What can you bring to IMS on race day? Check out what's allowed and prohibited at Indy 500

IMS is a cashless facility, What can you bring to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway?, Items prohibited at IMS, IMA smoking policy

Good news for those headed for Indianapolis Motor Speedway on a budget or with picky eaters: You can bring your own snacks and refreshments in a cooler.

IMS is a cashless facility, What can you bring to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway?, Items prohibited at IMS, IMA smoking policy

The 2025 Pace Car for the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge is unveiled Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at IMS. In a 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, Michael Strahan will be the honorary pace car driver for the Indianapolis 500.

Not everything goes, through.

No glass containers are allowed. And some carts and wagons that are typically allowed at IMS aren't on Indy 500 race day.

Here's what to know about what you can and can't bring to IMS on race day.

IMS is a cashless facility

Cash won't be of much use to you in making purchases at the facility.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is cashless. 

Have a debit or credit card ready.

IMS is a cashless facility, What can you bring to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway?, Items prohibited at IMS, IMA smoking policy

What can you bring to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway?

The following items are permitted at the track, according to IMS:

  • Binoculars, scanners and headsets.
  • Camelbacks.
  • Camera stands (tripods, monopods) as long as they do not cause a safety hazard or obstruct the view of others. Camera stands are not allowed within grandstands and concert areas.
  • Carts and wagons are allowed every day except Indy 500 Race Day (collapsible only). The use of carts and wagons may be restricted in some areas.
  • Coolers no larger than 18”x15”x15”, coolers may be hard or soft-sided.
  • Flags, as long as they do not obstruct the view of others. Flags are not allowed within concert areas.
  • Food and beverages (i.e., water, soft drinks, beer and wine in non-glass containers).
  • Mobility aid devices used by guests with disabilities. Guests are responsible for securing unattended mobility aid devices. IMS reserves the right to prohibit any device based on safety considerations.
  • Personal, non-commercial photo and video cameras. Video cameras and audio recording equipment are not allowed within concert areas.
  • Service animals (trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability).
  • Strollers, lawn chairs and folding camping chairs. Strollers, regular height lawn chairs or folding chairs are not allowed in the concert and VIP areas.
  • Umbrellas, as long as they do not obstruct the view of others. The umbrella’s user takes sole responsibility for the safe use of the umbrella.

Items prohibited at IMS

The following items are prohibited through Indianapolis Motor Speedway admission gates:

  • Aerosol cans (sunscreen excluded).
  • Animals (except service animals trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability).
  • Bicycles (guests may use dedicated bicycle parking structures at Gates 1, 6 and 9).
  • Coolers larger than 18” x 15” x 15”.
  • Drones, or unmanned aerial systems.
  • Fireworks and flares.
  • Flagpoles.
  • Glass containers.
  • Golf carts, ATVs, scooters, minibikes, roller blades, skateboards, skates, pogo sticks and hover boards.
  • Illegal drugs and substances or drug paraphernalia (including, without limitation, marijuana).
  • Items restricted by local, state or federal law.
  • Lasers.
  • Offensive or obscene materials (e.g., flags, signs, clothing).
  • Soliciting of any kind (including goods, materials, services or ticket scalping).
  • Scaffolding or platforms.
  • Selfie sticks.
  • Stickers.
  • Trampolines and swimming pools.
  • Weapons of any type, including knives, firearms, and ammunition.

Any other items not mentioned that may pose a safety hazard or diminish the enjoyment of the event by other guests may be refused at the discretion of security and management. These items are subject to change without notice. There are no provisions for checking and holding prohibited items. Prohibited items may not be left at or around the gates. Items left unattended will be removed and discarded.

IMA smoking policy

Smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes, vaporizers or similar products is prohibited in IMS seating areas, including, without limitation, grandstands and infield viewing mounds. Smoking is permitted 20 feet away from buildings, seating entrances and infield viewing mounds. 

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: What can you bring to IMS on race day? Check out what's allowed and prohibited at Indy 500

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