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Rev up your race day experience: Your Indy 500 Survival Guide!

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Rev up your race day experience: Your Indy 500 Survival Guide!

You may need a little more than sunglasses and a cooler of beer when planning out your Indy 500 weekend. From a stop for a bite to eat to tailgating playlists and a place to finish off the night, as locals, your friends at HomeGrown Realty got ya covered. 

Download the HG Spotify Playlists: Mixes of the best of the oldies & new hits to listen to all weekend!

đŸ»HG Carb Day Playlist

🏁HG Indy 500 Playlist

đŸ‡ș🇾HG Memorial Day Playlist

Restaurants: Grab a bite to eat before you head to the races or tailgate or let your hunger build so you can “pig out” at one of Speedway’s signature restaurants!

  • BBQ & Bourbon
    • Memphis styled tradition wood smoked BBQ 
    • Family friendly dining 
    • Full bar of specialty cocktails and local beer 
  • Tacos & Tequila
    • Authentic Mexican food
    • House margaritas 
    • “Just steps from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway”
  • Dawson’s 
    • Family friendly
    • Steaks, seafood, local craft beers, and “the best Hoosier tenderloin around”.
    • Full-service restaurant 
    • Located directly across the street from the racetrack 
  • Big Woods
    • American restaurant 
    • Live music
    • IndyCar watch parties 
    • Additional patio seating outdoor beer garden 
    • More than 50 taps
  • Daredevil
    • Dine-in & patio seating (indoor seating is only 21+)
    • Pizza & Beer
    • Craft beers from across the state 
  • Mug n Bun
    • Drive-up style (eat in your car) 
    • 60s vibes
    • Burger & shakes 
  • Foyt Wine Vault
    • Part wine bar, part lounge, part Foyt Museum
    • Award-winning wines from Napa & Sonoma 

Shops/Things to Do: Have time to kill? Support local small businesses that the entire family will love – even the “fur babies” 😉 

  • City Dogs
    • Pet supply store (voted to be the best in Indy) 
    • Pet adoptions, nutritional counseling, and dog and cat supplies
  • Speedway Indoor Karting
    • Private track time 
    • No wait times
    • Inclusive pricing
    • In-house catering
    • Mini bowling 
    • Golf and multi-sport simulators
  • Famous Tomato
    • Fresh market & specialty store 
    • Local and unique foods and produce 
    • Old fashioned soda & candy company 
    • Fresh salad bar
    • Hot soup and chili 
    • Indoor seating 

Bars/Nightlife: Race over but you don’t want your night to end just yet? Check out some of the nightlife in speedway to wrap your day up with some dancing or lounging around with your go-to cocktail.

  • 8 Second Saloon 
    • “Largest dance floor in the midwest”
    • Live music
    • Linedancing 
    • Bullriding 
    • Bar food
    • Closes at 3am
  • Mike’s Speedway Lounge 
    • Tenderloins, burgers, cocktails, & brews
    • Pool & Darts
    • Open til 3am
  • O’Reilly’s
    • Irish restaurant & pub
    • Traditional Irish cuisine 
    • Guinness beer 
    • Sports always playing 
    • Open til midnight 
  • The Free Spirit 
    • “Eat, Drink, Dance, & Be Free”
    • All day breakfast
    • Known for their giant burgers and jumbo wings
    • Signature frosted mugs
    • Large selection of craft and import beers
    • Open til 3am
  • Yard Line Lounge 
    • Games & Entertainment
    • Wide Variety of Beers
    • Open til 3am

Must-haves for race day at the track:  When it comes to bringing food into the Indianapolis 500 track, it’s important to keep in mind the guidelines and restrictions set by the event organizers. While specific policies may vary from year to year, here are some general suggestions for food items that are commonly allowed:

(SPECS FOR COOLERS: Coolers no larger than 18”x14”x15”, coolers may be hard or soft sided)

  1. Snacks: Pack portable and non-perishable snacks such as granola bars, trail mix, chips, pretzels, or cookies.
  2. Sandwiches and Wraps: Prepare sandwiches or wraps with ingredients that won’t spoil easily, such as deli meats, cheese, and condiments. Avoid using mayonnaise or other perishable items that can spoil quickly.
  3. Fruits and Vegetables: Bring along fresh fruits like apples, oranges, or grapes, or cut-up veggies like carrot sticks or celery. 
  4. Packaged Foods: Individually packaged items like yogurt cups, pudding cups, or fruit cups can be convenient and easy to transport.
  5. Bottled Water: Staying hydrated is crucial, so bring sealed bottled water to quench your thirst throughout the day. Make sure the bottles are clear and factory-sealed.
  6. Canned Beverages: Some events allow attendees to bring canned beverages like soda or canned iced tea. Check the event guidelines to confirm if they permit this.
  7. Non-Glass Containers: Opt for plastic containers or zip-lock bags to store your food. Avoid glass containers as they are typically prohibited for safety reasons.

Remember to review the specific guidelines and restrictions for food and beverages set by the Indianapolis 500 track organizers before attending the event. These policies may change, so it’s essential to stay updated on the latest rules to ensure a smooth entry and enjoyable experience. See track guidelines here

We hope you have a safe & super fun time at the track this weekend, keep your eye out & you might just spot us enjoying the race!