For the first time since 2016, the Indianapolis 500 is poised to sell out, leading officials to lift the longstanding local television blackout for the upcoming May 25 race.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) President Doug Boles announced on May 16 that only a few thousand tickets remain, with the 232,000 grandstand seats expected to be fully sold by Monday. Including suite holders, staff, and infield spectators, total attendance could reach 350,000. Consequently, IMS will lift the local television blackout, allowing Central Indiana residents to watch the race live on Fox Sports for the first time since 2016.

The Indianapolis 500, often referred to as "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing," is an annual automobile race held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana. Established in 1911, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious motorsport events globally. The IMS, with a permanent seating capacity of approximately 232,000, is the largest sports venue in the world. The race has a storied history, with traditions such as the winner drinking milk in Victory Lane and the singing of "Back Home Again in Indiana" before the start.

The local television blackout policy for the Indianapolis 500 has been a longstanding practice aimed at encouraging live attendance. Historically, the race was blacked out in the Indianapolis area unless the event sold out. The blackout was lifted in 2016 when the race sold out for the 100th running. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, the blackout was lifted due to attendance restrictions. In 2024, the blackout was lifted due to a rain delay.

The 2025 Indianapolis 500 marks the beginning of a new broadcasting partnership with Fox Sports. Fox Sports CEO Eric Shanks expressed excitement over the race’s sell-out and his personal enthusiasm for the event. This partnership signifies a new era in the race's media coverage, potentially reaching a broader audience and enhancing the event's visibility.

The last complete sellout of the Indianapolis 500 occurred in 2016 during the 100th running of the race. That year, the local television blackout was lifted, allowing Indianapolis residents to watch the race live for the first time since 1950. The 2025 sellout indicates a resurgence in the event's popularity and a return to pre-pandemic levels of attendance and engagement.

The sellout and the lifting of the local television blackout are expected to have significant economic and cultural impacts. The influx of visitors will benefit local businesses, hotels, and restaurants, contributing to the city's economy. Culturally, the event reinforces Indianapolis's identity as a hub for motorsports and showcases the city's ability to host large-scale events successfully.

The anticipated sellout and the lifting of the local television blackout have significant social implications for the Indianapolis community. The Indianapolis 500 is a cornerstone event, drawing hundreds of thousands of fans and generating substantial economic activity. The sellout indicates a resurgence in public interest and engagement with the event, reflecting its enduring cultural significance. Lifting the local TV blackout allows residents who cannot attend in person to participate in the communal experience, fostering a sense of unity and shared tradition.

As the Indianapolis 500 approaches, the excitement surrounding the event is palpable. The combination of a sellout crowd and live local television coverage promises to make the 2025 race a memorable occasion, celebrating the rich history and enduring appeal of "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing."