The roar of the engines, the excitement of the crowd, the taste of your favorite snacks and drinks – these are all part of the Indianapolis 500 experience! For many fans, bringing a cooler stocked with refreshments is a tradition. But before you pack up your favorite beverages and sandwiches for the 2025 race on Sunday, May 25th, 2025, it's crucial to understand the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's (IMS) rules regarding cooler sizes.
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Bringing your own food and drinks can save you money and ensure you have exactly what you want throughout the long and thrilling race day. However, IMS does have specific guidelines in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all attendees. Failing to adhere to these rules could result in your cooler being turned away at the gate, putting a damper on your race day.
Find all your gate regulations on their official site.
Here's what you need to know about cooler sizes for the 2025 Indianapolis 500:
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Maximum Size: For the 2025 Indianapolis 500, the maximum permitted size for coolers is 18 inches long x 14 inches wide x 15 inches high (18" x 14" x 15"). This rule is strictly enforced at the pedestrian gates.
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Soft or Hard-Sided: Both soft-sided and hard-sided coolers are permitted, as long as they do not exceed the specified dimensions.
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No Glass: Regardless of the cooler size, glass containers of any kind are strictly prohibited inside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Be sure to transfer any beverages from glass bottles to plastic or aluminum containers before arriving.
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Contents Subject to Inspection: Security personnel at the gates will inspect all coolers for size and contents. This is to ensure compliance with the rules and to prevent prohibited items from entering the venue.
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Consider a Backpack Cooler: Due to the amount of walking you may do throughout the day, a backpack-style cooler within the size restrictions can be a more convenient and comfortable option to carry.
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Infield Parking Perks: If you are parking inside the IMS infield, regulations regarding cooler sizes might be more relaxed for tailgating within the parking area itself. However, remember that any cooler you plan to bring into the grandstands on race day must still adhere to the 18" x 14" x 15" size limit.
Tips for Packing Your Cooler:
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Measure Your Cooler: Before you start packing, double-check the dimensions of your cooler to ensure it meets the IMS requirements.
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Use Plastic or Aluminum: Transfer all beverages from glass bottles to plastic bottles or aluminum cans.
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Consider Frozen Water Bottles: Frozen water bottles can act as ice packs and provide you with cold drinking water as they melt throughout the day.
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Pack Smart: Arrange your items efficiently to maximize space within the size limits.
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Arrive Early: Gates open early on race day, allowing you ample time to go through security checkpoints.
By understanding and following these cooler size regulations, you can ensure a smooth entry into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and focus on enjoying all the excitement that the 2025 Indianapolis 500 has to offer!
