Indianapolis, IN · Capacity: 257,000
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, opened in 1909, is the 2.5-mile oval in Speedway, Indiana that hosts the Indianapolis 500 — the largest single-day sporting event in the world.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway is, by capacity, the largest sports venue in the world — a 2.5-mile oval that seats around a quarter of a million and swells far beyond it for the Indianapolis 500 each May, “the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” The yard of bricks at the start-finish line gives it the nickname the Brickyard.
Race weekend takes over Indianapolis — the Snake Pit, the month-long build-up, and a city that turns out in full for the 500.
Below are the Indianapolis stays, restaurants and bars fans use for the 500 and beyond.
Hotels, bars, restaurants and things to do near Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis — every pick web-researched and source-cited, closest to the stadium first.
Set inside the beautifully restored 1930s Coca-Cola bottling plant on Mass Ave, Bottleworks Hotel is Indianapolis's coolest boutique stay. The art deco design, attached food hall, and vintage bowling alley create a one-of-a-kind experience. Close to Gainbridge Fieldhouse, it's become the preferred hotel for visiting athletes and entertainers who want something beyond a chain.
Massive downtown hotel connected to the Indiana Convention Center and steps from Lucas Oil Stadium (Colts), Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Pacers), and Victory Field. The epicenter of Indianapolis sports tourism. During the NFL Combine, every NFL scout and coach is here.
The JW Marriott Indianapolis is the largest JW Marriott in North America, connected directly to the Indiana Convention Center and a skywalk from Lucas Oil Stadium. With nearly 1,000 rooms and steps from Gainbridge Fieldhouse, it's the headquarters hotel for major events including the NBA Draft, WNBA All-Star Game, and the Super Bowl when it comes to Indy.
Stylish downtown hotel in the historic Canterbury building within walking distance of Lucas Oil Stadium, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and Monument Circle. A smart base for fans attending Colts games, Pacers basketball, and the iconic Indianapolis 500.
Contemporary art hotel in downtown Indianapolis featuring rotating gallery exhibitions and the acclaimed Plat 99 restaurant. Steps from Lucas Oil Stadium and Gainbridge Fieldhouse, it draws Colts and Pacers fans plus Indianapolis 500 visitors seeking a creative downtown base.
A large downtown hotel connected to the Indiana Convention Center, near Indianapolis’s restaurant and nightlife core. Fans who want a downtown base — the city sits 5 to 8 miles from the track — use it for the dining density beyond the immediate Speedway neighborhood.
America's first veteran-owned artisan distillery in Fletcher Place, crafting bourbon, gin, and vodka with a tasting room and cocktail bar. Colts and Pacers fans toast game-day victories with locally distilled spirits in this patriotic Indianapolis institution.
Born from the beloved Bloomington original near IU campus, Kilroy's downtown Indianapolis location brings the same high-energy sports bar atmosphere to the heart of the city. Big screens, cold beer, and an enthusiastic crowd make it the quintessential Pacers and Colts watch party spot. The stuffed breadsticks are legendary among Indiana fans.
A neighborhood sports bar that has operated just east of the track on 16th Street since 1965, known for hand-breaded pork tenderloins, burgers and cocktails. Race fans use it as a long-running, no-frills pre- and post-race spot down the street from the Speedway.
Scotty's Brewhouse is Indianapolis's most popular sports bar chain, with its downtown location near Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Lucas Oil Stadium making it the natural pregame and postgame gathering point for Pacers and Colts fans from across Indiana. The house-brewed beers, enormous TV screens, and enthusiastic game-day staff create a reliably electric atmosphere. During March Madness, when Indianapolis frequently hosts NCAA Tournament rounds, Scotty's becomes the center of the college basketball universe.
Indiana's oldest bar, established in 1850, the Slippery Noodle Inn has served as a stop on the Underground Railroad and is now the Midwest's premier blues club. Steps from Lucas Oil Stadium, it fills with Colts fans on game days and rocks with live blues seven nights a week. A must-visit for any sports fan exploring downtown Indy.
Indianapolis's largest locally owned brewery with a massive downtown taproom and year-round favorites like Sunlight Cream Ale. An essential pregame stop for Colts and Pacers fans, especially during the electric atmosphere of Indy 500 week.
James Beard-nominated restaurant in a historic Fountain Square warehouse serving seasonal farm-to-table cuisine. A refined dining pick for fans in town for the Indy 500, Colts games, or NCAA Final Four events at Lucas Oil Stadium.
A refined tasting menu restaurant on Mass Ave serving creative seasonal American dishes in an intimate 28-seat space. Pacers fans and Indy 500 visitors experience Indianapolis' fine dining evolution through meticulously crafted multi-course dinners.
A James Beard-nominated brunch destination in the Fletcher Place neighborhood, Milktooth transforms a former garage into one of America's most inventive breakfast spots. Dutch baby pancakes and bone marrow toast fuel fans heading to Lucas Oil Stadium on game day mornings. It's been on countless best-restaurant lists and draws food pilgrims from across the country.
An Indianapolis institution since 1905, Shapiro's serves towering corned beef sandwiches, matzo ball soup, and homemade cheesecake cafeteria-style. Located near downtown, it's a pre-Pacers or pre-Colts tradition for generations of Indy fans. Every president since Taft has reportedly eaten here, and the no-frills charm is part of the appeal.
A downtown Indianapolis institution open since 1902, nationally known for its steaks and its famously fiery shrimp cocktail. It is a classic special-occasion meal for Indy 500 visitors basing downtown — a marquee Indianapolis dinner for a race trip.
Union 50 on South Meridian Street is Indianapolis' most stylish pre-game dining destination for fans attending Colts, Pacers, or major NCAA tournament events — an elevated American restaurant in a striking industrial space with inventive cocktails and a menu that takes Indiana comfort food seriously. The proximity to both major venues and the Mass Ave arts district makes it ideal for fans building a full matchday experience around great food and pre-game atmosphere. On NCAA Final Four weekends when Indianapolis hosts, Union 50 reservation wait lists grow to weeks.
Gainbridge Fieldhouse is a beautifully renovated NBA arena that honors Indiana's deep basketball heritage while providing a world-class modern experience. The Pacers' blue-and-gold faithful are knowledgeable and passionate, making for an intimate and intense atmosphere on big game nights. The fieldhouse sits in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, steps from the convention center and major hotels.
After a $360 million renovation completed in 2022, Gainbridge Fieldhouse stands as one of the NBA's finest arenas — the self-guided Fan Experience tour gives behind-the-scenes access to the Pacers locker room, the media centre, and the all-new premium club level overlooking Bankers Life Road. The arena's Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame exhibit celebrates the state's singular obsession with the sport, from Milan High School to Larry Bird.
Tour the retractable-roof home of the Indianapolis Colts, which hosted Super Bowl XLVI and the annual NFL Combine. The guided walk covers the field, locker rooms, press box, and the stadium's signature retractable roof and operable window wall that opens to views of downtown Indy.
Walk Indy's most vibrant stretch from Bottleworks District through Massachusetts Avenue hitting craft cocktail bars, breweries, and live music venues.
Indianapolis's vibrant arts district on Massachusetts Avenue features galleries, theaters, and gastropubs — the cultural counterpoint to Colts and Pacers gamedays.
Step inside the world's most famous racetrack at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, located within the 2.5-mile oval. The collection features over 75 vehicles including Indy 500 winners, a behind-the-scenes bus tour of the track, and the iconic Borg-Warner Trophy displaying every winner's face since 1911.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis is tracked across 2 events and seats 257,000 fans. Here's how fans build a trip around it:
Structured facts on this page (capacity, opening year, architect, ownership) are compiled from public reference databases and verified against venue coordinates.
Check back for celebrity sighting reports from Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway has a capacity of 257,000 people.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway opened in 1909. It was designed by Carl G. Fisher, James A. Allison.
110th Indianapolis 500, Indianapolis 500 (111th Running) are among the events held at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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