INDIANANPOLIS (AP) — The Indianapolis 500 has welcomed back 135,000 fans, the most at any sports event in the world since the pandemic began 18 months ago.
![IndyCar Indy 500 Auto Racing](https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9abf834/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5718x3812+0+0/resize/1280x853!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fewscripps-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8c%2F1a%2F4d88cab34f02a72fdce73435e69d%2Fap21150619449535.jpg)
Darron Cummings/AP
The number represents 40% of the speedway’s capacity and was agreed upon by health officials.
Fans came early and were ready to party. Most had no concerns about COVID-19. A year ago, no fans were allowed for the race that was delayed from May to August.
![Scott Dixon](https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/34f62a7/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4659x3106+0+0/resize/1280x853!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fewscripps-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F54%2F26%2F56094a664dbca490291736ab426c%2Fap21150634050295.jpg)
Paul Sancya/AP
This year, celebrities were back and fans were everywhere.