't allow obscene or offensive material on clothing; you could be turned away at the gate. Flags, signs and banners with offensive materials aren't allowed either.
Personal and non-commercial photo and video cameras are allowed at IMS. However, video cameras and audio recording equipment are not allowed within the concert areas.
No, scaffolding and platforms are not allowed. If you want a better view of the race, you'll need to buy the right tickets.
Leave the selfie stick at home. Those aren't allowed at IMS.
Yes, service animals trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability are allowed. Regular pets, however, are not.
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Yes and no. Smoking, which includes electronic cigarettes, vaporizers or similar products, is prohibited in the IMS seating areas, grandstands and infield viewing mounds.
If you need to smoke, you'll have to do it 20 feet away from any buildings, seating entrances and infield viewing mounds.
Don't do it. Soliciting for goods, materials, services or ticket scalping isn't allowed.
No, absolutely not. Stickers are a pain for IMS personnel to scrape off. Please show them consideration.
Little tykes with little legs can be pushed around on strollers except in the concert pit and VIP areas. You can bring a lawn chair or folding camping chair to IMS. However, regular-height lawn and folding chairs are not allowed in the concert pit or VIP areas.
Just no. You can't have any trampolines at IMS. That also goes for any kiddie-sized swimming pools. Leave them at home.
Yes, you can bring an umbrella to shield yourself from rain or sunshine, but your umbrella can't obstruct the view of others at the Indy 500.
Absolutely not. Weapons of any type, including knives, firearms and ammunition are strictly prohibited.
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Remember: Anything else not mentioned above that could pose a safety hazard or diminish the enjoyment of the Indy 500 for other guests might be refused at the discretion of security and management.
These items are subject to change without notice, according to IMS, whose personnel won't secure or hold onto any prohibited guests might bring. You also can't leave prohibited items at or around the gates; they'll be removed and thrown away.
John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com. Find him on BlueSky at JohnWritesStuff.
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