INDIANAPOLIS — Former Indiana Pacer Scot Pollard will be this year’s AES 500 Festival Parade Grand Marshal.
Pollard was officially named the Grand Marshal for this year’s parade on Saturday. Pollard won the NBA Finals once during his 11-year NBA career.
Pollard is also an outspoken advocate of organ donation. He underwent a heart transplant himself at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in February 2024.
Per a release, Pollard was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy in 2021. His condition ultimately led to heart failure.
Pollard underwent numerous ablations between 2021 and 2024. None of the procedures were successful.
Pollard also tried various medications and received a pacemaker defibrillator before ultimately getting a heart transplant.
“I’m honored to be named Grand Marshal of the 500 Festival Parade,” Pollard said via release. “One person can save a lot of lives, and I’m excited to celebrate the month of May while raising awareness about the life-saving impact of organ donation.”
The AES 500 Festival Parade will be held at noon on May 24. Tickets to the AES 500 Festival Parade are available here.
“Scot’s iconic checkered flag-inspired fashion, coupled with his dynamic presence and vibrant personality, has made him an unforgettable figure at 500 Festival events,” 500 Festival President and CEO Bob Bryant said via release. “His commitment to sharing his heart transplant journey to raise awareness about the life-changing power of organ donation is truly inspiring. We are proud to provide a platform for his story and the vital message it carries.”
