IMS Working with Indiana Cities to Promote 500
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is taking its campaign to promote Indianapolis 500 spirit within Indiana to the streets - literally - by working directly with local communities across the state as the month of May approaches.
The Speedway has invited 118 Indiana cities and towns to share in the excitement and anticipation as the 85th running of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing approaches May 27 by providing each community with 10 colorful Indianapolis 500 street pole banners.
Each banner, measuring 60 inches by 30 inches, provides a stunning visual impact to help communities share in their "500" pride.
"Years ago, Tony Hulman (the Speedway's owner from 1945-77) visited cities and towns all over Indiana to increase excitement about Indiana's greatest sporting event, the Indianapolis 500," said Bob Reif, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing and Chief Marketing Officer for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "The citizens of Indiana should take pride in not only the traditions and excitement of the Indianapolis 500, but the publicity, tourism and economic gains the race brings to Indiana, as well.
"We want to share that excitement with folks from Terre Haute to Richmond, and from South Bend to Evansville and everywhere in between."
The mayor of each Indiana city and town also received a packet to promote Opening Day, qualifications and the Indianapolis 500 including schedule cards, magnets, bumper stickers, Opening Day buttons, key chains, flyers and other promotional materials.
"The Indianapolis 500 creates a sense of pride and spectacle that everyone in Indiana should embrace in the month of May," said John S. Burkhart, mayor of the city of Seymour, Ind. "When hundreds of thousands of visitors converge at the Speedway in May and other times of the year, it means the eyes of the sporting world are on Indiana. There are few places in the United States, let alone the world, that can boast of the opportunity that brings.
"I speak for many of the citizens of Seymour when I say we are looking forward to celebrating the 85th running of the Indianapolis 500."