WHY PEOPLE BUY TICKETS FROM INDIVIDUALS
You cannot get great seats to the Indy 500 from the speedway because they are all sold
out by people who get to renew them each year. Consequently, finding a great seat means
having to buy from individuals who are trying to sell their own tickets. That means looking
on the secondary market.
The secondary market includes Craigslist, ebay, online ticket resellers and scalpers.
You cannot get great seats to the Indy 500 from the speedway because they are all sold
out by people who get to renew them each year. Consequently, finding a great seat means
having to buy from individuals who are trying to sell their own tickets. That means looking
on the secondary market.
The secondary market includes Craigslist, ebay, online ticket resellers and scalpers.
INDIANAPOLIS POLICE DISTRICT
HEADQUARTERS LOCATIONS:
HEADQUARTERS: 50 N Alabama St.
DOWNTOWN: 39 W Jackson Pl.
NORTHWEST: 3821 Industrial Blvd.
NORTH: 3120 E 30th St.
EAST: 201 Shadeland Ave.
SOUTHEAST: 1150 Shelby St.
SOUTHWEST: 551 King Ave.
These areas are under 24-hour video surveillance.
HEADQUARTERS LOCATIONS:
HEADQUARTERS: 50 N Alabama St.
DOWNTOWN: 39 W Jackson Pl.
NORTHWEST: 3821 Industrial Blvd.
NORTH: 3120 E 30th St.
EAST: 201 Shadeland Ave.
SOUTHEAST: 1150 Shelby St.
SOUTHWEST: 551 King Ave.
These areas are under 24-hour video surveillance.
| Related Links: |
| Speedway Ticket Office Located on the SW corner of the track on 16th Street. |
OTHER TIPS
Check a SEATING CHART and make sure the seats even exist.
Make sure you have all of the details for the tickets, such as the Section and Row.
I often see that important information missing or mixed up on Stubhub, etc.
Note:
Check a SEATING CHART and make sure the seats even exist.
Make sure you have all of the details for the tickets, such as the Section and Row.
I often see that important information missing or mixed up on Stubhub, etc.
Note:
1) The seller goes to the post office with his
tickets
The seller pays the post office approx. $10 for
mailing this envelope "Certified Mail" to the buyer.
The seller specifies whether he will accept
personal checks. If not, the post office will r
equire a money order from the buyer.
The seller tells the post office how long to try and
deliver the tickets before giving up and returning
the tickets to him. If the race date is near, the
seller will want his tickets back ASAP so that he
has time to try and sell them again.
2) The post man delivers the tickets to the door of
the buyer.
If the postal worker cannot deliver the tickets,
the tickets will have to be picked up at the post
office. If the tickets have not been picked up in
30 days - OR the time specified by the seller -
the tickets are mailed back to the seller.
tickets
The seller pays the post office approx. $10 for
mailing this envelope "Certified Mail" to the buyer.
The seller specifies whether he will accept
personal checks. If not, the post office will r
equire a money order from the buyer.
The seller tells the post office how long to try and
deliver the tickets before giving up and returning
the tickets to him. If the race date is near, the
seller will want his tickets back ASAP so that he
has time to try and sell them again.
2) The post man delivers the tickets to the door of
the buyer.
If the postal worker cannot deliver the tickets,
the tickets will have to be picked up at the post
office. If the tickets have not been picked up in
30 days - OR the time specified by the seller -
the tickets are mailed back to the seller.
WHAT IF TIME IS RUNNING OUT?
The buyer can send money instantly with Paypal, Venmo, etc. But if it's a scam, you may get
your money back eventually, but you won't have tickets.
The seller can have the tickets sent 'over-night' delivery, which is a bit expensive.
If time does run out, you can always buy tickets on race day from:
a. the Speedway Ticket Office if not sold out. General Admission is almost never sold out.
b. the scalpers standing along the sidewalks outside the speedway.
The buyer can send money instantly with Paypal, Venmo, etc. But if it's a scam, you may get
your money back eventually, but you won't have tickets.
The seller can have the tickets sent 'over-night' delivery, which is a bit expensive.
If time does run out, you can always buy tickets on race day from:
a. the Speedway Ticket Office if not sold out. General Admission is almost never sold out.
b. the scalpers standing along the sidewalks outside the speedway.
| CERTIFIED MAIL = Care Of Delivery = C.O.D. How it works: |
The seller would then be out $10 and some time.
The buyer examines the tickets and pays the
postman.
The postman accepts cash, money orders and
personal checks.
If the buyer presents cash, he'll be charged an
additional 80 cents. This charge is for converting
the cash to a money order.
3) After the mailman picks up the money, a check
or money order gets mailed to the seller along
with the receipt they signed when they mailed it.
Note: It may be a good idea to have the tickets
sent to the buyer's work address if no one is home
during the day.
This method should be safe for both buyer and
seller.
The buyer examines the tickets and pays the
postman.
The postman accepts cash, money orders and
personal checks.
If the buyer presents cash, he'll be charged an
additional 80 cents. This charge is for converting
the cash to a money order.
3) After the mailman picks up the money, a check
or money order gets mailed to the seller along
with the receipt they signed when they mailed it.
Note: It may be a good idea to have the tickets
sent to the buyer's work address if no one is home
during the day.
This method should be safe for both buyer and
seller.
| BUY TICKETS SAFELY |
First off, It is the BUYER who need to be wary.
SELLERS don't have to mail out their tickets until after they've been paid, however they
might have one thing to worry about - Seller Beware.
On my Ticket Bulletin Board, I check out each For Sale ad so you shouldn't have to worry
about those.
However, I worry about the people who post Want Ads. Those people need to read this
page so they can weed out any scammers.
SELLERS don't have to mail out their tickets until after they've been paid, however they
might have one thing to worry about - Seller Beware.
On my Ticket Bulletin Board, I check out each For Sale ad so you shouldn't have to worry
about those.
However, I worry about the people who post Want Ads. Those people need to read this
page so they can weed out any scammers.
Description of Real Race Tickets:
A. The Speedway's race tickets are cardboard, not paper.
B. They are printed on both sides.
C. The front is a photo-quality picture!
D. Most will be embossed and have some metallic sections.
They may also have small punch outs. These are called "Souvenir
Tickets" and are made by a professional print shop.
However, tickets purchased after March are printed by IMS and
will be missing those fancy tidbits. Both have a bar code.
Note: The plain tickets will never be great seats as all good
seats are sold long before March.
I try to post a photo of every ticket on my Ticket Pictures web
page. Check there to see what the ticket looks like.
A. The Speedway's race tickets are cardboard, not paper.
B. They are printed on both sides.
C. The front is a photo-quality picture!
D. Most will be embossed and have some metallic sections.
They may also have small punch outs. These are called "Souvenir
Tickets" and are made by a professional print shop.
However, tickets purchased after March are printed by IMS and
will be missing those fancy tidbits. Both have a bar code.
Note: The plain tickets will never be great seats as all good
seats are sold long before March.
I try to post a photo of every ticket on my Ticket Pictures web
page. Check there to see what the ticket looks like.
| SAFELY BUYING RACE TICKETS |
COUNTERFEIT TICKETS
I do not think that the Ticket BUYER needs to be worried about this.
Duplicating a ticket so that it passes your inspection would be difficult and expensive.
However, the Ticket SELLER needs to be cautious. If a prospective buyer requests that
you send them a photo of your race pass - DO NOT send a hi-res scan!
Instead, take a photo of the passes at an angle. Consider blurring the bar code.
With a high-resolution scan, a copy could be printed that might fool the ticket taker scan.
Then, when the ticket owner shows up, their ticket will be shown as already used.
If you have never seen or held a real race ticket,
hopefully the following guide will help:
I do not think that the Ticket BUYER needs to be worried about this.
Duplicating a ticket so that it passes your inspection would be difficult and expensive.
However, the Ticket SELLER needs to be cautious. If a prospective buyer requests that
you send them a photo of your race pass - DO NOT send a hi-res scan!
Instead, take a photo of the passes at an angle. Consider blurring the bar code.
With a high-resolution scan, a copy could be printed that might fool the ticket taker scan.
Then, when the ticket owner shows up, their ticket will be shown as already used.
If you have never seen or held a real race ticket,
hopefully the following guide will help:
A. Get real photographic evidence.
1. Always ask for a photo showing all tickets which includes a phone or watch in the
photo that shows today's date.
2. Ask for proof of purchase - such as the receipt from IMS. If they say they don't
have that, know that any ticket purchaser can go to the IMS website and view
their order information, then do a screen print of it and send it to you.
For even more verification, you might also ask for
3. Photos of the back of the tickets.
4. A photo of the blue envelope that the tickets came in from IMS.
5. Look on ebay for a photo matching the one you have been sent.
Just search for "indy 500 ticket" and the year. Don't specify the stand because a
scammer may change that.
More than likely, they will not use a photo of tickets currently for sale, but one from
an ebay auction that has already ended. To get a list of all the tickets that have
sold, follow these steps:
1. After you have entered "indy 500 ticket" and the year into ebay's search bar.
2. Select "advanced" - next to the search button.
3. That takes you to another screen. Scroll down and select "Completed items"
4. Now hit the search button.
That will give you a list of all the 500 tickets sold so far on ebay.
Scroll down the page and look for a matching photo.
Know what the tickets look like - see Ticket Photos
Know what the face value is - see Indy Speedway Ticket Prices
It might be handy if you have knowledge of IMS seating too - see Seating Chart
1. Always ask for a photo showing all tickets which includes a phone or watch in the
photo that shows today's date.
2. Ask for proof of purchase - such as the receipt from IMS. If they say they don't
have that, know that any ticket purchaser can go to the IMS website and view
their order information, then do a screen print of it and send it to you.
For even more verification, you might also ask for
3. Photos of the back of the tickets.
4. A photo of the blue envelope that the tickets came in from IMS.
5. Look on ebay for a photo matching the one you have been sent.
Just search for "indy 500 ticket" and the year. Don't specify the stand because a
scammer may change that.
More than likely, they will not use a photo of tickets currently for sale, but one from
an ebay auction that has already ended. To get a list of all the tickets that have
sold, follow these steps:
1. After you have entered "indy 500 ticket" and the year into ebay's search bar.
2. Select "advanced" - next to the search button.
3. That takes you to another screen. Scroll down and select "Completed items"
4. Now hit the search button.
That will give you a list of all the 500 tickets sold so far on ebay.
Scroll down the page and look for a matching photo.
Know what the tickets look like - see Ticket Photos
Know what the face value is - see Indy Speedway Ticket Prices
It might be handy if you have knowledge of IMS seating too - see Seating Chart
BUYING TICKETS IN PERSON
Sometimes people arrange to buy the tickets in a face to face meeting with the seller,
usually to avoid shipping costs or because there is no time for the mail.
I have never heard of anyone being robbed over race tickets.
However, it is not unheard of for criminals in Indianapolis to lure people through Craigslist
to a location where they then rob and sometimes kill them. It seems to be young
gangsters and the bait is usually a cell phone or game console.
But just to safe, here are some suggestions:
A. Talk to the person over the phone, not just through messaging.
B. Arrange to meet them in a police station parking lot or at least a crowded public place.
C. Take someone with you to the meet.
D. Be prepared to protect yourself.
E. Meet during daylight hours.
Sometimes people arrange to buy the tickets in a face to face meeting with the seller,
usually to avoid shipping costs or because there is no time for the mail.
I have never heard of anyone being robbed over race tickets.
However, it is not unheard of for criminals in Indianapolis to lure people through Craigslist
to a location where they then rob and sometimes kill them. It seems to be young
gangsters and the bait is usually a cell phone or game console.
But just to safe, here are some suggestions:
A. Talk to the person over the phone, not just through messaging.
B. Arrange to meet them in a police station parking lot or at least a crowded public place.
C. Take someone with you to the meet.
D. Be prepared to protect yourself.
E. Meet during daylight hours.
Copyright © 2026 IndySpeedway.com All Rights Reserved
The Speedway offers their customers the choice of buying E-tickets instead of physical tickets.
Those people then display the E-ticket on their smart phone at the gate to gain entry.
You cannot print Digital Tickets - you must have a smart phone to use them.
You are allowed to transfer your tickets to someone else once.
Digital tickets do not become available until 10 days before the event.
So don't consider buying them from someone until then.
For more information, see the IMS DIgital Ticket Guide.
Those people then display the E-ticket on their smart phone at the gate to gain entry.
You cannot print Digital Tickets - you must have a smart phone to use them.
You are allowed to transfer your tickets to someone else once.
Digital tickets do not become available until 10 days before the event.
So don't consider buying them from someone until then.
For more information, see the IMS DIgital Ticket Guide.
DIGITAL E-TICKETS
PARKING / CAMPING PASSES
These passes can be duplicated easier than race tickets.
If buying a Camping or Parking Pass ONLINE, follow the instructions above about
Photographic Evidence - particularly about getting a photo of their IMS receipt.
If you are meeting the seller in person, and can look at the pass
first. Look for a small circular perforation at the top and a
perforated line running from the circle to the edge of the pass.
This perforation is so you can punch it out and hang it from your
car's rear view mirror. Make sure it's really perforated.
These passes can be duplicated easier than race tickets.
If buying a Camping or Parking Pass ONLINE, follow the instructions above about
Photographic Evidence - particularly about getting a photo of their IMS receipt.
If you are meeting the seller in person, and can look at the pass
first. Look for a small circular perforation at the top and a
perforated line running from the circle to the edge of the pass.
This perforation is so you can punch it out and hang it from your
car's rear view mirror. Make sure it's really perforated.
| Tickets are 3" wide x 8" tall |
Historical Note:
2024 - The local news reported a scam was busted that involved two men, one was an IMS security
guard, who made counterfeit copies of parking passes, Carb Day passes and Snake Pit wristbands.
The passes were sold on Seat Geek, StubHub and Vivid Seats. IMS lost more than $150,000.
Click to View WRTV Article
Click to view Fox59 Article
2024 - The local news reported a scam was busted that involved two men, one was an IMS security
guard, who made counterfeit copies of parking passes, Carb Day passes and Snake Pit wristbands.
The passes were sold on Seat Geek, StubHub and Vivid Seats. IMS lost more than $150,000.
Click to View WRTV Article
Click to view Fox59 Article
B. Know and check all of the seller's contact information.
Talk to them on the phone and ask them questions to see if they know what they
are talking about.
Sample questions;
How did they get the tickets?
How much did they cost?
What color was the envelope they came in? (Blue for the Indy 500)
Have they sat in those seats before?
If so, can they mail you photos from that location.
Talk to them on the phone and ask them questions to see if they know what they
are talking about.
Sample questions;
How did they get the tickets?
How much did they cost?
What color was the envelope they came in? (Blue for the Indy 500)
Have they sat in those seats before?
If so, can they mail you photos from that location.
Online Ticket Scams
Buying Tickets In Person
Counterfeit Tickets
Parking and Camping Passes
E-Tickets
Other Tips
Mailing Safety
Buying Tickets In Person
Counterfeit Tickets
Parking and Camping Passes
E-Tickets
Other Tips
Mailing Safety
In 2023, a lady in California purchased four $40 General Admission
tickets through the web site SeatGeek.com. She paid $280 for the
tickets plus $120 in fees for a grand total of $400! She could have
simply paid $160 for them as she walked in the gate!
tickets through the web site SeatGeek.com. She paid $280 for the
tickets plus $120 in fees for a grand total of $400! She could have
simply paid $160 for them as she walked in the gate!
WHAT IF YOU DO GET RIPPED OFF?
Check with your financial institution asap. Banks, credit card companies and online payment
systems may reimburse you if you get scammed.
Check with your financial institution asap. Banks, credit card companies and online payment
systems may reimburse you if you get scammed.
Sections and Boxes are always numbered
Rows are always alphabetical
Seats are always numbered between 1-20.
Rows are always alphabetical
Seats are always numbered between 1-20.
Say "No" to any strange, convoluted requests.
Don't hesitate to ask questions.
If they come up with stupid excuses, or stop responding, they're scammers.
Do not wire money.
Do not pay for tickets before the speedway has even mailed them out yet (mid March).
They also do not release E-tickets until ten days before the event!
If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Don't get all excited and jump
on a deal before taking the time to completely check the deal and the seller out.
Shop around. Some times people will sell things on-line at greatly exaggerated prices
hoping to find a mark. (This advice applies to any object sold on-line.)
For instance,
Don't hesitate to ask questions.
If they come up with stupid excuses, or stop responding, they're scammers.
Do not wire money.
Do not pay for tickets before the speedway has even mailed them out yet (mid March).
They also do not release E-tickets until ten days before the event!
If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Don't get all excited and jump
on a deal before taking the time to completely check the deal and the seller out.
Shop around. Some times people will sell things on-line at greatly exaggerated prices
hoping to find a mark. (This advice applies to any object sold on-line.)
For instance,
THE #1 ONLINE SCAM
By far, the most likely scam is to pay for tickets online and never receive them.
Scammers will send the buyer a photo of tickets that they do not possess.
They usually just copy them off of ebay.
This ruse can be easily avoided by following these rules:
By far, the most likely scam is to pay for tickets online and never receive them.
Scammers will send the buyer a photo of tickets that they do not possess.
They usually just copy them off of ebay.
This ruse can be easily avoided by following these rules:
MAILING SAFETY
It is a good idea for the seller to package the tickets in an waterproof envelope,
sandwiched in some cardboard so that they don't get bent or water damaged.
The buyer should discuss with the seller how they want the tickets shipped and agree
on who is paying for it. This is especially important if the race date is near.
Consider what happens if the tickets are lost or delayed in the mail and you miss the
race.
The surest delivery methods are more expensive of course.
Consider FedEX or a similar service which are more reliable than the US Post Office
these days. Also consider options such as Insurance, Tracking, 2-day Priority
Shipping or Overnight Delivery.
Americans are used to paying for stuff online before they get the item.
Some people though are wary of doing that. One answer to that is to have the tickets
shipped C.O.D. See below.
It is a good idea for the seller to package the tickets in an waterproof envelope,
sandwiched in some cardboard so that they don't get bent or water damaged.
The buyer should discuss with the seller how they want the tickets shipped and agree
on who is paying for it. This is especially important if the race date is near.
Consider what happens if the tickets are lost or delayed in the mail and you miss the
race.
The surest delivery methods are more expensive of course.
Consider FedEX or a similar service which are more reliable than the US Post Office
these days. Also consider options such as Insurance, Tracking, 2-day Priority
Shipping or Overnight Delivery.
Americans are used to paying for stuff online before they get the item.
Some people though are wary of doing that. One answer to that is to have the tickets
shipped C.O.D. See below.
EXAMPLE OF ALTERED RACE TICKET
April 2026 - An alert buyer was sent a photo of two tickets. He'd requested four, so
was suspicious and asked for my opinion. At first glance, it looked legit, but when I
noticed the price was $500, I knew they were fake because I knew the face value of
those tickets were $285 each.
Upon closer examination, I also noticed that the seat information was a bit askew.
I searched sold ticket auctions on ebay and found the original ticket photo that this
scammer had stolen and changed. See below.
April 2026 - An alert buyer was sent a photo of two tickets. He'd requested four, so
was suspicious and asked for my opinion. At first glance, it looked legit, but when I
noticed the price was $500, I knew they were fake because I knew the face value of
those tickets were $285 each.
Upon closer examination, I also noticed that the seat information was a bit askew.
I searched sold ticket auctions on ebay and found the original ticket photo that this
scammer had stolen and changed. See below.
WILL CALL WINDOW
Another method of picking up your tickets instead of having them shipped, is to use the
Will Call Window at the IMS Ticket Office.
If the seller is in Indy, they can drop the tickets off and the staff will check the buyers ID
when they come in to retrieve them.
Another method of picking up your tickets instead of having them shipped, is to use the
Will Call Window at the IMS Ticket Office.
If the seller is in Indy, they can drop the tickets off and the staff will check the buyers ID
when they come in to retrieve them.
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