INDIANAPOLIS — The 500 Festival announced it has canceled the remaining in-person events for 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The following events have been canceled:
- 500 Festival Kickoff to May, presented by STAR Bank
- Salesforce & JPMorgan Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day and Rookie Run
- 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard, presented by Midwestern Engineers, Inc.
- 500 Festival Volunteer Appreciation Day, presented by Citizens Energy Group
- 500 Festival Memorial Service, presented by Rolls-Royce
- IPL 500 Festival Parade
- 500 Festival mini-mini
In April, the nonprofit organization intended to move its event lineup to August as a lead-up to the 104th Running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, Aug 23.
“This decision was not made lightly. With a wide range of programs and events that engage various audiences, the 500 Festival reached this conclusion with the utmost respect for the history and family traditions that will be impacted," said Bob Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival, in a press release. "We’re disappointed but we know that this is in the best interest of public health as well as the health of the 500 Festival for generations to come.”
This is the first time in 500 Festival history that the organization’s traditional schedule of events will not take place during the days leading up to the Indy 500.
The 500 Festival will now focus on creating new ways for the community to celebrate the Indy 500 virtually. New virtual experiences and opportunities will be added to the 500 Festival's New Way to May webpage.
On Tuesday, IMS officials announced attendance for the Indy 500 will be approximately 25 percent of capacity. Those attending will be required to wear face masks. The event will air live this year on WTHR on Aug. 23.
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