Growing up in Indianapolis, I have many memories of days spent at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It is even where I ended up meeting my husband for the first time, during the Legends Day concert of 2016. Whether you are looking to attend the Indianapolis 500 or any of the events surrounding at the track.
From an early age, combined with my Type A, Enneagram 1, eldest daughter personality, I have always found extreme pleasure in packing, especially packing for a day at the track. Through the years, I have found some things that are essential to pack to have a successful day at the track.
Sun Protection
- Not just the spray kind. The spray will blow away; ask me how I know. Lotion sunscreen will be your best friend. Don’t skimp on the SPF. Ensure you have plenty on hand to reapply to all exposed areas frequently.
- Facial sunscreen, I always bring a separate sunscreen for my face to reduce irritation.
- Don’t forget protection for your lips as well; a good lip balm with SPF will be important.
Attire
- Hats or headcoverings—something to keep the sun off your scalp and the sun out of your eyes—have fun with this one—the racetrack is full of crazy fashion.
- Sunglasses – this might be obvious for some, but you can never be too careful.
- Comfortable and breathable clothing are a must. It might be chilly in the morning if you plan to arrive early, but it will get warm, very warm. Again, the outfits you see at the track are on another level. You can get festive, or you can opt for simple, but make sure you are comfortable.
- Extra clothes: Personally, this is a must for me. After being at the track all day, sometimes I just need clean clothes to ride home in. This can also be beneficial if it decides to rain.
- Comfortable shoes are a must. I cannot stress this enough. The walk to the track could be a mile easily, and if you walk around inside the track, it will add up quickly. It might not seem like much at first glance, but the track itself is 2.5 miles long, and getting around inside is limited to certain entrance and exit points if you go from the outside stands to the infield area. Don’t forget that walk back to your vehicle, either.
Washcloths
- Water-soaked and frozen washcloths or cooling towels packed in a Ziplock bag. These will feel amazing on your skin as the afternoon sun hits its peak and you are roasting in the stands.
- Having some clean, dry washcloths on hand is also not a bad idea.
- Baby wipes – you never know what you might need them for, but you know you always do.
Electronics
- Portable cellphone charger: There is nowhere to charge your phone, and on a busy day, it always seems to drain the battery faster.
- A portable fan is a must. You can even get ones that go around your neck for a hands-free option.
Ear Protection
- Depending on how close you are to the track, you might want earplugs. If you are coming to the track with small children, noise-canceling headphones are a must.
Strollers
- If you are bringing young children to the track, you will likely want something to transport them in. Strollers are allowed at the track pre-race day and on race day; however, if you have seats in the stands, you will have to park your stroller under the stands. Wagons (collapsible only) are only allowed during pre-race day events. Bonus: You can use the stroller to transport packed items.
Miscellaneous
- Newspaper: Every year, on the day of the race, the Indianapolis Star prints out pictures of all the drivers. If you are not familiar with all the drivers, a fun way to engage the family in the day is to cut out the photos and pick who you think will win.
- Poncho: If you bring a small packable poncho, it won’t rain, but if you forget it, it will rain—it’s Murphy’s Law. Worst case, you are prepared if it does, because there are very few covered areas.
- Seat Cushions: You can rent these on site if they have them left; however, if you frequently attend youth sporting events, you might already have these on hand. A seat cushion will help salvage your back on the metal stands and help stake your seat if you have a space invader sitting next to you. Is it passive-aggressive, maybe, but also necessary, in my opinion.
Coolers
- Backpack coolers are an easy and efficient way to pack food and drinks for the track. Bonus is that it will get lighter as you eat and drink your way through the track.
- If you don’t plan on walking around the track the whole time, there are many cooler options on wheels, however remember, unless you have a tailgate spot in the track, anything you bring, you carry around with you the whole time. There are also size restrictions in place on how long and where you can bring your cooler sometimes too.
Food
- Snacks: Something about watching racecars and snacking just seems to go hand in hand. Get creative, but also remember the heat and what you can handle best. I always try to pack a mixture of not just chips/crackers but also fruits and veggies.
- Sandwiches, personally, I opt for mayo-free sandwiches for track days, but you do you. Utilizing buns over bread seems to hold up better to being packed in a cold cooler, and carbs don’t matter on carb day.
- Some people will swear by fried chicken at the track. This has never been a personal go-to for me, but if you want this to be your tradition, don’t forget the baby wipes mentioned above.
- Don’t forget snacks for the ride home – you will be hungry, or maybe that is just me, but that sandwich on the way home always hits different.
- Ensure packaging is durable and waterproof; there is nothing more devastating than a soggy sandwich or chips that are nothing but crumbs.
Drinks
- It is critical to remember that absolutely no glass is allowed at the track. Other than that, it is fair game. You are welcome to bring whatever you would like.
- Remember to pace yourself if you are planning to drink; make sure you have a mix of non-alcoholic drinks to keep you hydrated as well.
- Don’t forget a can koozie or multiple. Personally, I usually bring various sizes for tall skinny cans, something that fits a water bottle, something for standard cans, and something that just fits the mood.
Ice
- Don’t waste space on plastic ice packs—freeze water bottles so you can drink them as the day goes on. Then, your cooler will be lighter as the day progresses. Do make sure you have some unfrozen water packed as well. Sometimes, that ice will take a while to melt as you are melting in the sun.
- If you pack loose ice, double-check that your cooler is watertight. I have seen many people with dripping coolers, although at the end of a day at the track, that might feel amazing.
It is always best to double-check the Indianapolis Motor Speedway official page for current item restrictions/allowances, as they are subject to change.
Most importantly, have fun, take photos, and make memories. If you attend the Indianapolis 500, there will be over 300,000 people at the track. Have patience, arrive early, and be prepared to help ensure you have the best time possible.
