Which band has served as the Indianapolis 500 host band since 1919?

The Purdue “All-American” Marching Band has served as the Indianapolis 500’s host band since 1919. Its race-morning performances are one of the event’s oldest continuing traditions, providing music and pageantry before the cars take the green flag.

The band’s connection with the race began only a decade after Indianapolis Motor Speedway opened in 1909. Purdue’s ensemble performs Purdue fight songs and other ceremonial music, and it traditionally accompanies major pre-race moments, including the singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana.” The band is also famous for its World’s Largest Drum, introduced in 1921.

The wording can cause confusion because Indiana has several prominent college marching bands, including Indiana University’s Marching Hundred and Notre Dame’s band. However, the Indianapolis 500’s official race association belongs to Purdue’s All-American Marching Band. “Host band” refers to its continuing ceremonial role, not to which university is located closest to the speedway.