INDIANAPOLIS (November 15, 2016) – The 500 Festival, a nonprofit organization providing life-enriching events for Indiana and celebrating the legacy of the Indianapolis 500, today announces that KeyBank has returned as the title sponsor of the 2017 Snakepit Ball. This marks the fourth consecutive year of KeyBank’s sponsorship. Based in Cleveland, but with over 60 locations in Indiana, KeyBank is one of the nation’s largest banks.

"KeyBank is proud to sponsor the 500 Festival’s Snakepit Ball once again," said Aaron Reitz, president, KeyBank Central Indiana. “Here in Indiana, KeyBank is dedicated to partnering with organizations and initiatives that help communities thrive. Our partnership with the 500 Festival highlights our commitment to making Indianapolis a great place to live, work and play. We are looking forward to a great May.”

The KeyBank 500 Festival Snakepit Ball is race weekend’s most exclusive party, attracting celebrities and VIPs in town for race weekend. This race-eve tradition will take place Saturday, May 27, 2017 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. Attendees experience a televised, red carpet entrance before enjoying music from nationally recognized entertainers, as well as award-winning food and cocktails.

“The KeyBank 500 Festival Snakepit Ball concludes a month-long series of 500 Festival events that help bring our community together and elevate the excitement leading up to the Indianapolis 500,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. ”We are honored to have KeyBank, who has a strong presence in our community, back again as the sponsor of the Snakepit Ball.”

Proceeds from events like the KeyBank 500 Festival Snakepit Ball help support the organization's free programs, including the 500 Festival's Education Program, which has impacted more than 225,000 Hoosier 4th graders. The KeyBank 500 Festival Snakepit Ball is presented by KeyBank, supported by Business Furniture and BCforward.

The 2017 KeyBank 500 Festival Snakepit Ball will be held on Saturday, May 27 at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $300 per person. To learn more about the 2017 KeyBank 500 Festival Snakepit Ball or to request tickets, visit https://www.500festival.com/snakepit or search #SnakepitBall on social media.

About the 500 Festival

Founded in 1957, the 500 Festival is a not-for-profit organization that produces more than 50 life-enriching events and programs while celebrating the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500 and fostering positive impact on the city of Indianapolis and state of Indiana. One of the largest festivals in the nation, each year more than half a million people attend an event or program produced by the 500 Festival. Since its founding, the 500 Festival has contributed more than $400 million in economic value to Indianapolis. To learn more about the 500 Festival, please visit www.500festival.com, follow us on Twitter @500festival, or on Facebook.

About KeyBank

Based in Cleveland, Ohio, KeyCorp is one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets over $136 billion. With over 60 locations around Indiana, and over 1200 locations across 15 states, Key companies provide investment management, retail and commercial banking, consumer finance, and investment banking products and services to individuals and companies throughout the United States. For more information, visit  www.key.com.