Why The Indy 500 Is Worth Watching
Wind the windows down, blast the music and you’re halfway there.
Start your summer by cruising with the windows down, the wind blowing through your hair and a smile on your face. That’s how Indy fans prefer their Memorial Day too. Here’s what you need to know about the Indy 500.
1. Move over Gatorade; milk is the drink of the winners at International Motor Speedway. The tradition that involves the winner swigging milk began in 1936 with Louis Meyer, whose go-to drink after a win was a refreshing glass of milk. An overjoyed milk executive spotted the act, and the rest is history. The drivers can choose between whole, 2% or skim milk for their celebratory drink (that the winner will subsequently pour on their head). MILK…IT QUENCHES YOUR THIRST, SAID NO ONE EVER
2. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is also known as the Brickyard. It’s called the Brickyard because the track used to be made of bricks, which are still exposed under the asphalt at the start-finish line. It’s a tradition for the drivers to kiss these bricks before the race. We cannot confirm or deny if that’s where cold sores come from. YOUR KISS IS ON MY LIPS
3. The race isn’t just for men. In its history, ten women have raced at Indy, with Danica Patrick setting the record for the highest finishing position for a woman with a third-place finish in 2005. She is also the first woman to lead a lap at the Indy 500. One woman we hope to see in this Sunday’s race is Katherine Legge, but she was involved in a crash during practice, and there has been no word if she will race. MOVE OVER, COMING THROUGH
4. Another intriguing aspect of the Indy 500 is the BYOB policy. Attendees can bring coolers filled with food and beverages (including alcoholic drinks), making it a unique and cost-effective experience for fans. Is your business brain confused about why they don’t want the money? Well, the speedway can’t physically serve that many people. Besides, the party atmosphere and the freedom to bring your supplies contribute to the festive ambiance that sets the Indy 500 apart from other sporting events. CHEERS
5. Something you never thought you’d want to know, yet here we are. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is considered one of the world’s largest spectator facilities, with over 250,000 permanent seats and average attendance at the Indy 500 of 300,000. The 253 acres infield hosts an EDM concert in the Snake Pit and includes a golf course. Churchill Downs, Yankee Stadium, Rose Bowl Stadium, Vatican City, the Taj Mahal, the White House, Liberty Island, and the Roman Colosseum could simultaneously fit inside the speedway. THE BIG HOUSE
The WNBA Season Is Here - What You Need To Know
Last year's season was the best yet, so here’s to another year of being impressed by the incredible talents of these women athletes.
Photo: Instagram/WNBA
The action-packed WNBA season starts on May 19. Last year's season was the best yet, and it's clear that people are recognizing the incredible talents of these women athletes. This year, the WNBA is adding more games and expanding to new locations, making it even more exciting.
As a proud Las Vegas Aces fan, I can't contain my excitement for this season. With the addition of basketball legend Candace Parker and the support of celebrities like Tom Brady, the Aces are looking to continue their winning streak after clinching their first championship last year.
But the Aces aren't the only team to watch out for. With two powerhouses in the East and West, the WNBA seems to be in an era of building super teams. In the East, the New York Liberty has built a super team, adding MVP Breanna Stewart to their roster.
Now, let's talk about the Commissioners Cup, an exciting in-season tournament introduced by the WNBA. This tournament offers teams a chance to compete for a trophy and a significant payday, with a prize pool of $500,000. It's similar to European soccer, which has similar in-season tournaments and competitions. The Commissioner's Cup adds an extra element of excitement to the WNBA season and allows teams to earn a little extra cash.
Speaking of earnings, it's important to note that many WNBA players play overseas during the off-season to supplement their salaries. While the WNBA salaries may not be on par with men's professional sports yet, the growing popularity of the league and increased exposure through TV coverage and investments from celebrities like Tom Brady are positive signs for the future.
The WNBA is taking steps to improve player experiences too. While most teams have flown commercial in the past and still will, the league is adopting some changes this year. They're introducing charter flights for the WNBA Finals, Commissioner's Cup games, and select games (like back-to-back games) during the season, reducing the challenges of air travel and allowing players to arrive at games in better condition.
Grab your jerseys, and tune into our WNBA Season podcast before turning on the TV to witness the incredible athleticism and fierce competition the WNBA offers.
Wednesday Wisdom
Everyone from Tom Brady to your neighbors are loving the WNBA. Here's what you need to know. Plus today's watercooler topics.
The week's hottest topics include the WNBA Season start, super tall guys and allergy season.
Bless you,
The Last Night's Game Team
We know you're busy, so we've added a short 1-3 minute podcast on Monday and Friday so you can catch us on the go. Make sure you keep up with us in between episodes on all your favorite social media platforms.
Photo: Instagram/wnba
wnba (women’s national basketball association)
Last year's season was a hit, and it's clear that people are recognizing the incredible talents of these women athletes. This year, the WNBA season, which starts May 19, is adding more games and expanding to new locations, making it even more exciting.
All signs point in the right direction, but it's important to note that many WNBA players also play overseas during the off-season to supplement their salaries. While the WNBA salaries may not be on par with other professional sports yet, the growing popularity of the league and increased exposure through TV coverage and investments from celebrities like Tom Brady are positive signs for the future.
So grab your jerseys, turn on the TV (after listening to this week's Sports Curious Podcast about the WNBA Season, of course), and get ready to witness the incredible athleticism and fierce competition that the WNBA offers. LISTEN UP
Short and Sweet
Due to severe flooding, the F1 (Formula One) race in Northern Italy has been canceled this weekend.
Overshadowing the release of a documentary about the celebrity-owned Angel City FC (NWSL - National Women's Soccer League), a new rival professional women's league, the USL Super League, announced it will launch in August 2024. Tim Tebow is among the planned USL team owners.
The San Antonio Spurs (NBA - National Basketball Association) won the NBA Draft Lottery, and now they have a chance to draft generational talent Victor Wembanyama, the 7'4" 19-year-old out of France.
Retired Indianapolis Colts (NFL - National Football League) punter and current sports media personality Pat McAfee announces his edgy show has signed with ESPN for $10M/year.
The PGA (Professional Golfers Association) Championship is here, one of four majors in golf. Because it makes for a good storyline, LIV Golfers have been paired with PGA Golfers. Unfortunately, Tiger Woods is not playing.
Photo: Unsplash