Scot Pollard named Grand Marshal for 2025 500 Festival Parade, one year after life-saving heart transplant
The former Pacers center, who underwent a heart transplant in 2024, continues to inspire as he takes on a special role in one of Indy’s biggest traditions.
Former Indiana Pacers center Scot Pollard, who successfully underwent a heart transplant one year ago, has been named the Grand Marshal for the upcoming 500 Festival Parade.
Pollard was informed of this special honor at the launch party for Pearls of Life, an organization he and his wife, Dawn, founded to advocate for organ donation, educate the community, and support families navigating the organ transplant or donation process.
The annual parade, held one day before the Indianapolis 500, will take place at noon ET on Saturday, May 24. The 500 Festival is a non-profit organization that organizes civic events celebrating the Indy 500.
“I’m honored to be named Grand Marshal of the 500 Festival Parade,” Pollard said. “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.”
Pollard, who is 6-foot-11, has endured a great deal over the past fours years, leading up to his heart transplant and the challenges that followed. But also, consider the stress, uncertainty, and emotional toll on his loved ones — and on other families in similar situations. That’s where Pearls of Life comes in.
Pollard was one of the featured speakers at the event, which was held at the Lucas Oil Estate in Carmel, Ind. He shared how his heart transplant at Vanderbilt Health on February 16, 2024, gave him a new lease on life.
He serves as a volunteer spokesman for the organization.
Pollard, 50, played in the NBA from 1997 to 2008, including three seasons with the Pacers (2003-06). During his time in Indiana, he averaged 3.0 points and 3.8 rebounds while starting in one-third of his 155 games played.
Outside of the Pacers and NBA circles, Pollard may also be recognized for his appearance on CBS’ hit show “Survivor” in 2016. He discussed that entire experience on my podcast.
At the event, they also debuted a trailer for an upcoming E60 documentary on Pollard’s journey, which is set to air on Father’s Day: Sunday, June 15. (Click here to watch a trailer.)
“My dad died on the transplant list,” Pollard said, noting that his father’s name was Pearl — hence the name of the organization.
Last Five to Serve as Grand Marshal
2024: Tamika Catchings
2023: Frank Shorter
2022: August A. Ebeling
2019: Sam Schmidt
2018: Abby Abel & Mitch Bonar
Other notable names: 2012 WNBA Champion Indiana Fever (2013), Peyton Manning (2006), Reggie Miller (2005), and Larry Bird (1993).
I was part of it in 2013 with the Fever (as seen above) since weather prevented the team from having a championship parade.