Officials confirmed to IndyStar that there will not be a balloon release at the Indianapolis 500 this May.
For those who are keeping track, this is actually the third year in succession that the race will not be held according to a long-standing tradition that involved releasing thousands upon thousands of balloons during the pre-race celebration. This year’s race is different and it might stick.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has delayed the pre-race balloon release for the past two years due to COVID-19 protocols that limit the number of staff present.
According to Alex Damron vice president of communications, the decision has been made this year taking into consideration the environmental and wildlife impact issues that have been raised for years.
A tradition that divides
Speedway officials stated they want pre-race events that bring people together to honor military veterans, celebrate sporting excellence, build excitement and promote unity.
Damron stated that the release has become more divisive over recent years. We have received significant feedback from both groups and individuals who are opposed to the release as well as from our fans. The pre-race celebration aims to bring people together.
Since 1970, the balloon release has been an annual tradition at the event. It is a tradition that is comparable to the winners celebratory bottle milk, kissing bricks and singing (Back home again in) Indiana.
Environmentalists have been calling on the government to stop the large balloon releases that continue across the country for many years. IMS spokespersons said that they were not planning to end the practice in 2018. Later, however it stated that it was reevaluating.
However, this is not the first time that Speedway has stated that environmental considerations played a part.
Indy 500 balloonsWhy there won’t a balloon release at Indy 500 2021
How far can balloons travel?
Although the balloons are released from Indianapolis, they can travel very far. One woman found a balloon she believed to be an Indy 500 in Ohio 100 miles from her home in 2018.
They make their way into ecosystems and the food chain when they land. They could also eventually flow into oceans if they touch down in rivers or lakes. U.S. authorities believe that the debris can cause them to become suffocated or starve along the way. Emma Nelson, a Fish and Wildlife Service biologist, previously told IndyStar.
IndyStar conducted a 2018 test as part of a citizen science experiment to verify the claim that IMS balloons are biodegradable and pose no risk to wildlife. IndyStar used a 2017 type of balloon and submerged the balloons into fresh and saltwater, soil, compost, and other materials.
The balloons were removed and examined after eleven months. Some of the balloons did eventually degrade, but not enough to eliminate wildlife risk. They are still intact almost four years later.
Indy 500 balloonsIMS claims that the balloons can be biodegradable. We tested them.
Critics claim that it takes many years for balloons to become safe enough to be considered non-threatening to wildlife.
Ban balloon releases
There is a growing movement against balloon releases in the country. According to an anti-balloon release group called, such releases have been banned in a few states and cities. Balloons blow. The founder of the group funded a billboard asking IMS for an end to the campaign in 2019. However, the billboard company removed it shortly after it was up because it was an attack ad.
The Balloon Council, which represents balloon manufacturing, publicly opposed rubber balloon release in 2018. It recommended that balloons be tied down or weighted, then popped and disposed properly.
Lower the IMS’s environmental footprint
Damron stated that IMS is committed in increasing the sustainability and reducing the environmental footprint of the Indy 500. This extends to more than just the balloon release.
He said that recent changes have been made to increase energy and water efficiency, and reduce food waste on site.
The IMS installed LED lighting, water conserving faucets, and paper-free hand dryers in the facility. People for Urban Progress, a non-profit that makes bags and other items from recycled materials, was provided with used banners. Speedway also launched a month-long food distribution campaign to donate unsold meals and other items to Second Helpings.
It is encouraging spectators to ride to the event rather than drive. Through the purchase of renewable electricity certified by the government, the electricity used at the race venue was carbon-neutral.
All of these efforts earned Indy 500 the certification of the Council for Responsible Sport for the 2021 race. This makes the IMS the This certification was first to be awarded to a motorsports facilityDamron stated.
Another first was an inventory of greenhouse gas emissions for the event. This inventory provides a foundation for future developments in energy and fuel use, spectator travel, as well as team travel.
Damron stated they are happy to state that the environment is part and parcel of the decision to pause balloon release. IMS is sensitive to the historical significance of the balloon launch to many Indy 500 fan. He said that he was confident that this year’s pre-race activities would be as exciting as the ones we have had at IMS.
Damron stated that the Speedway is not going to do the release again. However, it will continue to evaluate the best way to celebrate Indy 500 and its traditions in the future.
This year, Speedway will not be using balloons but will continue to add a second flyover at the pre-race show at completion of the Back Home Again song.
Damron stated that forgoing the release allows for operational flexibility in terms of staffing and space required for the balloon tent. He explained that the release will allow for expanded activities in the midway, where the balloon tent used be, by not having it.
Sarah Bowman, IndyStar reporter at 317-44-6129, or email at [email protected]. Follow her on TwitterAnd Facebook: @IndyStarSarah. Connect with IndyStars environmental journalists:Join Facebook’s Scrub.
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