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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowAllison Melangton is taking a page from her Super Bowl Host Committee playbook to deck out Indianapolis and welcome visitors to this year’s Indianapolis 500.
Melangton, CEO of the city’s 2012 Super Bowl Host Committee and now senior vice president of events for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, rolled out “500 Forward” this month, an effort to partner with local businesses, charities, governmental entities and residents to make the Indianapolis 500 a bigger event.
The 500 Forward programs and events unveiled April 13 include:
500 Fashion Fridays: A partnership with Downtown Indy Inc. encouraging downtown workers to incorporate racing into their Friday outfits.
Welcome program: A collaboration with Visit Indy, the Indianapolis Airport Authority and Hamilton Country Tourism to ensure amped-up hospitality for visitors during May. This will include welcome signage at Indianapolis International Airport and more than 30 hotels in Indianapolis and Hamilton County.
Indy 500 Porch Parties: Supported by the Harrison Center for the Arts, central Indiana residents are encouraged to celebrate the month of May with officially registered porch parties.
500 Gives Back: A grant program administered by the 500 Festival to support community organizations implementing life-enriching events, activities and programs, while also celebrating the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500.
Bike to the 500: The second annual ride will take place on race day, May 28.
Welcome Race Fans: Five local artists have been commissioned by the Arts Council of Indianapolis to create unique, racing-themed pieces of art that will debut in late April.
Downtown decor: A collaboration with Visit Indy to deck out downtown in racing-themed decor.•
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