Camping at racing events is nothing new. The definition of camping, though, slides depending on the person. Some are good with tent and sleeping bag, others like having a camper, while a good number insist the only way to go is the RV. Leave it to Indianapolis to offer a pretty cool fourth option.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway president J. Douglas Boles announced Monday the track is offering up 15 tiny houses for rent during the Indianapolis 500. You know, the ones featured on their own HGTV show. The ones that can be hitched to a truck and hauled practically anywhere. IMS sent out a tweet of the announcement, complete with pictures of the accommodations.
Big Venue, Tiny House!
We're teaming up with @TryItTiny to bring luxury, pop-up Tiny House Hotels to the #Indy500. Get the first look: https://t.co/ZZQ2OSq8G0 #TryItTiny pic.twitter.com/QcDzzggmKL
— Indianapolis Motor Speedway (@IMS) January 29, 2018
"We're always looking to provide unique experiences for our guests, and the Tiny House Hotel is an exciting new offering in May during the Indianapolis 500," Boles said in a press conference and reported by indianapolismotorspeedway.com. "This hotel may be tiny, but it will be big in luxury, amenities and fun for fans looking for a race weekend they'll always remember."
The track has been offering glamping for a number of years (glamorous tent camping) and decided to take this next step, partnering with an Indiana-based tiny house company to see if there was interest. Each unit can sleep up to four people, and includes just about everything a hotel stay entails. They supply the beds and bedding, your own personal bathroom and shower, stove and refrigerator, plus parking and 4 passes to Carb Day, Legends Day, and the Indy 500. You bring the food and beverage of choice.
The announcement got the attention of IndyCar driver Graham Rahal who seems genuinely excited about the addition.
Very cool and unique idea! Heard this maybe happening, but now it?s confirmed you better sign up quickly! https://t.co/2LRQWLDvJS
— Graham Rahal (@GrahamRahal) January 29, 2018
The cost isn't cheap, but it's not a punch in the gut either. Renting a tiny house for four days will cost you $3,000 with everything already mentioned included. But you can cook, you can shower, you can pee in your own little space without having to leave the grounds. Plus you get tickets. Find another couple you really like and don't mind getting cozy with for four days and the cost is not a whole lot more than what you'd normally spend to see one of the greatest races in sports.