SPEEDWAY, Ind. β Thousands of people are pouring into the city for events surrounding the Indianapolis 500, and experts say this is the perfect time to start making your travel plans for Race Day.
Before you get to see the cars racing around the track, there's the question of getting to Indianapolis Motor Speedway. IMPD said it's essential that you plan ahead.
"Know your route, know where you're going to park. All these things are important," IMPD Sgt. Anthony Patterson said. "They are crucial to make sure you get there on time and get there safely so you can see all the events. We don't want you stuck in traffic if you can avoid it. Pack patience."
On Race Day, fans should expect to encounter road closures. IMS President Doug Boles said they've already sold out of parking, so he suggests fans come prepared with parking plans.
"It really is important for people to come early, especially if they've never been before, because there's so many people trying to get to one location," Boles said.
To make sure fans have a fun and safe time, IMPD says it's all-hands-on-deck this weekend, and race fans should expect to see a large police presence, including at practically every intersection from downtown Indianapolis to the track.
"We've adjusted our staffing to make sure we have ample officers for security and protection to make sure our citizens are safe in and around the track, downtown Indianapolis and, more importantly, the neighborhoods," Patterson said. "You will not see a service interruption in your neighborhoods. If you call 911, you will absolutely get an officer, just like any other time."
To help get people through the gate faster, IMS is using a system called Open Gate. It's a weapons detector that allows fans to walk through without requiring them to take anything out of their pockets.
And regardless of how watch the race and how you celebrate it, officers want you to do it responsibly.
"Have a designated driver," Patterson said. "Friend, family, utilize rideshare apps to make sure you get home safely and responsibly."
To help keep people safe over the holiday weekend, Sober Ride Indiana is offering a discount on rides.
βThe Memorial Day weekend ushers in a season of activities, including the Indianapolis 500,β said Jim Bryan, traffic safety director for the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. βWe encourage people to plan for a sober ride if they choose to drink at any of these events, or any other day of the year.β
Sober Ride Indiana is offering $10 off Uber and Lyft rides from May 24-27.
Up to 1,000 redemptions are available each day.
Ride credits are only available between 5 p.m. and 3 a.m. the following day.
To get the $10 credit, visit SoberRideIndiana.com. Click on "Redeem Ride Credits," and follow the instructions for the chosen ride service.
Having the code does not guarantee the availability of the credit, and does not cover charges exceeding $10 or tips.