INDIANAPOLIS — The 500 Festival has selected Indiana basketball legend Tamika Catchings as the grand marshal for the 2024 AES 500 Festival Parade.
Catchings is a four-time Olympic gold medalist, 10-time WNBA All-Star, five-time Defensive Player of the Year and WNBA champion during her career with the Indiana Fever.
She played in the WNBA for 16 seasons and is known as one of the greatest women to ever play basketball.
In 2004, Catchings launched the Catch the Stars Foundation, which empowers youth by providing goal-setting programs that promote fitness, literacy and youth development.
"It’s an honor to present Tamika Catchings as this year’s Grand Marshal. (Tamika) is a living icon in the world of basketball, but even more impressive is her story of perseverance and overcoming obstacles to achieve greatness and her dedication to supporting her community," said Bo Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. "We are excited to share her story and shine a light on her work with the Catch the Stars Foundation."
"It’s an honor to be selected as the 2024 AES 500 Festival Parade Grand Marshal," Catchings said. “To be able to showcase the achievements that I’ve worked so hard for is truly something special. I’m proud to highlight my career and the Catch the Stars Foundation, while encouraging children that they can achieve any goal they put their mind to.”
The celebration on Saturday, May 25 will feature floats, huge balloons, marching bands from across the country, celebrities and the 33 drivers competing in the Indy 500.
The theme of this year's parade is "Iconic Moments in Indy," to celebrate the city's history.
Tickets for the event cost $25. To get yours, click here. Proceeds from all 500 Festival ticketed events help support the organization’s free programming and events for Indiana youth and college students.
The celebration will air on WTHR Channel 13 and nationally on Peacock.
