WNBA Indiana Fever

WNBA Champs Named Grand Marshal for 2013 IPL 500 Festival

Published on May 15, 2013 under Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Indiana Fever News Release


INDIANAPOLIS (May 15, 2013) - The 500 Festival announced today that 2012 WNBA Champion Indiana Fever have been named Grand Marshal of the 2013 IPL 500 Festival Parade. The 56th IPL 500 Festival Parade is Saturday, May 25 and will celebrate the 2013 500 Festival theme: Turbocharging Indy.

A WNBA playoff participant in eight straight seasons and nine times since 2002, the Indiana Fever became the champion of women's professional basketball after defeating the Minnesota Lynx for the 2012 WNBA Championship. The Fever is the only team in WNBA history to record seven 20-win seasons during an 8-year span, a current streak that dates to 2005. During that time, the Fever has reached at least the Eastern Conference Finals five times while appearing in the WNBA Finals in 2009 and 2012.

"This is certainly and honor and a thrill for our team to be asked to serve as Grand Marshal. This is a time-honored tradition to kick off one of the most spectacular sporting events in the world. I am so happy our players and coaches have the opportunity to be a part of it and to be recognized for winning the 2012 WNBA championship," said Kelly Krauskopf, President and General Manager, Indiana Fever.

"The 500 Festival's focus on community involvement makes the Indiana Fever a great choice for this honor, given their commitment to this community both on and off the court," said Terry Powers, Vice President of Operations of the 500 Festival. "We are honored to have the Indiana Fever serve as Grand Marshal of the IPL 500 Festival."

More than 300,000 spectators are expected to line the two-mile parade route to see the 33 starting drivers of the 2013 Indianapolis 500(r), more than 70 specialty units, floats, marching bands and giant inflatable balloons.

This year's parade is a true representation of the power and pageantry of the month of May with a television package that will bolster the Parade's national presence, airing on May 25 at 5 p.m. on NBC Sports Network and 8 p.m. locally on WISH-TV. Tickets to the IPL 500 Festival Parade are available at the 500 Festival Ticket Office weekdays from 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. Tickets can also be purchased by calling (317) 614-6400. Reserved bleacher seats start at just $14.50; reserved chair seats $19 and reserved VIP/TV Zone seats are $32. For more information, visit www.500festival.com.

Country Music Artist and X Factor winner Tate Stevens to Perform Opening Number for IPL 500 Festival Parade Country music artist and 2012 The X Factor winner Tate Stevens will perform the opening number for the IPL 500 Festival Parade. Stevens will be singing his new single, "Holler If You're With Me" from his self-titled album. After the opening number, Stevens will ride in the Parade.

Born in Japan where his father was stationed in the Air Force, Stevens spent his earliest years in Wichita Falls, TX. His father played in country bands, enthralling a young Tate with the genre. Shortly after his "stage debut," the family moved to Belton, MO, about 30 miles south of Kansas City. During his high school years, Stevens began singing in talent contests and small Opry-type shows in the area. His band Dixie Cadillac played 250+ dates per year, traveling across the U.S. and as far as Germany, Puerto Rico and Canada. Tate Stevens' personality and towering vocal presence that won over fans and judges on last season's The X Factor will be sure to please fans along the Parade route as well.

The mission of the 500 Festival is to advocate and celebrate the spirit, heritage and legacy of the Indianapolis 500(r). Through social, cultural and educational events and programs, the 500 Festival enhances the quality of life for all citizens of our communities.

The 500 Festival, a not-for-profit volunteer organization, was created in 1957 to organize civic events celebrating the greatest race in the world. Over the past 56 years, the 500 Festival has grown to become one of the largest festivals in the nation.

Last year, over 500,000 Hoosiers and visitors participated in nearly 50 events and programs throughout the month of May. Whether they were athletes running the Mini-Marathon, fourth grade students participating in the Education Program, families enjoying the state's largest festival for kids or spectators being dazzled by one of the nation's premier parades, they were there, celebrating the legacy.

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