With 35,000 to 50,000 spectators expected to attend the Total Solar Eclipse Event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway presented by Purdue University on Monday, April 8, guests are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy a wide array of exhibits, experiments, panel-led discussions, demonstrations and photo opportunities.
Tickets have been purchased from 49 states, the District of Columbia and more than 21 other countries and territories, including Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, England, France, Germany, Greenland, Japan, Lithuania, Mexico, Northern Ireland, Philippines, Poland, Romania, South Africa, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
There’s no better place to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience than at the Racing Capital of the World.
NASA TV Live Broadcast
The IMS Total Solar Eclipse Event presented by Purdue University has been designated one of several official broadcast sites for NASA TV’s coverage of the astronomical phenomenon.
Special Guests
Among the guests expected in attendance are members of Indiana’s congressional delegation, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, and Mark and Rick Armstrong, the sons of Purdue graduate and first man on the moon Neil Armstrong.
Multiple astronauts and NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers also will be in attendance. Drivers and astronauts will be featured throughout the day as subject matter experts, as well as participating in an autograph session to conclude the day’s events.
Programming
Two educational programming tracks will run concurrently. The Sun Track will be more technical in nature. The Moon Track is tailored for youth and families. All programming will feature experts from NASA, Purdue University and INDYCAR.
On-Track Action
At the start of the NASA TV global broadcast, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES will be on full display for spectators. Three-time Indianapolis 500 pole winner Ed Carpenter will turn a handful of demonstration laps of the 2.5-mile oval in an Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet INDYCAR SERIES car just before the start of the Total Solar Eclipse sequence.
Once the demonstration laps conclude, guests will be invited to the frontstretch of the famed oval, where they can experience the total solar eclipse.
Educational Exhibits
NASA will have more than a dozen educational exhibits with which attendees can interact. Faculty, students and subject matter experts from Purdue University, Indiana Space Grant Consortium and NearSpace Education also will offer exhibits, booths, demonstrations and displays, available throughout the day in IMS’ Trackside Garages, turned Exhibit Hall.
Exhibits include:
- Artemis Human Landing Program
- With the Artemis campaign, NASA is using innovative technologies to explore more of the lunar surface than ever before. The exhibit includes Artemis II Astro Cut Outs, tabletop models, a docking simulator and an inflatable dome.
- Rockets to Racecars
- There are many parallels between the technology used on the track and in space. This display highlights those similarities with model cars, tires, a shuttle nose and mannequins with cooling gear and fire suits.
- RS-25 Engine
- The RS-25 powered the space shuttle for over three decades and completed 135 missions. It is one of the most tested large rocket engines in history. Guests can enjoy a tabletop model, view an actual RS-25 engine and test the engine using virtual reality.
In addition, attendees can take photos with the Borg-Warner Trophy, Visit Indy’s _NDY Sculpture and an eclipse-themed INDYCAR SERIES race car.
Schedule (all times ET)
- 9 a.m.: Gates open; Gates 2, 3 and 6
- 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Educational programming
- 1 p.m.: NASA broadcast begins
- 1:10 p.m.: Opening ceremonies
- 1:35 p.m.: INDYCAR SERIES demo laps
- 1:50:34 p.m.: Solar eclipse begins with partial
- 2:15 p.m.: Frontstretch of oval track opens for guest viewing
- 3:06:04 p.m.: Totality begins
- 3:07:59 p.m.: Max totality
- 3:09:54 p.m.: Totality ends
- 3:25 p.m.: Closing ceremonies
- 3:30 p.m.: Astronaut and driver autograph session
- 4 p.m.: Gates close
- 4:23:13 p.m.: Partial ends
- 4:30 p.m.: NASA broadcast concludes
The Greatest Spectacles
“The Greatest Spectacles” Solar Eclipse glasses are included with every admission. Once inside the facility, IMS Staff will hand out glasses. There will also be a pick-up location in Pagoda Plaza. Solar Eclipse glasses will not be distributed upon entry at the gates.
Tickets
Tickets for the Total Solar Eclipse Event presented by Purdue University are available for purchase at IMS.com or by walking up to the gates April 8.
Digital tickets can be accessed via a smart phone’s web browser or by saving the digital ticket to the mobile device’s wallet. Fans are encouraged to ensure the brightness on their smart phone is turned up before approaching the gate for a seamless scanning of their digital ticket. They also are encouraged to visit the IMS Digital Ticket guide to manage their digital tickets and enhance their at-track experience.
Visit IMS.com to purchase tickets for the Total Solar Eclipse Event presented by Purdue University.
Cashless Facility
IMS is a cashless facility. Please be prepared to complete your ticket, concession and merchandise purchases with ease during your event via debit or credit card.
Tap-to-pay phone payments will be accepted, as will credit and debit transactions.
Things to Bring
Fans will be allowed to bring one cooler and one standard backpack or book bag per person.
No coolers larger than 18 inches long by 15 inches high by 15 inches wide can be brought into the facility, which will be strictly enforced.
Telescopes will be permitted on viewing mounds only for the event. Review the gate regulations to confirm prohibited and permitted items before arriving.
Gates, Parking and Rideshare
Gate 2, Gate 3 and Gate 6 will be open.
Free parking will be available in Lot 2, Lot 3G, Lot 3P and Main Gate. Parking within the IMS infield is available while space permits. Please enter through Gate 2 from 16th Street.
If you are coming from the West / Crawfordsville Road, turn left on Auburn Street to park in Lot 2, or turn right into Main Gate lot on 16th Street. If you are coming from the East / 16th Street, turn left into Lot 3G or Lot 3P, or turn right into the IMS infield at Gate 2. Maps are available online.
Guests using a rideshare option will be dropped off and picked up from Lot 3P.
Additional Resources and Information
For more information regarding access to IMS, visit IMS.com.
The Speedway Police Department can be reached for non-emergency services by dialing 311 on a cell phone. The goal of 311 is to provide an easy-to-remember number for non-emergency services while freeing up 911 lines for timely emergency response.
SOURCE: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
