EVENTS

What you need to know about 101st American Legion National Convention

Chris Sims
IndyStar
The 101st American Legion National Convention runs Aug. 23-29 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.

Don't be surprised if you see an excess of military uniforms marching around downtown Indianapolis over the next several days.

The 101st American Legion National Convention is set to begin in Indianapolis where the American Legion headquarters sits at 700 N. Pennsylvania St.

The American Legion was formed in 1919 and celebrated its 100th anniversary on March 15.

According to its website, the American Legion has 55 departments across the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, France, Mexico and Philippines. A minimum of five delegates can attend the convention, which will culminate in the election of new officers. 

Delegates approve changes to the American Legion’s constitution and bylaws, pass Legion programs, set membership dues and more.

But there is plenty of programming available for all members of the American Legion.

Here's what you need to know about the 101st American Legion National Convention:

When is the America Legion National Convention?

The convention runs Aug. 23-29 at the Indiana Convention Center, 100 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis.

Who participates in the convention?

There are three groups combined including the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of The American Legion. Nearly 3 million people are members of these organizations worldwide.

Visiting Indy?:10 best Downtown Indianapolis restaurants

How much are convention tickets?

If you are a member of the American Legion, convention tickets are $25. The convention is not open to the general public.

What are convention exhibit hours?

Halls D and E are open from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 23-24 and 26; and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 25 and 27. The U.S. Mint is selling American Legion centennial coins at the event. Coins can also be purchased by visiting www.legion.org.

When are the color guard contests?

The color guard contests begin at 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23 in Hall A of the Indiana Convention Center.

When is the band contest?

The band contest begins at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24 in Hall A of the Indiana Convention Center.

Post 603:This American Legion Post is inside a max-security prison

When is the American Legion National  Convention parade?

The parade is slated for 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25 and the public is welcome.

Who is the grand marshal?

Indianapolis Motor Speedway president Doug Boles is the grand marshal. The parade will feature more than 90 entries. The parade viewing stand will be located on the northwest corner of the Indiana War Memorial.

What is the parade route?

The parade will begin at the intersection of North and Pennsylvania streets, heading south on Pennsylvania. The parade will turn west on New York Street before moving south on Meridian Street. The parade will end at the intersection of St. Clair and Meridian streets.

What roads will be closed for the parade?

Streets will be closed from 1-9 p.m. Aug. 25. Pennsylvania and Meridian streets will be blocked off from Ninth Street to Ohio Street. New York, Vermont, Michigan, North, Walnut and St. Clair streets will be shut down from Illinois Street to Delaware Street. Massachusetts Avenue will be closed from Pennsylvania Street to Delaware Street.

Where is the post-parade party?

The post-parade party is also open to the public. The party will run before and after the parade from 2-8 p.m. in the southwest corner of the American Legion Mall near the intersection of North and Meridian streets. The party offers a band, beer garden, food and soft drinks.

What other special events are available for attendees?

Local sporting events and other exhibits are honoring the American Legion while they are in town. There are also a couple other activities. They include:

  • GI Bill exhibit: The traveling  feature is on display in the rotunda at the Indiana State Capitol, 200 W. Washington Street.
  • Indianapolis Colts: The NFL team's American Legion Family Night is at 7 p.m. Aug. 24 against the Chicago Bears at Lucas oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis.
  • Indianapolis Indians: The AAA baseball club's American Legion Family Night is at 7:05 p.m. Aug. 24 against the Louisville Bats at Victory Field, 501 W. Maryland St., Indianapolis. National Commander Brett Reistad will throw out the opening pitch.
  • Centennial Film Festival: the event begins at 9 a.m. in Rooms 126 and 127 at the Indiana Convention Center.
  • Indiana Fever: The WNBA squad's American Legion Family Night is at 7 p.m. Aug. 27 against the Las Vegas Aces at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis.

For more information or a full schedule of events, visit www.legion.org.

Chris Sims is a digital producer at IndyStar. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFSims.