The Purdue University Band

Purdue's marching band and its giant drum at the Indy 500 pre-race.

The Purdue All-American Marching Band is a traditional part of the Indianapolis 500 pre-race ceremonies.

Lore & Background

It plays several pre-race songs, among them "On the Banks of the Wabash" and "Stars and Stripes Forever", and its World's Largest Drum is driven around the track. Through the 1970s and early 1980s the band usually played "Back Home Again in Indiana" without a singer.

More in Tracks & Culture

The 500 Festival Sonoma Raceway Circuit of the Americas Texas Motor Speedway Streets of St. Petersburg Indianapolis Motor Speedway The Snake Pit Back Home Again in Indiana The Borg-Warner Trophy The Yard of Bricks The Milk Tradition Gasoline Alley

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Tony Hulman · Club History Al Unser · Legendary Players Juan Pablo Montoya · Legendary Players Bill Vukovich · Legendary Players 2016 Indianapolis 500 (Alexander Rossi's fuel-mileage upset) · Iconic Matches AJ Foyt Enterprises · Teams & Constructors

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