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Indy 500 Will Be Run Without Fans Because of COVID Concerns

By Samantha Horton, IPB News | Published on in Business, Health, Sports
Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Photo: Lauren Chapman)

The Indy 500 will run without fans in the stands this year.  The Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced Tuesday it is reversing previous plans to maintain some attendance for the race during the coronavirus pandemic.

Citing rising trends in COVID-19 cases, IMS officials say that even allowing only 25 percent of fans to attend the race with safety precautions would not be the right thing to do.  While no official numbers are released for each year’s attendance, estimates suggested more than 50,000 people would still have been able able to attend the race.

“We encourage Hoosiers to continue making smart decisions,” the IMS statement said, “and following the advice of our public health officials so we can help get Indiana back on track.”

Last month, organizers released a comprehensive health plan for race attendees … including temperature checks, required face masks and hand sanitizer.

Gov. Eric Holcomb released a statement in response to the IMS decision applauding track owner Roger Penske and other officials for, “prioritizing the safety of fans.”

“I am grateful for Roger Penske’s leadership and his entire team for thoughtfully approaching this decision with transparency and collaboration,” Holcomb said. “I want to encourage Hoosiers to continue to social distance, wear masks and take precautions so we can continue to slow the spread of COVID-19 and hear the roar of the engines at the track next May.”

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett released a statement echoing similar thoughts to Holcomb.

“[IMS] have consistently lived up to their commitment to collaborative planning and careful consideration of the data,” Hogsett said.

While no fans will be able to be at the rescheduled August 23 race, I-M-S says it does plan to have fans back for the 2021 race.

Read More: Penske Upgrades Indianapolis Motor Speedway For Indy 500, 5G Services Will Be Available

NBC-TV will broadcast the race live, including in the Indianapolis area.

This story has been updated.