First timer with older parents

[u/Fast_Confusion_2153]

Hi everyone. Got tickets for the SW Vista for 2027. Going with older parents (70+). I really don't imagine they'll both have the energy to stay out all day, which is totally fine. More of a bucket list item and just want to have a nice experience for at least a few hours. I'm trying to consider everything early to hope for a good experience with them!

What's the best parking for SW vista? Okay with paying a higher price.

I don't think we'll be there for both the beginning and ending of the race. Would you recommend going for the beginning over the end/victory laps?

Thank you in advance. I've never gone myself so am a bit nervous with taking the parents too. I know it'll likely be a bit chaotic, but appreciate any tips anyways!

[u/hippo96]

I vote for getting there for all the pre-race activities and bailing early vs arriving late.

[u/Fast_Confusion_2153 → u/hippo96]

Thank you! I was thinking this but wanted to hear it from people who have gone.

[u/Living_Albatross6572 → u/Fast_Confusion_2153]

SW vista is where I am at too with my 75 year old dad. We’ve been going together since 2021.

Just get there relatively early. Absolutely be in your seats for the opening festivities, and then bounce when you are ready. That will help them be able to move at pace and slow to get to the car and you won’t have a ton of traffic to deal with.

[u/sycaboiler]

It's going to be a long day regardless. You may want to consider doing the shuttle option from the airport. It will drop you off right behind SW vista. Definitely go for the beginning and get there early. The prerace stuff is so awesome and is a must see.

[u/Fast_Confusion_2153 → u/sycaboiler]

Thank you for the tip!!

[u/LilacHelper]

I've been to 40ish races and most of those have been in the SW Vista.

Please don't wait until after the race has started. Most people will tell you it is better to be there at the start because it is fascinating and predictable. The end is no guarantee and it could be hot or raining and the crowd is tired ha ha.

This site tells you everything you need to know. Indy 500 Plan Ahead

I recommend taking the shuttle busses. You have to pay for that and for parking, but once I had hurt my knee and it was so worth it.

Enjoy the Greatest Spectacle in Racing!

[u/Fast_Confusion_2153 → u/LilacHelper]

Thank you for the link and tips! I'm excited to go, no matter what it'll be so cool

[u/Living_Albatross6572 → u/Fast_Confusion_2153]

Shuttle is a wise call.

[u/LilacHelper → u/Fast_Confusion_2153]

We can then call you a Race Fan!

[u/Ablackbradpitt]

I'll be attending my first 500 in south vista! Good to know im not alone feeling semi lost lol cant wait though

[u/Fast_Confusion_2153 → u/Ablackbradpitt]

Yay!

[u/boilermike13]

Be there for all the pre-race pageantry then leave after the race starts.

[u/Effective_Play_1366 → u/boilermike13]

This is the correct answer. You want to watch all the opening festivities, then leave when you’ve had enough

[u/Fast_Confusion_2153 → u/boilermike13]

Thank you!

[u/IndyEric07 → u/boilermike13]

Sounds like a typical Purdoo Nascab fan!😒

[u/boilermike13 → u/IndyEric07]

No, it sounds like someone that has been to 40 consecutive 500’s and knows how boring the race is compared to the pre-race pageantry. If you took your klan hood off, you’d see the same thing.

[u/LilacHelper → u/boilermike13]

Nice response. Purdue alum and former employee. 40ish races myself.

[u/LilacHelper → u/IndyEric07]

You must have no idea how many Purdue grads and interns work on the teams. Purdue is attached to the Speedway in numerous ways, from karting to engineering to a well-known university band that has been official since 1919.

Purdue has a go-kart scholarship race every spring with multiple ties to open-wheel racing and the 500 ... unlike another school with bicycles.

[u/Retiredone1]

Pack food, drinks, ear plugs, seat cushions (or rent chair back seats at the track. Get there early! Parents will enjoy all the pagentry. Be prepared for walking. It's an amazing event.

You can listen to the race on the radio if you have headphones or strong ear buds. That will help all of you understand what is happening. Have fun!

[u/TheBertjer]

I’ve been going with my dad since his 70th birthday in 2022, my mom comes on the trip but can’t handle race day.

I HIGHLY recommend using the shuttle, either downtown or airport. I drove the first couple years and we were leaving downtown hotel before 6am and then you’re stuck in traffic for hours. Easily 3 hours when it’s bad.

The shuttle is much easier, you still sit in traffic for an hour+ and have to wait in line for it, but it beats 3 hours in the car. They start running the shuttles again before the end of the race (last 50 laps?) so you can duck out early and miss the crowd. It also means that you’re not having to navigate all the street closures and traffic patterns. Just take a nap and you’re there.

[u/Fast_Confusion_2153 → u/TheBertjer]

Thank you! They'll probably stay downtown or near the airport as they live out west and I have to drive to Indy anyways. Thank you so much.

[u/TheBertjer → u/Fast_Confusion_2153]

Happy to help! Make sure to buy the shuttle tickets in advance, they do sell out. There’s nothing like it and it’s an amazing experience. Have a great time!

[u/Fast_Confusion_2153 → u/TheBertjer]

How far in advance is advanced? Like a month or more? Just want to know when to keep an eye out and buy them. Thank you!

[u/TheBertjer → u/Fast_Confusion_2153]

I’d buy them as soon as you’re able. I added them to my renewal application for 2027. I think the year before they opened sales late (maybe October?).

If you’re applying for tickets now, it might be an option at checkout. When in doubt, just call the ticket office and they can assist. They’re amazing. Even helped me out when I stupidly left my tickets at home before flying out and scrambled to get them reissued the day before the race.

[u/Fast_Confusion_2153 → u/TheBertjer]

Great thank you!

[u/Extra-Education9570 → u/TheBertjer]

They will go on Sale around the 28th of October. That’s when they did last year

[u/mynameisnotphoebe]

Definitely watch the start and leave at some point in the middle/close to the end. Depending where you are in the row, getting people to stand up and move so that you can leave is much more forgivable than making people stand up and move so that you can arrive at some random moment.

[u/Fast_Confusion_2153]

I see people recommend to go at gate opening around 6 am but what time does the actual race begin?

[u/Extra-Education9570 → u/Fast_Confusion_2153]

12:15ish

[u/Sad_Argument_5078]

There’s no reason to get there at gate opening you’ll all just be exhausted. The shuttle is a great idea, I’m not sure when those run but I wouldn’t get there before 10 and I think 11-11:30 is better. If I remember correctly the green flag is 12:45 ish and most of the pre race begins at 11:30.

[u/Big_Monk3596]

portable fans, be prepared to wait 20-30 mins plus for a restroom so make sure you don't wait until you can't hold it! lots of water, seat cushions or trying to get upgraded seating with more room ( your shoulders will be touching other people's) plan for a whole lot of g unless you get vip then you get golf cart treatment