As Memorial Day weekend approaches so too does the Indianapolis 500 that will have its 100th running this Sunday, May 29. James Hinchcliffe, who sustained injuries in a serious crash during last year’s Indy 500 practice, has taken pole position for Indy 500 2016.

Last year’s Indy 500 attracted 6.48 million viewers. If you are keen to join them on Sunday we look at legal ways to stream the 200-lap race (unless you are in Indianapolis) without the need for cable .

The American Broadcasting Company (ABC) owns the TV rights of the Indy 500 through 2018. While ESPN has highlight rights across all platforms.  

Indy 500 blacked out in Indianapolis

Unfortunately, as you are likely to know, if you are in Indianapolis there is no legal way you can watch the Indy 500 coverage live. Rather you will have to enjoy the delayed coverage in the evening once the race is complete.

The good news is that there have been rumors about a possible lifting of the Indy 500 blackout if all tickets for Sunday’s race are sold out. However, officials have said that a sell out is no guarantee that the blackout will be lifted.

Cord cutters rejoice

If you are looking for ways to legally watch Indy 500 online without a cable subscription, Mr. Cable Cutter, writing for CutCableToday, offers the following two solutions:

Sling TV

For $20 per month — with no contract — Sling TV subscribers have live access to a range of cable TV channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3.

Sling TV also has ABC streaming live in 25 percent of U.S. television markets, including Chicago, Fresno-Visalia, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Raleigh-Durham, San Francisco. If you are in one of these markets you can stream full live coverage of the Indy 500 on ABC with Sling TV, providing you with the same coverage as everyone else. As ABC is included in the Broadcast Extra package you will pay an additional $5 per month on top of the $20.

Watch the Indy 500 on the WatchESPN app

If you are not based in one of these markets then there is another way to use Sling TV to watch the race. While ABC owns the rights to the Indy 500, it is also simulcast on ESPN3 and you can watch the race through the WatchESPN app. The app has live streaming of onboard cameras during the race, so while it will not provide you with the same coverage as ABC you will still get to enjoy this year’s Indy 500.

Sign up for Sling TV > download the WatchESPN app > sign in with your Sling TV credentials. You can then watch the race on your phone, tablet or broadcast it to your TV with a streaming device like the Amazon Fire TV or Roku 3. Alternatively, you can also log into the ESPN website on your laptop, and then hook it up to your TV.  

The WatchESPN app is available for download on Amazon Fire TV, Android, Kindle Fire, Android TV, iOS and Apple TV, Roku, Windows 10, Xbox One.    

The iOS app supports AirPlay on both iPhone and iPad, allowing you to send video to third-gen or older Apple TVs and Mac, and all the mobile apps include support for Google Cast so you can send video to a Chromecast.

Right now, Sling TV is offering a 7-day free trial so you can sign up and enjoy the entire Indy 500 live stream free of charge.

PlayStation Vue

Like Sling TV, Sony’s PlayStation Vue lets you stream live TV over the Internet and you can enjoy the Indy 500 without the need to have cable.

There are some exceptions: With PlayStation Vue, ABC is only available live in Chicago, Miami, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, and Dallas.

However, like Sling TV if you are not based in one of these locations you can make use of the WatchESPN app to watch the in-car Indy 500 live stream. Sign up for Vue > download the WatchESPN app > sign in with your Vue credentials.

PlayStation Vue has a Slim package — for $29.99 per month while markets with live ABC will pay $39.99 per month. Vue also offers a 7-day free trial, which will allow you to enjoy Sunday’s race at no extra cost.

Note: PlayStation Vue’s device support is slightly more limited and only includes options to watch on PS3 & PS4 consoles, Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Chromecast, iPad, and iPhone. You are also unable to watch live content on your iPhone or iPad when away from your home network.

Another alternative to watch ABC without cable?

While you can use either Sling TV or Playstation Vue, it is also possible to get ABC in HD for free. If you live close to a broadcast tower and have an antenna you will be able to watch the Indy 500 race on Sunday.

Indy 500 schedule

While the actual race starts at noon ET on Sunday, May 29, the build-up and coverage will start from the early morning.

We will have to wait and see whether Hinchcliffe will be drinking milk in the victory lane, a tradition that dates back to 1928 , on Sunday or whether another driver will claim the Indy 500 victory.

Image via: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Facebook