One of the most frustrating parts about being a local fan of sports is the dreaded blackout.
It is especially maddening, then, that the Indianapolis 500, one of the biggest racing events of the year, can't even be watched by residents of its namesake city.
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Indianapolis Motor Speedway does not allow the race to be aired in Central Indiana, due to a desire to get fans to go to the track. The ban has been relaxed in recent years, and in 2016 it was lifted entirely due to a sellout of IMS on race day.
Here's what to know about blackouts of the Indy 500, and if fans in Central Indiana can watch.
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Will the Indy 500 be blacked out in Indianapolis this year?
As is tradition, the Indy 500 will be blacked out in Central Indiana this year.
Those in other parts of the state — specifically Evansville, Fort Wayne, South Bend or Terre Haute — can watch on local NBC affiliates.
However, IMS wants those with access to the track to go, hence the blackout.
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Can the Indy 500 be watched on Peacock?
Unlike in recent years, in which a loophole allowed local fans to watch via Peacock, the race will not be streamed in blacked-out areas.
In 2020 and 2021, limited attendance during the COVID-19 pandemic led to IMS lifting the blackouts, and the Peacock option remained intact last year.
IMS president Doug Boles said plans are “in place to black out the live broadcast of the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500 to central Indiana race fans,” per Sports Business Journal.