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Widely regarded as the largest single-day spectator sporting event in the world, the Indianapolis 500 often brings in more than 300,000 attendees to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) each year. When it comes to historic connections to this iconic race, few universities can claim a front-row seat to the Indy 500 like Marian University.
Nestled just miles from the road of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Marian University is just a 10-minute drive from the action. With many of our historic mansions on campus constructed during the same era the race began in 1911, Marian University offers students a campus experience that's enriched by both history and hometown pride.
Read on to learn more about our campus, its deep ties to Indianapolis innovation, and the community connections that place students at the heart of one of the state's most enduring and beloved traditions.
Today, the Indianapolis 500 is so much more than a race — it's a century-long symbol of innovation, endurance, and Indiana pride. Before Ray Harroun won the very first Indy 500 in 1911, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway opened in 1909 with its iconic track that consisted of more than 3.2 million bricks.
At the time of its opening, the IMS was designated as a testing facility for the state's rapidly growing automobile industry. However, when the first Indianapolis 500 was held in 1911, it became clear that this event was going to evolve into so much more than a typical race. After rapidly becoming a cultural phenomenon not just throughout Indiana but across the entire globe, the event earned the designation that it still carries today as "the greatest spectacle in racing."
Over the years, the Indy 500 has helped transform Indianapolis into a global motorsports capital, drawing millions of visitors worldwide while building an ongoing legacy that influences local culture and the regional economy. Even today, the event serves as a sort of "testing ground" for new automotive engineering technology — with such advancements as rearview mirrors and major safety improvements debuted in previous years.
In addition to the rich Indy 500 history of the race itself, the Marian University campus boasts a number of Indianapolis landmarks, including historic mansions that were built while the iconic racing event got its start in the early 1900s.
This includes the Allison Mansion (also known as Riverdale) and the Wheeler-Stokely Mansion (also known as Magnolia Farm), both of which stand as architectural anchors of Marian's beautiful campus and reflect the era when the city was first emerging as a powerhouse of industry and innovation.
The mansions' original owners, including James A. Allison and Frank Wheeler, were well-known automotive businessmen and co-founders of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway itself. Over the years, they contributed significantly to the city's early 20th-century economic expansion.
Today, these mansions remain living landmarks that continue to connect Marian students to the city's historical and cultural growth. The Alison Mansion serves as the President's Office, Alumni house, and a venue for special events. Meanwhile, the Wheeler-Stokely Mansion holds the school's Office of Admissions.
The construction of Marian University's historic mansions parallels the rise of Indianapolis as a hub for automotive engineering breakthroughs and bold entrepreneurial thinking. In addition to the fact that mansions like the Allison and Wheeler-Stokely Mansion were owned by the co-founders of the IMO, their meticulous craftsmanship and preservation over the years mirror the same commitment to progress that has helped shape the racing world.
These historic mansions on Marian University Indianapolis campus reflect a legacy of progress important to both the university and the city.
You've already read about the rich Indianapolis Motor Speedway history — but as a student on Marian University's campus, you'll enjoy proximity to this world-famous venue that offers an immersive connection to one of the world's most iconic sporting events.
Every May as race day approaches, the energy of the IMS truly becomes part of the campus atmosphere, giving students a true sense of pride and place. Our very own students regularly serve as 500 Festival Princesses, and the 500 Festival Princess Ceremony is held in the Marian University Theatre. In addition, artwork by our students has even been selected to be displayed at the race. Meanwhile, journalism students diligently cover every aspect of the race and the events leading up to it, and Marian University students have historically been selected to serve as ambassadors for the event over the years.
Our physical proximity to the IMS, along with our students' own talents, tie our campus to the local culture while enriching student life with uniquely Indianapolis experiences.
Experiential Learning and Community Engagement
Interested in becoming part of Indianapolis 500 history during your time at Marian University Indianapolis? For many students, that connection isn’t hypothetical—it’s built directly into their internships and hands-on experiences across Indianapolis.
Business students have supported real marketing initiatives tied to race operations, including social media content, campaign coordination, and audience engagement around events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. At the same time, engineering students have worked alongside motorsports-related companies, gaining exposure to the technical side of racing—from performance systems to the fast-moving logistics that keep race day running.
These aren’t classroom simulations—they’re fast-paced, real-world environments where timelines are tight, expectations are high, and the work matters. Marian’s location makes it possible for students to step into these roles while they’re still earning their degree, building experience that’s immediately relevant and difficult to replicate elsewhere. That’s an experience you simply won’t find at many other universities.
In many ways, too, the race serves as a powerful example of teamwork, leadership, and innovation at work — all values that Marian University continues to instill across its academic programs.
Students studying business, leadership, communication, and management can all draw valuable lessons from the race's complex coordination and high-stakes decision-making. As a real-time demonstration of operational excellence, this major event mirrors many of the same values and concepts that students are actively learning in their program coursework.
In addition to taking part in festivities and other experiences related to the Indianapolis 500, Marian University students maintain a strong presence throughout Indianapolis and the surrounding areas through ongoing partnerships, alumni engagement opportunities, and involvement in many citywide cultural events. You can see this involvement in action for yourself by checking out any of our student organizations, exploring our annual Arts & Media Showcase, or taking part in other Indianapolis traditions (like the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon) alongside fellow students and staff members.
Because of its central location, students can benefit from a vibrant local network that's rich in career opportunities and community-driven initiatives. Through this connection, Marian continues to play an integral role in shaping the future of Indianapolis while honoring its historic past.
Marian University's proximity to the Indy 500's heart-pumping action is just one of many things that make our campus so unique. In addition to this, our campus takes a lot of pride in its vibrant and supportive academic community that's deeply rooted in Franciscan values — as well as its opportunities for hands-on learning and real connections to the city's culture, history, and industries.
If you've been thinking about pursuing a degree at Marian University and are ready to see that green flag waving at the starting line, this is where your future has the chance to gain momentum. Whether you're drawn to our school's rich heritage, its nationally recognized programs, or simply the energy of Indianapolis itself, our campus is ready to welcome you with open arms.
Take the time to explore the many programs we have to offer, including both online and on-campus options. If you have questions, you can get in touch to request more information or even take a virtual campus tour. And when you're ready to take the next step, you can begin your application for admission here.
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