INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indianapolis skyline will soon have a new look when the logo for the 101st Running of the Indianapolis 500 goes up on the JW Marriott hotel along with a message celebrating “The Greatest City in Racing.”
Work began Wednesday on the 18 story design which will cover approximately 18,500 square feet of the hotel's gleaming blue facade. The vinyl decal weighs more than 1,000 pounds and the top of the graphic will sit 325 feet off the ground.
The project is part of the 500 Forward initiative and will be completed by Indianapolis-based Sports Graphics.
“Indianapolis is known around the world as among the very best hosts for major sporting events and that all began more than a century ago with the first Indianapolis 500-mile race,” said Hulman Motorsports Senior Vice President of Events Allison Melangton. “So this year’s design plays off that concept, celebrating the important role the Indianapolis community has played and continues to play each year in the success of the world’s largest single-day sporting event.”
According to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the JW Marriott’s windows are reserved for the biggest sporting occasions, with only the 2012 Super Bowl and 2015 NCAA Men’s Final Four receiving similar treatment.
#Indy is celebrating May again w/ an awesome facade of the Greatest City in Racing with @IMS #Indy500 #OnlyatJWIndy https://t.co/F22sEtBCJS pic.twitter.com/FGKg4GmNn9
— JW Marriott Indy (@JWMarriottIndy) April 19, 2017
The graphic will be complemented by a “significant décor takeover across central Indiana” according to IMS.
Last year's 100th Running design featured the Borg-Warner Trophy.
#TBT to that time the Borg Warner Trophy was on the side of our building! #Indy500 // photo cred to @Chuck_Talley pic.twitter.com/elRlBXtVVP
— JW Marriott Indy (@JWMarriottIndy) June 30, 2016
The 101st running of the Indianapolis 500 will take place on Sunday, May 28.
Visit IMS.com to purchase tickets and for more information on the complete month of May schedule at IMS.
MORE | On the Road to 101
