INDY 500
May's most notorious party: Look back at the Indianapolis 500 Snake Pit through the years
![Warm sunny weather gave patrons of the "snake pit" an opportunity to sun themselves and occasionally watch the race on May 27, 1974.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.indystar.com/gcdn/-mm-/89c79c604ff654f7a0964dc01289cc9ad9247090/c=0-184-2805-1769/local/-/media/2018/04/03/INGroup/Indianapolis/636583591963105517-snakepit-2.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Warm sunny weather gave patrons of the "snake pit" an opportunity to sun themselves and occasionally watch the race on May 27, 1974.
Greg Griffo/IndyStar![Messages adorn the back of a party wagon parked on the infield at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the Indianapolis 500 about 1986. While most fans in the stands watched the action on the track, the infamous Snake Pit in the infield was a spectacle itself -- a congregation of rowdy, raucous and raunchy race-goers.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.indystar.com/gcdn/-mm-/465861e4cc94de442f45004a26eaa13507ac58e1/c=31-0-930-1198/local/-/media/2018/05/11/INGroup/Indianapolis/636616368985938067-001-mxsnake.176257.jpg?width=496&height=660&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Messages adorn the back of a party wagon parked on the infield at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the Indianapolis 500 about 1986. While most fans in the stands watched the action on the track, the infamous Snake Pit in the infield was a spectacle itself -- a congregation of rowdy, raucous and raunchy race-goers.
Charlie Nye/Indianapolis NewsRACE DAY RAINOUT--Snake pit fans in the mud in the 80s.
PATTY ESPICH /Indianapolis NewsNothing says the '80s like partying in the Snake Pit at the Indianapolis 500.
Indianapolis News Photo By Patty Espich![A fan enjoys the Snake Pit in the 1980s.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.indystar.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2024/05/22/PIND/73800758007-12-mxsnake-176321.jpg?width=494&height=660&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
A fan enjoys the Snake Pit in the 1980s.
IndyStar File![Indianapolis native and racing fan Friz Garrison got married at the Indy 500's infamous Snake Pit more than 30 years ago.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.indystar.com/gcdn/presto/2021/05/21/PIND/06b5c92c-9370-41d2-aee2-b1a852d37486-Friz_wedding_1.jpg?width=660&height=492&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Indianapolis native and racing fan Friz Garrison got married at the Indy 500's infamous Snake Pit more than 30 years ago.
Courtesy Of Friz Garrison![Indianapolis native and racing fan Friz Garrison got married at the Indy 500's infamous Snake Pit more than 30 years ago.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.indystar.com/gcdn/presto/2021/05/21/PIND/e7a56746-581d-4d16-be79-07e46ac0b5d4-Friz_wedding_3.jpg?width=462&height=660&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Indianapolis native and racing fan Friz Garrison got married at the Indy 500's infamous Snake Pit more than 30 years ago.
Courtesy Of Friz Garrison![A man flies above the crowd on a zip line in the Snake Pit during the 97th running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 26, 2013, at The Indianapolis Motor Speedway.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.indystar.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2024/05/22/PIND/73800999007-17-indy-500-5-26-13-aw.jpg?width=660&height=441&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
A man flies above the crowd on a zip line in the Snake Pit during the 97th running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 26, 2013, at The Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Adam Wolffbrandt/The Star![A festive concert crowd is seen at the 2013 Indy 500 Snake Pit.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.indystar.com/gcdn/-mm-/c0b75333741a86ba40c48ac93241b40641ab6472/c=0-0-1200-677/local/-/media/Indianapolis/2014/05/20/snakepit2013.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
A festive concert crowd is seen at the 2013 Indy 500 Snake Pit.
Star File PhotoFans rest in the shade in the Snake Pit on Sunday, May 25, 2014, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the 98th running of the Indianapolis 500.
Jennifer Cecil/For The StarFans enjoy their time in the Snake Pit on Sunday, May 25, 2014, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the 98th running of the Indianapolis 500.
Jennifer Cecil/For The StarKaylee Johnson, of Indianapolis, wear a large mouse mask dances in the "Snake Pit" during Steve Aoki's performance at the turn 3 infield stage before the 99th running of the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Sunday, May 24, 2015.
Jenna Watson / The StarSeveral ambulances hauled people away from the Snake Pit during the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Sunday, May 29, 2016.
Jenna Watson/IndyStarFans watch the race from the Snake Pit.
Jennifer Dummett/For IndyStar, Jennifer Dummett![Thousands of attendees dance and drink in the Snake Pit at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Sunday, May 28, 2017.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.indystar.com/gcdn/-mm-/4a491d379e42f8bbfaba38b77fbea0ffbe96b6c5/c=0-27-1596-929/local/-/media/2017/05/28/INGroup/Indianapolis/636315729754977369-uscpcent02-6v4odz23ekg1ducv4jr5-original.jpg?width=660&height=374&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Thousands of attendees dance and drink in the Snake Pit at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Sunday, May 28, 2017.
Jordan Kartholl / The Star PressThousands of attendees dance and drink in the Snake Pit at the 101st running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 28, 2017.
Jordan Kartholl/The Star PressHundreds gather in the Snake Pit for drinks and live music at the 2017 Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 28, 2017.
Jordan Kartholl/The Star Press![during the 101st running of the Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 28, 2017.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.indystar.com/gcdn/-mm-/8e46575f6644f9d4c214da4a192cd9548042d927/c=0-0-1997-1128/local/-/media/2017/05/28/INGroup/Indianapolis/636315889881402859-Indy500-SnakePit-MM-003.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
during the 101st running of the Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 28, 2017.
Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar![during the 101st running of the Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 28, 2017.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.indystar.com/gcdn/-mm-/8e46575f6644f9d4c214da4a192cd9548042d927/c=0-0-1997-1128/local/-/media/2017/05/28/INGroup/Indianapolis/636315889827738171-Indy500-SnakePit-MM-002.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
during the 101st running of the Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 28, 2017.
Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar![during the 101st running of the Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 28, 2017.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.indystar.com/gcdn/-mm-/bfa455c2c53760eae7124b73968b5045d601a5a6/c=0-25-1997-1153/local/-/media/2017/05/28/INGroup/Indianapolis/636315889969699991-Indy500-SnakePit-MM-004.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
during the 101st running of the Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 28, 2017.
Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar![during the 101st running of the Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 28, 2017.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.indystar.com/gcdn/-mm-/f94a22323b1184d0391acc5c72269631aabb3c9d/c=0-16-1996-1144/local/-/media/2017/05/28/INGroup/Indianapolis/636315889844430385-Indy500-SnakePit-MM-006.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
during the 101st running of the Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 28, 2017.
Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar![Inside the Snake Pit during the 101st running of the Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 28, 2017.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.indystar.com/gcdn/-mm-/2ad33755281209fda6bf5607b96fb51e0db67c05/c=0-62-1998-1191/local/-/media/2017/05/28/INGroup/Indianapolis/636316034956554773-Indy500-SnakePit-MM-060.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Inside the Snake Pit during the 101st running of the Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 28, 2017.
Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar![during the 101st running of the Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 28, 2017.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.indystar.com/gcdn/-mm-/de8a275c2998c9ae6d8a980d31e4f4069d96a0d9/c=0-199-1997-1327/local/-/media/2017/05/28/INGroup/Indianapolis/636315890448938135-Indy500-SnakePit-MM-028.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
during the 101st running of the Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 28, 2017.
Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar![Inside the Snake Pit during the 101st running of the Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 28, 2017.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.indystar.com/gcdn/-mm-/be7c0d9f985daaa8d2e05f4eee574b3ee54860ca/c=0-0-1999-1130/local/-/media/2017/05/28/INGroup/Indianapolis/636316034470608543-Indy500-SnakePit-MM-056.jpg?width=660&height=374&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Inside the Snake Pit during the 101st running of the Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 28, 2017.
Mykal McEldowney/IndyStarInside the Snake Pit during the 101st running of the Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 28, 2017.
Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar![Inside the Snake Pit during the 101st running of the Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 28, 2017.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.indystar.com/gcdn/-mm-/993aafba25524310832cb4f280d0c82221b7cbdf/c=0-0-1996-1127/local/-/media/2017/05/28/INGroup/Indianapolis/636316034988535183-Indy500-SnakePit-MM-062.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Inside the Snake Pit during the 101st running of the Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 28, 2017.
Mykal McEldowney/IndyStarInside the Snake Pit during the 101st running of the Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 28, 2017.
Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar![Inside the Snake Pit at the 102nd running of the Indy 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 27, 2018.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.indystar.com/gcdn/-mm-/83fc41e966e80d481377ad24c9f9c77ec69c5b4e/c=0-56-2000-1186/local/-/media/2018/05/27/INGroup/Indianapolis/636630204756854578-uscpcent02-70bpmqbj7sncjhbs6cb-original.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Inside the Snake Pit at the 102nd running of the Indy 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 27, 2018.
Ebony Cox/IndyStar![Inside the Snake Pit at the 102nd running of the Indy 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 27, 2018.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.indystar.com/gcdn/-mm-/20856e19ef007b6cdc1374341491533f27d8ccdd/c=0-143-2000-1273/local/-/media/2018/05/27/INGroup/Indianapolis/636630204862976282-uscpcent02-70bpmmmyfcohwp0y6cb-original.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Inside the Snake Pit at the 102nd running of the Indy 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 27, 2018.
Ebony Cox/IndyStar![Inside the Snake Pit during the 102nd running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 27, 2018.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.indystar.com/gcdn/-mm-/66d8767a8d1bafaec8525cb97b691552f1571c1d/c=0-76-1500-923/local/-/media/2018/05/27/INGroup/Indianapolis/636630290837385225-SnakePit-MM-003.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Inside the Snake Pit during the 102nd running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 27, 2018.
Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar![Snake pit action during the 103rd Indianapolis 500 featuring Skrillex, Alesso, Illenium and Chris Lake on Sunday, May 26, 2019.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.indystar.com/gcdn/presto/2019/05/26/PIND/317af09d-5723-4baf-88e1-d0536fd9516e-uscp-75it2sl1hhtq1wefr5e_original.jpg?width=660&height=440&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Snake pit action during the 103rd Indianapolis 500 featuring Skrillex, Alesso, Illenium and Chris Lake on Sunday, May 26, 2019.
Grace Hollars/IndyStarStarting at 7 a.m. people gather at Snake Pit and dance to performers Ricky Retro, Chris Lake, Illienium, Alesso, and Skrilliex, Sunday, May 26, 2019, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Indianapolis 500.
Grace Hollars/IndyStarStarting at 7 a.m. people gather at Snake Pit and dance to performers Ricky Retro, Chris Lake, Illienium, Alesso, and Skrilliex, Sunday, May 26, 2019, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Indianapolis 500.
Grace Hollars/IndyStarRacing fans gather at Snake Pit on Saturday, May 28, 2022, during the 106th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Grace Hollars/IndyStarRacing fans gather at Snake Pit on Saturday, May 28, 2022, during the 106th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Grace Hollars/IndyStar![A Snake Pit attendee holds up an inflatable on Sunday, May 28, 2023, before the start of the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.indystar.com/gcdn/presto/2023/05/28/PIND/180cca52-9114-48a3-8c75-acabecb6634d-JHM_Snake_Pit__5.jpg?width=660&height=441&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
A Snake Pit attendee holds up an inflatable on Sunday, May 28, 2023, before the start of the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Jacob Musselman/For IndyStar![An attendee dances inside the Snake Pit, Sunday, May 28, 2023, during the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.indystar.com/gcdn/presto/2023/05/28/PIND/18d2aa7d-0566-4ce1-a1d6-0e0ea9b21cb6-05282023_Indy500SnakePit_AM_35187.jpg?width=660&height=589&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
An attendee dances inside the Snake Pit, Sunday, May 28, 2023, during the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Alex Martin/Journal And Courier![An attendee puts an empty box on his head inside the Snake Pit, Sunday, May 28, 2023, during the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.indystar.com/gcdn/presto/2023/05/28/PIND/326d65e0-46bd-4a00-b081-7b3043de846e-05282023_Indy500SnakePit_AM_35393.jpg?width=514&height=660&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
An attendee puts an empty box on his head inside the Snake Pit, Sunday, May 28, 2023, during the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Alex Martin/Journal And Courier