Purdue University and Indianapolis Motor Speedway Total Sola

Two iconic Midwest institutions — Purdue University and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) — partnered with NASA to create an unforgettable experience around the 2024 total solar eclipse. Combining Purdue’s legacy in space exploration with IMS’s legendary venue, the collaboration drew over 50,000 attendees and reached millions more worldwide.
A Strategic Partnership
This initiative aligned Purdue with a high-profile Indianapolis event, elevating national and international visibility, building anticipation for Purdue’s new Indianapolis location and showcasing the university’s STEM leadership. Leveraging Purdue’s connection to NASA and its 27 astronaut alumni who have conducted research in space, the event delivered expert insights, interactive STEM experiences and exclusive branded content.
Big Wins and Impact
Massive reach: 50,000+ in-person attendees and millions engaged online
Extensive media coverage: 40+ media outlets covered the event including national programs like “NBC Nightly News” with Lester Holt and “Good Morning America”
Purdue expert interviews: 28 media interviews featuring Purdue experts and astronaut alumni
Innovative content strategy: A livestreamed panel, expert-led Q&A videos, paid media campaigns and a dedicated eclipse website drove engagement
Dynamic on-site experiences: The event featured STEM exhibits, an astronaut panel, IndyCar driver meet-and-greets, exclusive merchandise and live coverage on NASA’s official stream.
This partnership wasn’t just about the eclipse — it reinforced Purdue’s commitment to STEM education, innovation and its expanding presence in Indianapolis. With strategic execution before, during and after the event, Purdue and IMS created a cultural moment that will leave a lasting impact.