The Indianapolis 500 is coming back (almost) full force in 2022.
One of the biggest sporting events in the world is just over a month away, and this year the crowd will be back to full capacity. However, there is at least one tradition that won’t be happening—the balloon release.
2019 was the last year the release occurred, but despite the timing, the continued pause has nothing to do with COVID regulations. Officials cited multiple reasons, but told Fox 59 that environmental concerns were among them.
Multiple groups in the area have criticized the balloon release over the years, saying they [balloons] can cause pollution as well as harm to animals.
Instead, another pre-race flyover will take place near the end of the “Back Home Again in Indiana” performance.
