Start your engines!
With the Izod IndyCar Series heading back to the states from last weekend’s race in Brazil, it’s now the month of May. That means one thing and one thing only – it’s Indianapolis 500 month. So, get your Indy 500 tickets and get ready!
Celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, the Indy 500′s centennial features a host of events and activities throughout the next four weeks that culminates with “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” on May 29. This Saturday, however, Indy 500 festivities get underway not only with the ever-popular 500 Festival Mini Marathon through the streets of Indianapolis, but also with Emerging Tech Day and the Balloon Festival at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. And better yet, admission is free. Yes, free.
What is Emerging Tech Day? Well, in short, it celebrates the Speedway as a proving ground and showcase for sustainable automotive technology. It will feature students from 80 universities racing from noon to 5 p.m. in cars designed using solar, electric and hybrid power in three different series. The gate opens at noon for entry from noon-2 p.m. at Gate 10 (30th Street). After 2 p.m., Gate 2 on 16th Street will also be open.
The Balloon Festival, sponsored by Allison Transmission, is set to take place in the evening to continue the Indianapolis 500 kickoff events– scheduled for 8 p.m. – with the glow of 33 hot-air balloons in flight, which is a tribute to the 33-car starting field for the Indianapolis 500. The night will conclude with a fireworks show at roughly 9 p.m.
And that’s not all. Other Indy 500 activities are scheduled throughout the day, as well as live music all day on the Coca-Cola Stage at Pogoda Plaza. The Yoga 500, a free yoga class, is on the slate for 2 p.m. in the Plaza Pavilion for participants of all ages and levels. Face painting will also be going on from 6-8 p.m. in the Pagoda Plaza. Music kicks off with Zanadoo at 12:30, followed by Toy Factory at 3:00 and four other acts ending with Steel Train at 7:00.
As you can see, both families and groups of friends can make a day of it on Saturday at IMS, and more information about Indianapolis 500 events can be found right here. This is only the beginning of a fun-filled month at the Speedway. Make your plans!
If you’re traveling to Indianapolis for the Indy 500, check out our website for more information about the Indy 500 as well as information and availability for Indianapolis hotels.
Start your engines!
