Did you know the Indy 500 is next week?

Whether you're headed to the track or tuning in at home, here's everything you need to know if you're feeling unprepared for the greatest spectacle in racing.

When is the Indianapolis 500?

The 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 is Sunday, May 26, 2024. The green flag falls at 12:45 p.m. EST.

What am I allowed to bring to the Indy 500?

Here's a few basics that you can and cannot bring into the Indy 500.

Allowed:

• Bags and coolers (not larger than 18”x14”x15”)

• Alcohol (as long as it is not in glass containers)

• Strollers

• Wheelchairs, service animals

• Lawn chairs

Not allowed:

• Weapons of any type

• Carts and wagons

• Aerosol cans (sunscreen included)

• Animals (except service animals)

• Smokable items including cigarettes and vapes (they are only permitted in the infield, not the grandstand)

Read the full article below for all guidelines of what you can and cannot bring to the Indy 500 and check the prohibited and permitted item list on the IMS website.

IMS rules: Here's what fans are allowed to bring into the Indy 500, and what to leave at home

Is the Indy 500 blacked out locally this year?

Yes, the media blackout will be in effect during the 108th running of the Indy 500.

While earlier this month there were some hopes of the blackout being lifted if the race sold out, there was never any formal discussion about it being a real possibility.

The media blackout means that no one in central Indiana is able to watch the race live at home on TV. This rule is in effect to encourage locals to attend the race in-person. Race fans are still able to listen to the race live on the radio, but unable to view it on TV until the replay on Sunday evening.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway media blackout has been a tradition since the beginning and has only been lifted a handful of times over the years. Notably in 2016 when the race sold out for the first time since the 1950s; and then again during the pandemic when there were no race fans in-person due to lockdown regulations.

How to watch the Indy 500

The Indy 500 will be streamed on Peacock and live on NBC to all those outside the local media blackout zone. It will also be available on Universo for Spanish-speaking viewers.

Those in the media blackout zone in central Indiana will be able to watch the race during the replay of footage later Sunday evening.

How to listen to the Indy 500 on the radio

To those in the media blackout who want to listen to the race live, you can tune into IndyCar Radio, which is accessible online and on 93.5 FM and 107.5 FM in Indianapolis.

View the broadcast radio schedule online at indycar.com/radio/broadcast-schedule.

To find the full list of radio stations broadcasting the race, you can check the list below.

What will the weather be like for the Indy 500?

One week away from the big event, weather forecasts are mixed for Race Day.

• Weather Underground is predicting showers that may cloud some festivities in the morning and high temperatures around 76 with low temperatures around 61.

• AccuWeather forecast shows mostly sunny skies with humidity with predictions highs near 78 and lows around 62.

• National Weather Service in Indianapolis has not yet posted its forecast for May 26.

Race day forecast: Will it rain? Here's the latest predictions

Who is singing the national anthem at Indy 500?

Jordin Sparks is returning to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to sing the national anthem. She previously sang it at the 2015 Indy 500.

Who is singing 'God Bless America' at the Indy 500?

Phillip Phillips, famous for his 2012 hit "Home," will be performing "God Bless America" at the Indy 500.

Who won the Indy 500 in 2023?

Josef Newgarden won the 107th running of the Indy 500 for Team Penske. He is returning to the Indy 500 again in 2024.

2023 Indy 500 Recap: Josef Newgarden wins; results, leaderboard from IMS

IndyStar reporters Domenica Bongiovanni and Karl Schneider contributed to this report.

Katie Wiseman is a trending news intern at IndyStar. Contact her at klwiseman@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @itskatiewiseman.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indy 500 is next weekend. Here's everything you need to know.