Ticket Prices Soar

This article was originally published in the May 29, 1911 Indianapolis Sun. It reports on the high level of interest in the first Indianapolis 500 in the days leading up to the historic event. Because of "scalpers," ticket prices increased five-fold, and the throngs of visitors were likened to molten lead or locusts forming a dark cloud through the streets. That imagery is a little surprising, given that the influx of people from across the country and throughout the world was generally viewed by Indianapolis residents and leaders as a good thing.