News and events
06-28-2010
Donate $10 for a Chance to Win a Ride in a Hot-Air Balloon or T-6 AirplaneText “balloon” to 20222 and support The Great Reno Balloon Race (RENO, Nev... more
06-22-2010
Only Two Weeks Left to Sponsor the 2010 Great Reno Balloon Race Get a bird’s eye view and promote your business (RENO, Nev.) – The Great Reno Balloon... more
Weather
News Talk 780 KOH weatherLinks
-Mobile Giving: Text "balloon" to 20222
-2009 Balloon Race Photo Contest
-Balloon Race 2009 Program Guide
Tips for Enjoying the Event
Here are just a few useful tips and links to help you enjoy this colorful and spectacular celebration of flight.
- The view of the many colorful balloons at the launch is better than you can imagine. It is worth the trip to Rancho San Rafael Park. Since you’d be up early anyway, come see Dawn Patrol. It will lift your spirits even if you’re not a morning person! For event hours and location see our Schedule of Events.
- Please leave your pets at home! We love animals and hate to see them spooked by all the people and unpredictable sounds that the balloons make.
- Help the pilots out by not stepping on the balloon material and please move if instructed to do so by a pilot, crewmember or launch director.
- Be aware of your location so you’re not interfering with crew duties.
- Do not smoke around the balloons! Beside the obvious flammable properties of propane, cigarette cherries damage balloons. These factors not only create a real danger to the pilots once they are in the air, but it also endangers you and others who are nearby.
- Remember that balloons cannot be steered once they are airborne. Stay aware of all the balloons around you and their direction once airborne.
- Use RTC RIDE's Park & Ride Program with pickup points at Meadowood Mall, Reed High School and downtown Reno’s Citicenter. For more information call (775) 348-RIDE or go to their Web site www.rtcwashoe.com. For additional information on parking at the event click here.
- Layer your clothing. Dawn in September can be biting cold, but as the sun rises you will want to shed a layer or two. Also, bring a blanket or sleeping bag to sit on the grass with or cuddle in.
- For the latest weather information on your way to the event, listen to News Talk 780 KOH Radio.
- Arrive early as there is limited parking at the event site. Park for free at the University’s north lots but remember that cars must be removed by 10 a.m. Parking also will be available at the corner of N. Sierra St. and McCarran Blvd. for a donation to the Reno South Rotary Club’s children’s charities. For more information on parking at the event click here.
- Bring lawn chairs, sleeping bags or blankets if you want to sit rather than walk around. Please use the designated blanket area or sit along the very edge of the launch field. If you bring chairs sit so you don’t block the view of those with blankets. Remember to stay clear of the balloon launch sites and please relocate if asked to do so by an event official, pilot or launch crew.
- Remember to bring your camera! The awe inspiring sights will bring out the photographer in you. We encourage you to enter your photos in the 2010 Amateur Photo Contest sponsored by Reno.com. For complete photo contest rules and prizes please click here. To view the 2009 winning photos and those from pevious years please click here.
- Make sure to walk around and enjoy the park! In addition to a beautiful arboretum and museum, there are huge lawn areas to the west of the concessions that are perfect for laying down a blanket. So just sit back, relax and enjoy the peaceful show!
- For answers to other questions you may have, please checkout our FAQ page.
The mission of the Great Reno Balloon Race is to provide a premier, safe, family-oriented/tourist-attractive, visually dramatic event that celebrates the joy of flight while remaining free to the public.
