Three of my buddies and I have decided that if we are ever going to see this event it is time to s**t or get off the pot. We will be there for the last day of practice and then watch qualifying and the race. Got seats fairly high in turn 4 for the race so we can look down the 3-4 chute and the front straight. We have a parking pass for race day but we are thinking of buying the race day bus ride to get in and out of the track. Picks you up and drops you off downtown.

I'm hoping there are some folks here who have done this before and can offer some dos and don'ts.

Also, what cool things are there to do in the area on days we don't go to the track?

Thanks for any thoughts or advice you can offer.

This year will be my 13th consecutive race, nothing like May in Indianapolis. I'll be at the track May 19-22 for practice and qualifying, then back down on race day. We sit in Turn 1, just before the short chute. I assume you mean you'll be there on Carb day? It's general admission, so make sure you check out the different vantage points. My favorite seats in the place are Penthouse B high at the entrance to Turn 1 (pic attached from Pole Day last year). Plenty to see and do in the infield midway area behind the pagoda, and don't miss the museum.

Biggest advice is don't be in a hurry. With 350,000 people on race day, get there early and plan to be around a while after the race. We usually stick around for the parade laps and victory celebration before heading out. For the past few years, on race day, we park in a shopping plaza at 38th and Georgetown. It's about a 30 minute walk, but parking is free, it gets past the worst of the gridlock by the track, and it's close to 65.

The Mainstreet area just south of the track has really developed in the past few years. There are lots of bars and restaurants, Dalara has their US operations set up there, Sarah Fisher's indoor go-kart track is cool, AJ Foty's winery, Daredevil brewing, etc. All walking distance from the main gate at Turn 1.

we went once in 1994. So my advice is not relevant, but maybe funny.
At that time at least, it was popular to rent a driveway spot from nearby locals and camp. We had a fullsize van so my dad, brother, and I slept in our van. Because we had an 'in' with these people from a client of my dad's, we were allowed extra special restroom and shower privilege's in the house. Other people didn't have that access and had to take care of it other ways lol

I remember walking around the nightlife...I was 16, my brother 15, and my dad. We saw some things that made me blush standing next to my dad...

Saw the museum a different time, very cool.

We had low seats near the finish line. Could see the cars come off turn 4 but had to stand to see more than the wing when in front of us. That year Fittipaldi led a bunch but tagged the wall in 4 and he came to rest pretty close to us. That part was cool.

We will be on site May 20 thru 22, then back for the race. Maybe will do Carb day, is it worth it?

I am under the impression that practice and qualifying are general admission also. Is that correct?

By all means, walk through the museum.
Gift shop has some nice stuff for souvenirs of your trip, too.
If you've never seen the track, its vastness is almost bone-chilling.

Yeah, visited there in late 2019, right before the pandemic. My first thought was exactly as you say, I was amazed at what a big racetrack it was. Spent a bunch of time in the museum, too. Now it is time to learn the race experience. Looking forward to it, looking for pointers.

Gotcha. Yes, All of practice and qualifying are general admission. They only open certain grandstand sections, but there are plenty of places to check out.

Carb day is more about the party atmosphere and concerts than on track action, typically a different crowd than the rest of the month.

Silver badges (Pit access) are sold out this year, but if Garage access is your thing, you can still buy a Bronze pass that gets you into Gasoline Alley.