More than a car race, the Indianapolis 500 is a spectacle, a happening, an event and even a party.
It’s a revved-up tradition securely tied to the Memorial Day weekend.
The 99th running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race is set for Sunday, and once again bills itself as “the largest single-day sporting event in the world.”
The century-old Indianapolis Motor Speedway — with its 2.5-mile oval track — is the nucleus of a high-speed kickoff to the great American summer.
“The Indianapolis 500 brings in about 300,000 fans from all over the world; it’s an event that has an international appeal,” said Morgan Greenlee, senior communications manager for Visit Indy, a tourism and marketing body for the city of Indianapolis.
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“It’s loaded with strong traditions that keep fans coming back year after year,” Greenlee said of the 200-lap race.
From the “kiss the bricks” reverence at the yard of bricks on the track, to the milk-on-the-head dousing for the winner, the Indianapolis 500 merges international daring and allure with a Midwest working-class tone.
Singer/actress Florence Henderson, an Indiana native, is scheduled to sing “God Bless America” shortly before the 33 drivers speed off. Henderson gained popularity by portraying Carol Brady on “The Brady Bunch.” Indiana University alums and popular a cappella group Straight No Chaser will also perform “Back Home in Indiana.”
Regarding broadcasts, some electronic-based visual enhancements are being implemented this year to make spectator viewing more pleasurable at the giant speedway.
New, larger video boards from Panasonic Enterprise Solutions Co. have been added around the track.
It’s all about watching speed, pure open-wheel racing for 500 miles.
Race fanatics kept an eye this year on whether the record would be broken for single-lap qualifying speed: That standard of an astounding 237.498 m.p.h. was set by Arie Luyendyk on May 12, 1996.
As the self-described “Racing Capital of the World,” Indianapolis mixes low-to-the-ground IndyCar with other entertainment at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Memorial Day weekend.
Saturday, for instance, brings the Firestone Legends Day concert, with the music beginning at 3 p.m. (Eastern time). General admission is $40, while a $75 Firestone Concert Pit ticket allows attendees to stand closer to the Turn 4 infield stage.
The headliner for the Legends Day show is the multiplatinum-selling country duo Florida Georgia Line, who perform at 5 p.m.
On race day, the Turn 3 Snake Pit sponsored by Miller Lite promises a deejay party for a general-admission price of $25, or a VIP charge of $85.
There also is the chance to partake in the social togetherness of camping at the famous track, technically in Speedway, Ind., adjacent to Indianapolis.
Recreational-vehicle and tent space is available at the speedway. Camping prices start at $80.
The infield area of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway offers the experience of glamping, glamour-fused with camping so that outdoor enthusiasts do not have to sacrifice luxury.
“They have real nice amenities there; it’s just upscale facilities,” said Sabrina List, vice president of marketing and communication for the 500 Festival.
Likewise noteworthy at the speedway are the free Ivy Tech Garage Tours from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.
Outside the legendary track, other fun offerings complement what Greenlee calls “the greatest spectacle in racing,” which will be televised on ABC beginning at 11 a.m. Eastern on Sunday.
The weekend festivities include:
From noon to 1 p.m. Friday, a 500 Festival Memorial Service in commemoration of Memorial Day takes place at the north steps of the Indiana War Memorial, 431 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis. Admission is free.
Major rock acts fuel Coors Light Carb Day, as Jane’s Addiction, O.A.R. and 38 Special dish songs, starting at 3:30 p.m. Friday on the Turn 4 Coors Light stage in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway infield. General admission at the gate is $30. Upgrades, for an additional cost, include Coors Light Concert Pit ($10) and Carb Day Party Deck ($100).
Celebrating 58 years, the Indianapolis Power & Light Company 500 Festival Parade kicks off at noon Saturday downtown, featuring Olympic gold-medal gymnast Nastia Liukin and basketball legend Oscar Robertson. Indianapolis 500 drivers and other celebrities also will be in the parade.
The prices for ticketed seating range from $15 for a bleacher seat to $35 for VIP accommodation. Free viewing can also be enjoyed. List said approximately 300,000 spectators line the parade route annually.
The 500 Festival Snakepit Ball begins at 6 p.m. Saturday at the downtown Indiana Roof Ballroom, 140 W. Washington St. Tickets are $275 per person. According to List, the atmosphere reflects “red-carpet couture,” as the ballroom mimics an “upscale, chic club.”
List said the 500 Festival strove for improvements at this year’s ball.
“This is one of our signature events. We’ve really tried to amp up the entertainment options.”
Kostanczuk is a freelance writer.
Indianapolis 500
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When: 12:15 p.m. (Eastern time) Sunday
Where: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 4790 W. 16th St.
Tickets: General admission $40; reserved $46 to $186
Information: 317-492-6700 or indianapolismotorspeedway.com for related events visit 500festival.com