Indianapolis 500 snacks and drinks to pack in your cooler to keep cool and avoid lines
If you're attending the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500 May 28, you'll be one of the over 300,000 fans expected to marvel at "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing." You'll also be one of over 300,000 who need to figure out what to eat and drink.
Here's what to pack in your size-permitted cooler to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to skip waiting in long lines and enjoy the race.
Double check: Here's what fans are allowed to bring into the Indy 500, and what to leave at home
Water
I'm going to say it again: water.
Less than a week out, race day is expected to be mid 80s, partly cloudy and some breeze. With little shade coverage (unless you are blessed to be in a covered grandstand), race fans will be getting a lot of sun — thus needing to drink more water than usual.
PSA: beer is not an adequate way to hydrate yourself.
Washcloths
With ice and all the other goods in tow, throw a few washcloths in your cooler. They don't take up too much space, will soak up the excess water from your melting ice and be a perfect remedy to keep yourself from overheating.
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Hoosier brews
I don't need to remind people to bring their favorite alcoholic drinks. Some people's coolers will be exclusively 12-ounce cans of beer. However, maybe spice up your brew selection by throwing in some Hoosier-created ales.
Think 3 Floyds Brewing, Upland or your favorite brewery nearby. However, grab the six-pack of cans, not glass bottles, which are not permitted at the track.
Caffeine
Thousands of race fans will begin to fill the speedway in the early morning, then wait hours to hear "Drivers, start your engines." You may need a pick-me-up.
Pack your choice of caffeine, whether that be a cold brew, tea or an energy drink, if you fancy. Just remember: no glass bottles are permitted.
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Pork tenderloin, or food in general
Some may be at the track long enough to need three full meals. Save yourself and your family some cash and time in line at the concessions by bringing lunch. Make sure to seal your food in a way that your cooler's ice won't soak your food.
What better way to show you're a Hoosier than unwrapping the unofficial state sandwich, the breaded tenderloin, of course, as a tear rolls down your cheek during "(Back Home Again in) Indiana."
Chips, popcorn & jerky — nothing that can melt
It'll be a long day, so make sure to throw enough snacks in your bag to make it through your drive home in traffic.
It's going to be hot. Unless you're putting everything in your cooler, try to pack munchies that won't melt. Think chips, popcorn, jerky, crackers or pretzels.
Parents, you don't want to clean up goopy hands after your kid tried to wipe them on that brand new Team Penske shirt. Chocolate and candies will be a little difficult to holster unless you keep them cold and out of the sun.
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Milk
Finish out the day with a cold glass of milk — just like the 500 champ. Unlike the winning drivers with their American Dairy Association glass jugs, your milk must be in a non-glass container.
Contact IndyStar Pulliam Fellow Cate Charron at ccharron@indystar.com or follow her on Twitter @catecharron.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indy 500 cooler rules: What to pack to stay cool, avoid lines
