No. 9: Total Solar Eclipse Coming to IMS on April 8
December 23, 2023 | By Curt Cavin, Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Note: The Penske Entertainment editorial staff is looking back at the 10 biggest moments of 2023 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in this year-end series, with one installment appearing on the site per day in countdown fashion from Dec. 22-31.
The Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge is a spectacle that happens once a year. Next April, the iconic facility will host an event 819 years in the making.
IMS will be a recognized gathering venue to view the “Great North American Eclipse,” a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon Monday, April 8. The total eclipse will trace a narrow path of totality across 13 U.S. states. When the total solar eclipse crosses North America, Indianapolis will be located in the center of the path of totality.
For three minutes and 46 seconds, Indianapolis will experience darkness as the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun.
This is the first time in 819 years that a total solar eclipse has been visible in Indianapolis, and it will be another 129 years before such an event occurs again.
IMS will host one of several NASA broadcast sites across the nation. NASA experts will be on hand to answer questions about the scientific phenomenon of a total solar eclipse. Educational STEM opportunities, exclusive merchandise and programming centered around racing and space discovery will be available throughout the day.
Tickets are on sale for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse at IMS presented by Purdue University at IMS.com and at the IMS Ticket Office.
General admission tickets are $20 per person and include gate admission, infield parking and a pair of limited-edition solar eclipse glasses – “The Greatest Spectacles.” Kids 18 and under will be admitted free with a paying adult and will receive a pair of limited-edition solar eclipse glasses. Three-day camping packages (April 6-9) in Lot 2 are also available starting at $125.
April 6 also marks the 50-day countdown to the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.