Indianapolis – Governor Mike Pence today issued the following statement commending the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for its decision to lift the local television blackout in central Indiana in light of the sellout of all reserved seating, hospitality suites and infield general admission tickets for the Indianapolis 500:
“I commend the Hulman-George family and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for their historic decision to lift the television blackout in central Indiana, allowing Hoosiers to enjoy the worldwide broadcast of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing live. This decision was made possible by the sellout of all reserved seating, hospitality suites and general admission. This historic decision and the sellout on 16th Street is a testament to the leadership of the Hulman-George family, the team at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the support the people of Indiana provided over the last several years to enable the improvements that will benefit race fans, our capital city, and our state for generations to come.â€
Background:
Governor Pence signed into law House Enrolled Act 1544-2013 on May 10, 2013, which allowed for the issuance of bonds for improvements at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway that were completed in anticipation of the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500. Those improvements include suite and upper deck seating renovations, redevelopment of the entry gate near 16th Street and Georgetown Road, as well as video board upgrades and a new scoring pylon along the front straightaway. As part of this commitment, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will make an annual $2 million lease payment to the state of Indiana for 20 years.
