Last Updated on March 6, 2017 by cassnetwork
INDIANAPOLIS – The 500 Festival, a nonprofit organization providing life-enriching events and programs that celebrate the legacy of the Indianapolis 500, today announces that tickets are available for all 2017 events, including the IPL 500 Festival Parade and the 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard, presented by Midwestern Engineers, Inc. Tickets can be purchased online at www.500festival.com/tickets. In addition, pre-registration has opened for the 2017 JPMorgan Chase 500 Festival Rookie Run. Additional information for the Rookie Run can be found here. Proceeds from these events help support the 500 Festival’s free youth programming.
“As a community nonprofit organization, we’re committed to providing fun events that enrich the lives of Hoosiers,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “From the IPL 500 Parade to Breakfast at the Brickyard, presented by Midwestern Engineers, Inc., we’ve got some exciting things planned for 2017 and we’re excited to continue pursuing new and exciting ways to accelerate our events into the future.”
One of the original 500 Festival events, the IPL 500 Festival Parade is one of the nation’s largest, most respected parades, consistently earning national acclaim alongside the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. More than 300,000 people will line the streets of downtown Indianapolis to experience the larger-than-life floats, giant helium balloons, celebrities, all 33 drivers competing in the 101st running of the Indy 500, specialty units, and award-winning bands from across the country.
After numerous milestones in 2016, including the 100th running of the Indy 500, the 60th IPL 500 Festival Parade, and the 40th running of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, 2017 marks a chance to accelerate into the future with new ideas and exciting possibilities. To honor the patriotism of Memorial Day and our dedication to accelerating the future of these events, the theme for the 2017 IPL 500 Festival Parade is Accelerating the American Spirit; an invitation that gives Hoosiers the green light to ignite that red, white and blue passion.
- Date: Saturday, May 27
- Time: Parade festivities start at 11:45 am; Parade begins at Noon
- Location: Downtown Indianapolis
- Price: Tickets start at $15
500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard, presented by Midwestern Engineers, Inc.
The 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard, presented by Midwestern Engineers, Inc. honors Indiana’s mayors and draws civic and business leaders, as well as race fans from all corners of the state. Held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, attendees will hear from racing insiders and gain unique insight into racing’s rich history and quest for innovation. Past speakers include Al Unser Jr., Janet Guthrie, Lyn St. James, and Mario Andretti. Executives from IMS and the 500 Festival will provide remarks before the crowning of the 500 Festival Queen. This action-packed day also includes an opportunity for ticket holders to drive their car around the famed oval track and tour the garages before enjoying the afternoon qualifying session for the Indianapolis 500.
- Date: Saturday, May 20
- Time: 8:30 – 10:30 am
- Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Plaza Pavilion
- Price: Tickets are $75 each; Preferred Corporate Table: $850
JPMorgan Chase 500 Festival Rookie Run
The 500 Festival brings its community celebration of the Indianapolis 500 to Indiana families for the 23rd annual JPMorgan Chase 500 Festival Rookie Run. Part of JPMorgan Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day, this non-competitive fun run for children ages 3 – 10 is an excellent opportunity for Indiana youth to get active. Managed by the same team that produces the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, the nation’s premier half-marathon, this event boasts similar fanfare including the start and finish line production.
Run distances are set based upon a child’s age and all participants will receive a goodie bag, a participant bib with the number 1, and a finisher’s medal. All Rookie Run participants who pre-register will receive a commemorative technical t-shirt. On-site registration will be available, however registration and shirts will be sold separately.
- Date: Saturday, May 13
- Time: 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm
- Location: Downtown Indianapolis; Ohio and Meridian Streets
- Pre-registration: $18 – commemorative technical t-shirt included (package price available through May 6)
- Day-of registration: $5 registration, $5 commemorative technical t-shirt sold separately (while supplies last)
Tickets to 500 Festival events may be purchased online or at the 500 Festival Ticket Office, located at 21 Virginia Ave. in Downtown Indianapolis. Hours are: March 1 – May 27: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET.
For more information about the 500 Festival and our 2017 programs and events, please visit www.500festival.com. Or, follow the 500 Festival on social media @500Festival and search each event’s hashtag on social media, #IPL500Parade, #BrickyardBreakfast, and #500RookieRun.
SOURCE: News release from 500 Festival