Editor’s note: A version of this story originally published in 2021. We are republishing it with updates as part of our coverage of the 2026 Indy 500.
Some things have changed around Indianapolis Motor Speedway since the 2025 edition of the Indianapolis 500.
A new sound system with more than 100 speakers, a repaved section of Turn 2 for the first time since 1909 and a new, larger merchandise store are just a few of the updates.
It will again be a grandstand sellout crowd in attendance to see the updates, meaning for just the third time in 75 years the blackout that annually plagued fans hoping to watch at home will be lifted again for 2026.
How big is Indianapolis Motor Speedway?
IMS covers 560 acres, bordered by 16th Street on the south, 30th Street on the north, Georgetown Road on the west and the Brickyard Crossing Golf Course on the east.
That can be hard to grasp, so here are some fun ways to get at it. IndyStar went all sci-fi on the comparisons:
Facility officials like to tell fans all the landmarks that could fit inside IMS — at the same time: Yankee Stadium, Churchill Downs, Vatican City, the White House, the Taj Mahal the Rose Bowl and the Roman Colosseum.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway seating
Considering how big IMS is, a lot of people can fit in it. There are approximately 250,000 permanent seats. Once general admission tickets are added, roughly 350,000 fit. When the place is at capacity, the population dwarves those of Fort Wayne and South Bend.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway track map
Here’s what you can expect as you get in and around IMS.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: You may not realize just how big Indianapolis Motor Speedway is
Reporting by Scott Horner, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
