The United States is often touted as the land of opportunity, a place where dreams can come true. For those racing fans looking to see the greatest American race weekend, they may find it difficult to travel to the middle of nowhere, Missouri, on a week-long basis.
The answer may lie in a television viewer’s most surprising invention: the remote control. With a little bit of technology and a whole lot of ingenuity, fans now have the ability to tune in to their favorite racing competitions from the comfort of their homes. Thanks to the wonders of modern-day TV, fans can now be part of the action, even if they are in another state.
The Evolution Of TV Broadcasting
The modern-day TV audience has benefited from the introduction of new technologies and the development of the internet as a platform for content distribution. As a result, today’s racing fans can enjoy live broadcasts of their favorite sport from almost every angle and location. This, in turn, has made it possible for Kansas Speedway (and other venues) to reach a much larger audience and turn them into fans of racing in general.
A prime example of this is the Velocity TV show, which covers racing from around the world and features hosts, analysts, and guests who are all accessible from the comfort of your home. You may already know that a race at Kansas Speedway typically draws huge numbers of TV viewers, attracting anywhere from 7 to 15 million viewers per race. But did you know that the show can also be viewed online or on mobile devices for those who can’t make it to the racetrack?
Nowadays, it’s common for sports to be broadcast live and delayed, with or without commentary. This is certainly the case for the Indianapolis 500, which is the definitive race in American sports. Yet, one of the greatest attributes of the Indianapolis 500 is that it provides fans with an abundance of options when it comes to watching the race. There are different ways to follow the action, from a traditional television broadcast to a digital streaming experience, with numerous platforms offering the best possible viewing experience for all fans.
Finding Kansas Speedway On TV
If you’re looking to follow the 2020 Indianapolis 500 live, you may face a number of options. While a large number of people will undoubtedly choose to watch the race on a traditional television, there are multiple ways to follow the action live without needing to be in the same place. This is particularly beneficial to fans living in other parts of the country or overseas, as well as to those who may not have access to a television set.
The first and, by far, the most popular option is the radio. The Indianapolis 500 is often referred to as the greatest sporting event in the world, attracting fans from all over the globe. It’s well-deserved reputation follows the event across the airwaves on multiple platforms, from over-the-air radio to online streaming services. The majority of the action will, of course, be broadcast on radio stations around the country, particularly the “traditional” networks like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network. Many of these radio stations will also stream the event live online.
More Than Meets The Eye
It’s fair to say that the Indianapolis 500 is more than just about the race itself. The event brings with it an incredible amount of fanfare, attracting record numbers every year. This is undoubtedly due, in part, to the fact that it is one of the last races of the year, giving it a cosy, must-see-before-the-holidays atmosphere. Yet, the crowds and excitement around the race continue far beyond the actual event. Many businesses in the surrounding area, such as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, thrive as a direct result of the annual May event.
In addition to this, there are often cultural implications tied to the race. Many Native Americans wear a traditional headdress to the event, while others sport colorful, traditional outfits. This is, of course, in addition to the fans in attendance wearing their team’s colors and, often, their team’s mascot costumes.
The Internet Is Changing Everything
The information age has resulted in a 24/7 news cycle, with numerous platforms available to disseminate news and media content. The internet has, therefore, changed the way we access and view information and, as a result, changed the way we engage with content and the way businesses operate.
The growing presence of online media has resulted in more people tuning in to follow the action live or to get highlights and recaps later on. Furthermore, with the ability to follow the race from the comfort of their homes, it’s conceivable that some fans may actually choose to stay overnight in hotels near the venue, further fueling the appeal of the event.
One area that’s changed as a result of this is ticket prices. It’s not uncommon for people to spend hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on tickets to the Indianapolis 500. Naturally, this has led to a segment of the population that’s now able to follow the race and become invested in the outcome. Although ticket prices have risen in line with the costs of living over the past decade, the 2020 race is expected to be one of the most expensive in history, with some tickets going for above $10,000. The increased costs are mainly due to the declining value of the U.S. dollar compared to major world currencies, particularly the Japanese yen.
The Economics Of Going To The Races
For those who do choose to go to the races, there are a number of aspects to consider. Naturally, traveling to another state for an event can be costly, with the tolls, parking fees, and hotel rooms adding up. Furthermore, if you’re looking to see a specific driver you’ll have to get your money’s worth, as you’ll likely have to pay additional fees to see them drive. These costs add up, particularly if you see multiple drivers or events you don’t want to miss.
One benefit of going to the races is that you get to take some time off work, which you might not get if you were working during the season. This can work to your advantage, as you may be able to negotiate some overtime pay or weekend work, depending on the situation. The downside is that you’ll have to find a way to make up for the time you spend away from your family and friends. For some, this may mean spending more time with your smartphone, surfing the internet for sports content or watching hours of television in search of that one exciting moment you may have missed during the race itself.
What’s The Trend?
The 2020 Indianapolis 500 is set to be even more exciting than the last. As we’ve established, the race is being broadcast live around the world and viewers can now follow the action live or delayed via digital platforms. Additionally, the development of online trading platforms like Alpes Capital, a subsidiary of the Swiss Stock Exchange, has made it possible for fans to bet on the outcome of the race. In the future, online wagering could become a popular way of betting on the big race, with each step through the supply chain, from the opening bell to the trophy presentation, potentially earning the business or financial expertise a small fortune.
It’s fair to say that the Indianapolis 500 is one of the most historic and iconic sporting events in the United States. The fact that it’s one of the last big races of the year and is also a chance for fans to celebrate American culture makes it an appealing option. Yet, beyond the event itself, the economic impact the race has had on the community and the businesses around it is far-reaching. For those who can’t make it to the States for the race, the next best thing is, arguably, following it live from the other side of the world.