Indianapolis 500 posts lowest TV ratings ever

The 2020 edition of the Indianapolis 500, postponed from May 24 to Aug. 23 due to the coronavirus pandemic, was a dud in the television ratings.

According to Sports Media Watch, the Indy 500 averaged a 2.3 rating and 3.67 million viewers, the lowest rating and viewership in the event's history. The 2018 race set previous lows with a 3.1 rating and 4.91 million viewers.

Several factors likely impacted the race's popularity among potential observers. History has shown over the years and decades that television viewers are creatures of habit. For some, the Indy 500 that's traditionally held on Memorial Day Sunday is the only race they'll catch all season.

There was also an unusual abundance of sports content on TV due to the pandemic shifting league calendars around the world. The NBA Playoffs, UEFA Champions League Final, domestic soccer competitions, NASCAR, PGA Tour, and MLB games all served as competition.

It wasn't all bad news for the television home of the Indy 500, as NBC notched Sunday’s highest-rated and most-watched sports broadcast thanks to the race.