Indy 500 to welcome fans at 50 percent capacity

On Friday, the Indianapolis 500 became the latest American sporting event to welcome fans amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles confirmed the news via an official statement: 

"We’re committed to running the Indy 500 on Sunday, Aug. 23 and will welcome fans to the world’s greatest racing venue. We will be limiting attendance to approximately 50 percent of venue capacity, and we are also finalizing a number of additional carefully considered health and safety measures. We’ll unveil the specific details of our comprehensive plan in the coming weeks.”

Per Shanna McCarriston of CBS Sports, Indianapolis Motor Speedway carries a capacity of around 235,000. The official announcement also explained that individuals who do not wish to attend, such as those considered high-risk, will receive credits.

Safety items such as masks and hand sanitizer will be distributed to all race attendees. 

The uncontrolled virus outbreak forced the postponement of the Indy 500 from Sunday, May 24, to August. Earlier this week, Churchill Downs Racetrack President Kevin Flanery declared fans can attend the Kentucky Derby that was moved to Sept. 5. 

Venues in Texas and Illinois can hold spectators at reduced capacities per current guidelines. Alabama and Florida have already opened doors to fans for NASCAR races this month. 

Up to 8,000 individuals may attend the Jack Nicklaus Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Ohio next month.