Verizon Dominates Indy 500 Data Connectivity
Rhea-AI Summary
Verizon achieved a record-breaking data milestone at the 2025 Indianapolis 500, handling 172 terabytes (TB) of data in a single day - the highest data usage of any U.S. event in 2025. The network saw a 74.6% increase in 5G Ultrawideband volume to 61 TB inside the track compared to last year, with 15 TB being uploaded data. Outside the track, users consumed over 111 TB of data. The total combined data volume grew 35% year-over-year, driven by the commercial activation of 5G Standalone at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The event surpassed data usage records of both the NFL draft and Super Bowl, demonstrating Verizon's network capability to handle massive-scale events.
Positive
- Record-breaking data usage of 172 TB demonstrates Verizon's superior network capacity
- 74.6% growth in 5G UW volume shows strong 5G adoption and network expansion
- Successful handling of more unique users than Super Bowl attendees proves network reliability
- Commercial activation of 5G Standalone enhances network capabilities and user experience
Negative
- None.
News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, VZ gained 1.45%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Verizon sees more data usage on race day than any other U.S. event in 2025
INDIANAPOLIS, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The 2025 Indianapolis 500 race set a new milestone for data usage and connection at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on the Verizon network. In just one day, inside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a total of 172 terabytes (TB) of data was used on the Verizon network, more than we’ve ever seen on the network at this race and one of the highest data usage events Verizon has ever recorded.
“Connecting a city’s worth of fans at the Indy 500, with more unique users than the Super Bowl had attendees, is a massive undertaking, putting unprecedented demand on wireless networks. We had more data running on our network than any previous NFL draft, and nearly twice the data of any Super Bowl in recorded history. The work and skill that goes into setting up a network to keep hundreds of thousands of people connected in one place is an incredible achievement. It’s the dedication from our teams that ensures our customers don’t have to worry about their phones during this event, no matter the scope,” said Andy Brady, President of Verizon Great Lakes.
"The unprecedented data usage we witnessed during the 2025 Indy 500 highlights the incredible passion and engagement of our fans," said Doug Boles, President of Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "The ability for fans to share their experiences in real-time through Verizon's robust network significantly enhances the event's atmosphere and global reach. This level of connectivity is crucial for modern sports experiences, and we're thrilled to partner with Verizon to deliver it."
The data doesn’t just speak for itself; it shouts. Verizon’s network experienced an extraordinary surge at the 2025 Indy 500, with 5G Ultrawideband (UW) playing a dominant role. To put 172 TB into context, that’s equivalent to more than 57 million digital photos (3 MB average). Here are the amazing results:
- Explosive 5G Growth: A staggering
74.6% leap in 5G UW volume of 61 TB inside the track over last year’s race (43 TB), revealing how fans are embracing the speed and capacity of 5G. - Surging Overall Traffic: A massive
48.5% increase in total combined 4G and 5G UW data volume inside IMS, proving the network’s capability to handle the intense demand. - High fan engagement: 15 TB of the 61 TB used inside the track was uploaded data, highlighting the high levels of fans sharing in real time.
- Surrounding Network Impact: Outside the track, more than 111 TB of data volume was used on the network, showing the event’s broader impact.
- Combined Volume Growth: The combined data volume inside and outside the venue was nearly 172 TB – a
35% increase from last year’s race day, demonstrating substantial year-over-year growth.
The key driver behind this data explosion was this year’s commercial activation of 5G Standalone at the IMS, allowing fans to easily upload videos and share their experiences in real time, further enhancing the fan experience. “This record breaking amount of traffic really highlights the rapid growth of 5G and how it’s truly built to handle massive events like the Indy 500. The data capacity of the Verizon network is unmatched,” said Brady.
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) powers and empowers how its millions of customers live, work and play, delivering on their demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity and security. Headquartered in New York City, serving countries worldwide and nearly all of the Fortune 500, Verizon generated revenues of
VERIZON’S ONLINE MEDIA CENTER: News releases, stories, media contacts and other resources are available at verizon.com/news. News releases are also available through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit www.verizon.com/about/rss-feeds/.
Media contact:
Jeff Kew
jeff.kew@verizon.com
(234) 350-7883
FAQ
How much data did Verizon handle during the 2025 Indy 500?
What was the year-over-year growth in VZ's 5G Ultrawideband volume at the 2025 Indy 500?
How does the 2025 Indy 500 data usage compare to other major events on Verizon's network?
What technological advancement helped Verizon handle increased data at the 2025 Indy 500?
