Paddock
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The Paddock is located on the outer west side of the track beginning at the midpoint of the front straight and continuing to a point across from the entrance to Gasoline Alley. The paddock is bordered on the north by C Stand and the Hulman Suites and on the south by A Stand. The Paddock comprises four fairly distinct areas: Paddock Box, Paddock Sections, Paddock Penthouse, and Paddock Press Penthouse. Each area will be described separately below.
According to a 2004 count conducted by Indianapolis Star reporter Curt Cavin, the Paddock has 26,370 seats.
Paddock Box
Paddock Boxes are on the lower level, and are the lowest and closest to the track. They start at box 69 next to C Stand, and end across from the entrance to Gasoline Alley at box 1, next to A Stand. Rows are A-V. The Pagoda and yard of bricks are across from boxes 18-25, and the podium is across from boxes 26-30.
Paddock Sections
Paddock Sections are on the lower level, but are higher than the Paddock Boxes. Most of the Paddock Sections are covered by the upper deck. The sections start at section 33 next to C Stand, and end across from the entrance to Gasoline Alley at section 1, next to A Stand. Rows are AA-VV. The Pagoda and yard of bricks are across from section 11, and the podium is across from sections 13-14.
Paddock Penthouse
Paddock Penthouse boxes are on the upper level. They start at box 48 next to C Stand and the Hulman Suites, and end across from the entrance to Gasoline Alley at box 1, next to A Stand. Paddock Penthouse rows are A-M, with no row I. The Pagoda and yard of bricks are across from boxes 12-17, and the podium is across from boxes 18-20. Seats 3-4 of Paddock Penthouse box 15, row A straddle the yard of bricks.
Paddock Press Penthouse
The Paddock Press Penthouse is suspended below the upper deck of the Paddock and once served as the Speedway’s official “media center”. They start at box 33 next to C Stand and the Hulman Suites, and end at the start/finish line at box 1, next to the broadcast booths. The broadcast booths (media only) then run from booth 38 at the start/finish line and end at booth 1 next to A Stand. Paddock Press Penthouse boxes comprise only two rows, A & B.
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Paddock History
- Originally built in 1911.
- Rebuilt with steel and concrete in 1946.
- Pressbox constructed on top of Paddock in 1947.
- New double-deck Paddock grandstand and pressbox in 1961.
- 600-foot addition in 1963.
- 300-foot addition in 1977.
- Renovated from 1995 - 1998.
- Gift shop under paddock added in 1998.
- LED scoreboards installed in 2003.
- Renovation of Paddock Penthouse Plazas in 2003.
Paddock Aerial Photo
Sources
View the list on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Seating Guide home page.
Paddock Photo Gallery
Photos submitted by fans. Help us build this resource by contributing your photos.
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Comments
There are 19 comments for “Paddock”. You may add a comment or trackback from your own site.
#1 - Boiler (March 2nd, 2007 at 5:02 pm)
The Paddock Penthouse is the ideal seat to view pit action and the pre-race ceremonies. I had tickets in this area for over 20 years. The view is IMPRESSIVE. You can see the entire front straightaway and portions of Turn 1 and Turn 4. The lower the Box, the more you see the front of the cars as they scream down the front straightaway. If you sit near the “yard of bricks”, you can hear the tires of a car slap the bricks. It sounds like a rifle shot.
#2 - Jen (May 28th, 2007 at 7:40 pm)
Can anyone tell me about the seats, Paddock Box B11??
Don’t have a clue and would like to know if I should sell or not.
jenjacjen[at]aol.com
#3 - F1 fan (July 2nd, 2007 at 12:00 am)
I had tickets to the 2007 USGP, paddock box 25. They were horrible. I sat in paddock penthouse box 25 for all Friday and Saturday, that seat was terrific. It was 95 degrees all weekend, but in paddock penthouse, there was a nice breeze, and was very comfortable. I could see from turn 13 to turn 3, plus turns 5 and 6, parts of Hulman Blvd. Whereas on Sunday in paddock box, there was no breeze and was hot as hell. Also, the only thing I could see was basically right in front of me and could only see the top of a colored blur as the cars went by. If there is a USGP next year, I am spending the extra $65 for the paddok penthouse seats. It is definitaly worth it.
#4 - Megan from Indy (February 15th, 2008 at 3:37 pm)
My seats are Paddock Box Section B 15 Row E 1 and 2
I wanted aisle seats to I got these. If anyone knows if they’re decent please let me know.
MJM46163[at]aol.com
#5 - Paul Woods (February 16th, 2008 at 10:07 am)
Megan- Those are “fair” seats. Not the best perhaps, but the best are hard to get and like you said, you wanted seats on the aisle. I think you’ll be sitting a little past the start/finish line, with a good view of the pits. You’ll be looking through the fencing and when the cars are directly in front of you they may be somewhat obstructed by the concrete wall. But you should have a great view of the pre-race ceremonies and everything, and you’ll really feel the excitement of being at an Indianapolis Motor Speedway event.
#6 - David from Kansas City (March 24th, 2008 at 9:08 am)
I have Paddock Box Seats and my understanding is that they are the best available or that is left. I’ve never been to the Indy 500…but for 40 years I have dreamed about it. This year will be a dream come true for both my son and I as we wil go together. Is there anything anybody could tell me on what to prepare for on Race Day, such as how early should you get to the track, what is traffic like, any hints on bringing items into the stands, etc.
#7 - dale from TPA (March 24th, 2008 at 12:47 pm)
I have attended races at the Brickyard for 26 years now. We have sat along the back streach, pit boxes,stand a and in the Paddock. I prefer the paddock for all the pit action. We sit just under cover, which keeps us dry and out of the sun. We always have the small ponchos with us, small radio with ear plugs for race updates ( the track PA is hard to hear during the race.) If you are in the single letter rows ( a- ? ) have sun protection
#8 - Anonymous (April 21st, 2008 at 1:34 pm)
For David from Kansas City: dale from TPA is right on with the advice above. Always a good idea to bring earplugs as well. Traffic is nightmarish; if you don’t want to drive in a strange city, your best bet is to park and ride a shuttle bus from downtown or the airport. That way you don’t end up sitting in traffic for hours. If you drive, parking is limited (some lots around the track that the Speedway owns, very little parking inside, and parking in neighborhood yards). When you get to town, you’ll find the Indy Star has special sections the day (days?) before the race with all this info for visitors, plus info on how big a cooler you can bring in, how early to get there, etc., and some info will be on the local TV news as well. Or go to the Star’s website ahead of time: http://www.indystar.com. The Speedway’s website gives info about coolers, their parking, etc. (www.indy500.com). My dad’s favorite method was always to park in a neighborhood yard, then run for his car the minute the winner crossed the finish line - that way he could get home in a reasonable amount of time. 
#9 - David (April 30th, 2008 at 12:25 pm)
Thanks Dale and Anonymous. I appreciate your responses. I have reserved parking in 1B, should I expect to go back to my car after the race and set up the EZ up and grill some burgers and hang out for a few hours or does anybody have an idea if I will be able to get out right away?
#10 - KATHY (May 7th, 2008 at 2:20 pm)
WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN SEATS FOR THE PADDOX BOX, SECTION 31, ROW EE. ARE THESE ANY GOOD? ARE THEY IN THE SUN OR SHADE? WE GENERALLY SIT IN SECTION B OR E.
#11 - AJ (May 20th, 2008 at 11:11 am)
I won Paddock Penthouse tickets at a silent auction and am going into this very excited but very clueless. Could someone please let me know if there a dress code in the Penthouse? I would appreciate it! ajharley1@yahoo.com
#12 - Paul Woods (May 20th, 2008 at 3:05 pm)
You are very lucky to be able to experience your first Indy 500 from the Paddock Penthouse. Anyone who has been to any of the races at the Speedway might chuckle at your question, but the bottom line is this: Don’t worry at all about how you are dressed. The Paddock Penthouse, though covered, is outside so the most important consideration is to dress for the weather and your own personal comfort. As you will see, this means different things to different people. Though in general the Paddock Penthouse crowd may be a bit more “sophisticated” than the General Admission crowd, we are talking about (at the very most) the difference between polo shirts and clean t-shirts vs t-shirts and no shirts. The weather, the crowd, and the noise can make for a long day… dress to endure it, and have fun!
#13 - Doug Pottorf (January 14th, 2009 at 3:24 pm)
I just bought tickets and they are in S29 RowCC Seats 17-18.
Can anyone comment on how good these are?
#14 - cliff (April 14th, 2009 at 10:33 pm)
hi Doug, Check out the photos here and you can pretty much figure out your sight lines. I would suggest trying to improve to paddock penthouse that is where i sat last year and will sit there again this year. Rent or borrow a radio so you can hear team chatter, get a program or newspaper so you can follow the different teams strategies as this section has great views of the pits. If you stick with your seats you will just see a little less. email direct if you would like. mega.surplus@sbcglobal.net
#15 - KC BBQ (April 26th, 2009 at 7:42 pm)
Hey all, My 3 college sons and I have sat in the Paddock Penthouse, Paddock, stand C and Tower Suites over the years at the 500. Does anyone have any suggestions on some new Stands we may want to try? Obviously E Penthouse would be rubbing elbows with the hierarchy but I’m quite sure they are not available. Anyone want to share their little secrets on the honey spots at Indy?
#16 - Curtis (July 24th, 2009 at 12:23 am)
I have aquired tickets to the Brickyard 400. I have been to the raceway park for the nationwide series in the past but never to the speedway. The seats are located in the Paddock Penthouse, Box 25, Row H, Seats 3-4. Can you repley and tell me if these are good seats or not? Thank you!
#17 - r harper (September 18th, 2009 at 2:51 pm)
is section 42 of paddock box ok seats
#18 - Lara Essie (December 15th, 2009 at 3:45 pm)
Hi Paul & all. I’m trying to get the best seat for my grandpop’s (and me too!) first motogp race for 2010. He was a racer and has worked on bikes for the last 50 years. This is my retirement present to him. I’m just not sure which seats to get him. I have a choice of Paddock Penthouse B14:D:5-6 & J S27:T:1-2. I chose those for a view of the pits where he has worked (and for shade) and for views of the turns. Any help? I really want this to be special. Thanks! -Lara
#19 - Paul Woods (December 16th, 2009 at 9:19 am)
Lara- this is a little bit of a tough call, and probably depends on just how much you need the shade. I guess what I would point out is that in J Stand you’ll get to see the bikes going through turns 10-16… and things happen in the turns. In the Paddock Penthouse you will see them zoom by at max speed which is cool the first few times but gets a little monotonous after a while.
The interesting thing about the MotoGP race vs the Indy 500 or Brickyard 400 is that the Paddock seats (the ones on the first level, not the Penthouse) are general admission. Anyone can sit there (and it will not be full), and you can get great views of the garage area. The fencing is only a problem if you are really trying to get good photos or something… it’s no problem at all to look straight through it to the garages.
So I guess if it were me, and I could figure out the shade issue, I would go with the J Stand tickets because they provide the most options.
Good luck with your decision and enjoy the race!
