Sunday 29 May 2016

Indy 500 live 2016: Heavy crowds ahead



10:39 a.m. update

Sure, the lines to get into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are unbelievably long. But at least you'll be entertained?

IMS authorities also report that the Crossover Gate 5 will close at 11 a.m. If your seats are on the south end, they suggest you use Tunnel 6. Spectators on the north end should use Tunnel 7.

Express lanes are also available for people without coolers, purses or backpacks — gates 1, 1B 3, 6, & 9.

As the IMS fills up with race fans for what is expected to be the biggest Indy 500 ever, be prepared for heavy crowds.

IndyStar engagement producer Allison Carter takes a peek at the view from the track:

9:51 a.m. update

Pop superstar Lady Gaga's role at the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 is confirmed, writes IndyStar reporter Dave Lindquist. Gaga will accompany Mario Andretti in a two-seat race car today

Gaga replaces country music star Keith Urban, who dropped out because of a back injury. Andretti and Gaga will follow four parade cars and lead the official pace car on three laps before the race.

In traffic news: While there is no fast route to get to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 21st Street appears to be an especially slow way to get there.

Twitter user @ematurne posted that “traffic is backed up on 21st Street almost to Raceway Road” – which is more than five miles from the track.

Backups are the norm, though, on every street leading to IMS. About three hours before the Indianapolis 500 was set to begin, social media users were mostly expressing frustration.

“I feel like every traffic report is pointless now,” Twitter user @julesia18 posted. “All routes in are backed up.”

Not everyone is lamenting the long wait times, though. Some see it as a positive sign for Indianapolis’ beloved race.

“The Indy500 hasn’t seen traffic like this for years,” Twitter user @Gooder_Englishposted. “It’s good to see again.”

One Indy 500 veteran, Twitter user @MikeBudzik, offered a suggestion for those frustrated with the backups.

“We used to get out & play Frisbee with other race fans stuck in traffic,” he said.

Authorities at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are also giving fans a heads-up today on gates with the shortest wait times:

9:07 a.m. update

Crowds are pouring into the Snake Pit at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this morning, which is expected to attract double the crowd size from 2014.

Officials attribute the sellout of 30,000 tickets to the magnitude of the 100th running.

Headliner DJ Skrillex is backed up with an impressive electronic lineup: Martin Garrix, Zeds Dead, DJ Mustard and B.O.A.T.

Police officers from departments in Lebanon and Newcastle told IndyStar reporter Amy Bartner they are looking for overdoses in the typical "party crowd."

Meanwhile, the crowd of race fans trying to get into the IMS is growing thicker. According to police radio traffic, gates 1, 6 and 9 are busiest, and visitors are encouraged to head to other entrances.

8:43 a.m. update

There’s good news and bad news for anyone trying to get to Indianapolis Motor Speedway this morning.

The traffic is horrible – but, so far, it’s no worse than any other race day.

As of 8:30 a.m., there were no major accidents reported near the IMS, Speedway Police Lt. Trent Theobald said.

“Traffic’s not moving real fast, but that’s to be expected just like any morning when people are driving to the track,” Theobald said. “It’s a typical race day morning.”

Some race fans sought to beat the traffic. The first people in line camped out on Saturday night to avoid a rush when the gates opened at 6 a.m. Sunday.

Robert Walters slept on a Speedway woman’s porch after traveling 27 hours from Jacksonville, Florida. He rode a Greyhound bus to Indianapolis to attend the 100th running.

“I got up at 4:30 a.m. and walked down here because I knew there was going to be a long line,” Walters said. “It amazed me that it looks like it did back in the 70s.”

Walters said last year was the greatest race he’s witnessed in 40 years. Multiple crashes shook up the competition during the 99th running.

The excitement that year brought race fan Matthew Jacobs back for more this year.

Jacobs, who traveled from Van Wert, Ohio, was one of the first fans in line at Gate 1. He left home at about 2 a.m. Sunday to attend the historic race.

“It’s all exciting,” Jacobs said before the ceremonial cannon fired at 6 a.m. Hundreds of fans cheered as they passed through the gate while security kept a close watch on coolers, bags and other pieces of race gear.

8:02 a.m. update

Some late-breaking celebrity news:

IndyStar's Dave Lindquist reports that while the 'Bad Romance' singer hasn't been listed among personalities expected to walk the red carpet at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, she was spotted at a race party Saturday at Regions Tower Rooftop Terrace in Indianapolis.

Meanwhile, a late drop-out from country music star Keith Urban:

7:31 a.m. update

Things are looking bright once you get to the track.

7:22 a.m. update

According to SigAlert.com, an accident was reported at Lynhurst Drive North before 16th Street around 7:06 a.m. Traffic is stop and go, and delays are expected.​ Traffic seems to be flowing fairly smooth closer to the track.

7:07 a.m. update

Traffic issues are starting to pop around the track. Be prepared from long waits. Some areas are being asked to seek alternate routes.

6:53 a.m. update

Speedway police reported a pretty quiet night. Only two arrests made Saturday. Both were related to public intoxication.

6:45 a.m. update

The crowd is filing in but doesn't look as massive as you might expect.







6:30 a.m. update

Indy 500 fans are pumped for the 100th running.

Previously reported

Good morning, Indianapolis!

This is it. Right now. Today. Pound that coffee, people, and pack that cooler because the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 has arrived.

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy. Racing, yes. Celebrities, yes. Good times, yes. It’s only 6 a.m., yes. Where’s the coffee? Did someone say coffee? Where’s the Starbucks?

The race is a sellout. Hundreds of thousands of fans are expected. It’s still 6 a.m. at the moment, though, so we all need is more c-o-f-f-e-e ... COFFEE!

We're going to keep you abreast of the latest happenings from Indianapolis Motor Speedway and we're going to have fun doing it. Races in the front, Snake Pit in the back.

The current temperature is 69 degrees with 86 percent humidity. Temperature highs are slated for a balmy 83 degrees with a 60 percent chance precipitation on tap. Sunday will be warm with times of sun and clouds. A shower or thunderstorm is expected late this afternoon. But that won't stop the party. We can't stop. We won't stop.

Traffic is moving smoothly around the 4-6-5 with no major problems to report near the speedway.

Festivities begin with the Parade of Bands and the Borg-Warner Trophy March to the Bricks, both beginning at 8 a.m.

Grab your sun tan lotion, your glow sticks and your favorite craft beer. The first fan has breached the gates.

Aaannnd he's on it.

IndyStar reporters Cara Anthony, Amy Bartner, Allison Carter, James Briggs, Dave Lindquist and Joe Tamborello contributed to this story.

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