CANCELED: Indy 500 Qualifying Day 1 Schedule: Saturday Times, Tickets, and Parking

The drama and tension of Qualifying Weekend arrive this Saturday, May 16, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying Day 1 will push drivers to the absolute limit as they attempt to lock themselves into the field for the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.

Saturday’s format provides hours of high-stakes drama as cars make four-lap qualifying runs to secure a spot in the top 12 or avoid the stress of the Last Chance rows. As a bonus for fans, the morning track activity features a unique intermission as a Monster Jam truck hits the historic 2.5-mile oval to attempt a new world speed record.

Saturday Track Schedule

Gates open early for a packed day of practice, exhibition speed, and non-stop qualifying attempts.

• 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Public Gates Open
• 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.: Full-Field Practice (Split into two groups)
• 10 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.: Monster Jam World Speed Record Test Run
• 11 a.m. – 5:50 p.m.: 110th Indianapolis 500 Qualifying Trials

Tickets and Military Admission

General Admission tickets for Saturday’s qualifying sessions are $35. A GA ticket grants you access to the infield viewing mounds and first-come, first-served open seating in select grandstands around the track.

• Armed Forces Tribute: In honor of Armed Forces Qualifying Weekend, all military personnel are admitted free with a valid military ID.
• Family Value: Children 15 and under are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Gate Openings and Updated Parking Info

With larger weekend crowds expected, please note the expanded gate access and updated parking fees:

• Public Gates: Gates 1, 2, 3, 4, 6S, 7, 7S, 9, 10, 10A, and 11A are open.
• Paid Parking ($15): Available in the Main Gate lot, Lot 2, and Lot 3P.
• Free Parking: Free public parking is still available in the IMS Infield (Turn 3) and Lot 7 (North 40), accessible only via Gate 10 off 30th Street.
• Free Specialty & ADA Parking: Free motorcycle parking is located in the South Carousel Lot. Free ADA-accessible parking is available in the West Museum, Flag, Tower Terrace, Northwest Gravel, and Lot 7 (North 40) lots.
• Paid ADA Parking: Available at Gate 1 ($25) and in Lot 2 and Lot 3P ($15).

Cashless Operations Reminder

Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a cashless facility. Credit cards, debit cards, and digital tap-to-pay options are required for all transactions including tickets, parking, concessions, and merchandise. A Cash-to-Card machine is located in Pagoda Plaza to convert cash into a temporary debit card if needed.

IMS Museum

The IMS Museum shifts to extended weekend hours, opening from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $25 for adults, $23 for seniors (55+), and $18 for military personnel. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at imsmuseum.org.