INDIANAPOLIS – To commemorate the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, Indianapolis’ professional sports teams and organizations will come together next week for collective acts of remembrance, service and gratitude.
The week will unite the front offices of the Fishers Freight, Indiana Fever, Indiana Pacers, Indianapolis Colts, Indianapolis Indians, Indy Eleven, Indy Fuel, Indy Ignite, Noblesville Boom and Penske Entertainment to honor the memory of those lives lost, celebrate the heroism of first responders and demonstrate the unique ability of sports to bring communities together around a common purpose.
On Wednesday, Sept. 9 the teams will join members of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) to build “care kits,” which officers have on hand to give to kids they meet on the job who have experienced trauma or otherwise been impacted. All 10 teams donated kid-friendly items for inclusion in the kits.
WHEN: - 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
WHERE: - IMPD East District, 201 N. Shadeland Ave.
On Thursday, Sept 10, the teams will come together to surprise first responders with gifts and swag bags at various locations throughout the city.
Deliveries will include appearances by various team mascots, including “Bandit” (Freight), “Blue” (Colts), “Bobby” (Boom), “Boomer” (Pacers), “Freddy” (Fever), “Nitro” (Fuel), “Pepper” (Ignite), “Rowdie” (Indians) and “Zeke” (Indy Eleven).
9 – 9:20 a.m.: Metropolitan Emergency Services Agency, 911 Call Center, 47 S. State Ave.
9:40 – 9:55 a.m.: IMPD North District, 3120 E. 30th St.
10:15 – 10:30 a.m.: Indianapolis Fire Department HQ & Station #7, 955 Ft. Wayne Ave.
10:50 – 11:05 a.m.: Indianapolis EMS, 3930 Georgetown Rd.
11:25 – 11:45 a.m.: IMPD Southwest District, 551 King Ave.
On Friday, Sept. 11, the teams, joined by leaders from the Indiana Sports Corp, will come together for a Walk of Remembrance at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The walk route will reflect the 2,071 steps per World Trade Center tower. Remarks will begin at 8:46 a.m., the time the first tower was struck, and the walk will begin at 9:03 a.m., the time the second tower was hit. Following the walk, the teams will host a reception and raise money for agencies that support local first responders.
8 a.m. – Doors open
8:46 a.m. – Opening remarks
9:03 a.m. – Walk of Remembrance begins
9:30 a.m. – Reception
WHERE: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 4790 W. 16th St.
MEDIA PARKING: Media should enter via Gate 2 and park in the DEX Imaging Media Center gravel lot. Please RSVP to astanley@brickyard.com if you plan to attend.
PARTNER QUOTES
Indiana Fever, Indiana Pacers & Noblesville Boom
Mel Raines – President & CEO, Pacers Sports & Entertainment
“Sept. 11 reminds us not only of the lives we lost, but of what is possible when people come together with a shared sense of purpose. Sports have a unique ability to bring people together, and we’re honored to join other local sports organizations in remembering those we lost, serving our community and expressing our gratitude to the first responders who continue to protect us every day."
Indianapolis Colts
Kalen Jackson – Owner, Chief Brand Officer & President of the Colts Foundation
“Across Indiana and America, we are still touched deeply by the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, and the terrible loss of so many lives and livelihoods that day. But even 25 years later, we are still in awe of the heroism of the hundreds of brave first responders, many of whom were deployed from Indiana, who rushed into the fray to save lives. We’re proud to come together with Indy’s pro sports teams just to say 'thank you' to those who serve and protect us every day here in our communities."
Indianapolis Indians
Randy Lewandowski – President & CEO
“The Indianapolis Indians are proud to join Indy’s professional sports organizations in remembering those we lost 25 years ago on Sept. 11, while also giving back to the community we are privileged to call home. This is a date that constantly reminds us of all the strength, courage and compassion that emerges when a community comes together. We look forward to Indy working together in remembrance of what occurred 25 years ago and with gratitude for those who protect our freedom.”
Indy Eleven
Greg Stremlaw – CEO
“We vividly remember that day that profoundly impacted our country 25 years ago. Honoring the memory of those lost and saluting the first responders who made us proud that day and those who continue to protect us every day is a great privilege. We are humbled to join our Indianapolis professional sports teams in recognizing these heroes.”
Indy Fuel Hockey & Fishers Freight Football
Sean Hallett – Owner, CEO & President, Hallett Sports & Entertainment
“Twenty-five years later, we continue to remember the lives that were taken on Sept. 11, 2001, and the families, friends, and communities forever changed by that day. We are grateful for the opportunity to stand united alongside our friends and allies across the Indianapolis sports community as we come together to honor and remember those we lost. We extend our deepest gratitude to our law enforcement, first responders, emergency personnel, and military members who serve and protect our communities every day. And today, we remember, honor, and remain grateful for all those who showed us what courage, compassion and unity look like when humanity is at its lowest.”
Indy Ignite
Mary Kay Huse – President & General Manager
"The tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, and the extraordinary heroism of our first responders will never be forgotten—not here in Indiana, not across America, not anywhere in the world. Twenty-five years later, we are deeply moved to come together with our sports community and honor the bravery and unity that carried us through that day."
Penske Entertainment (Indianapolis Motor Speedway, INDYCAR & IMS Productions)
Mark Miles – President & CEO
“Sept. 11 was a tragic day, and the heartbreak and sorrow of our grieving nation still feels raw in many ways. Penske Entertainment is committed to honoring the memory of those we lost and recognizing the heroes who contributed to the response and recovery effort and who have continued to protect our freedom. It is an honor to come together with Indy’s sports teams to pay tribute to these individuals on the 25th anniversary.”