IMS Pagoda

Rising above the legendary circuit, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Pagoda is one of the most recognizable symbols in world motorsport. This majestic ten-story structure, standing approximately 61 meters tall, serves as the main race control center in Indianapolis. Its unique design, featuring a distinct Japanese influence, sets the facility apart from traditional sports arenas in the USA.

An interesting feature of the construction is its height: it stands exactly 199 feet tall. This number was not chosen by chance—the track lies beneath the flight path for planes heading to Indianapolis airport, and if the tower were just one foot taller, its construction would have required lengthy approvals from aviation authorities. Today, the Pagoda is more than just a control tower; it is the true heart of the track, where all operations are coordinated during the famous races.

The building's exterior is designed so that, when viewed from the east or west, it creates a classic stepped pagoda silhouette. The total floor space is approximately 6,000 square meters, providing everything needed to host world-class competitions: from officiating booths to VIP suites and press areas.

To check the availability of tower visits on specific dates or to book tours, we recommend using the venue's official contact details.

Visiting this iconic site allows you to touch the history of the legendary Indianapolis 500. On the first floor of the Pagoda, visitors can often see the famous Borg-Warner Trophy — a massive and intricately detailed trophy engraved with the faces of every race winner. It is through this floor that the drivers emerge to meet the public on the day of the year's biggest race.

If you manage to get inside as part of a tour or special event, be sure to take note of the upper floors. The ninth level is responsible for controlling dozens of video screens across the entire track, and the roof of the tower offers what is arguably the best panoramic view of Indianapolis. Also on the first floor, you can observe the technical maintenance of the official pace cars as they prepare to head out onto the track.

For business guests and sponsors, the tower features luxury suites, such as Suite 67, which occupy vast areas. Even if you are just walking nearby, it is worth appreciating the engineering elegance of the building and taking commemorative photos at the "Yard of Bricks" — the finish line over which this architectural marvel towers.

The legendary tower is located at 6th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46222, right in the heart of the famous racing circuit. If you are planning a visit to Indianapolis from another region, the most convenient option is to use Indianapolis International Airport (MCI), which is just a short drive from the speedway.

For those traveling within the city, the most comfortable way to reach the site is by private car or taxi. The Speedway grounds are equipped with spacious parking lots; however, during major racing events, traffic may be restricted, so it is advisable to check the entry maps on the official website in advance. You can also reach the track via public transport, which frequently runs between the city center and the Speedway area.

The history of this unique structure dates back to 1909, when the first wooden buildings for officials appeared at the start-finish line. However, the true visual identity of the "Pagoda" was born in 1912: following the first Indianapolis 500, a five-story tower was erected, its design inspired by the Japanese architecture popular at the time. Interestingly, the name stuck thanks to a pagoda-style garden at the estate of Frank Wheeler, one of the track's founders.

Throughout the 20th century, the tower's appearance changed several times. In 1926, a new six-story structure was built, serving faithfully for nearly three decades. In 1956, it was replaced by what was then a modern building made of glass and steel. Unfortunately, this version lost its recognizable Oriental features, becoming a typical example of the functionalism of that era.

Historical justice was only restored at the turn of the century. In 1998, the modernist tower was dismantled to make way for the current ten-story structure, completed by 2000. The circuit management intentionally decided to return to the classic pagoda style to emphasize the connection between eras and show deep respect for the heritage of the oldest racing track in the USA.

The amount of time you spend at the Pagoda largely depends on whether there is an event taking place at the track. On regular days, exploring the tower's architectural features and walking the surrounding grounds (including the famous "Yard of Bricks") usually takes about 1 to 2 hours. If you decide to visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, allow for additional time.

During major race weekends, the situation changes: you could easily spend an entire day here, watching the cars being prepared and the officials at work. During such periods, access to the tower itself may be limited, so it is recommended to check the event schedule and tourist access conditions in advance.

Since the Pagoda is an active operational center for the speedway, its hours of operation depend directly on the racing schedule and corporate events. On non-race days, access to the grounds may be limited to specific museum hours or guided tours.

To plan your visit, we strongly recommend checking for the latest information by calling +1 317-492-8500 or visiting the official Indianapolis Motor Speedway website, as the schedule can change based on the season and driver practice schedules.

A visit to the speedway can easily be combined with exploring other interesting sites in the area. The surrounding region offers many parks and entertainment centers that are perfect for family vacations or active leisure after immersing yourself in the world of motorsport.