Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Boles "revealed that he expects a near-record crowd" at this year's Indianapolis 500, "significantly exceeding the estimated crowd of 220,000" at the '15 race, according to a front-page piece by Jim Ayello of the INDIANAPOLIS STAR. Boles said the track will be "well north" of 250,000 fans. An estimated 350,000-plus people last year "packed IMS to witness the historic 100th running" of the race. Many wondered whether there "would be a massive drop-off for the 101st running." While topping or even matching last year is "likely impossible, Boles and IMS are eyeing yet another mega crowd for May 28." The track president said that he and his team have "gone to great lengths to retain as much of the boost it got from the 100th running as possible." And their efforts -- from "revamping their 'Race to Renew' ticket renewal campaign to Boles personally calling 10 customers a night to invite them back -- have been rewarded." While the focal point of the 100th running was a "look back at a century of history, this year will begin to look toward the future." Boles on Thursday announced that for the first time, fans will be "able to camp along the IMS road course at the IndyCar Grand Prix." Three nights of camping (May 11-13) will be "available for prices ranging from $150 to $300" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 3/3). Boles, regarding how he plans to attract younger fans, said, "It used to be 12-and-under who got in free. Now it's 15-and-under. ... Our Snake Pit is one of the best draws we have for young adults under the age of 30." He said last year, the Snake Pit was "responsible for 30,000 tickets to the Indy 500," and "many of those kids maybe aren't coming but for that event." Boles: "The challenge is to get them to become more than just the Snake Pit fans there for the music" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 3/2).
