The skies over Reno are set to brighten this week as the Great Reno Balloon Race makes its 45th appearance at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. The four‑day event runs September 10‑13 and adds a full morning of programming on Thursday, giving locals and visitors ample opportunity to watch colorful balloons fill the dawn.
Schedule of Events
Thursday, Sept. 10
3:30 a.m.: Gates open
5 a.m.: Super Glow Show
5:30 a.m.: Dawn Patrol
7 a.m.: Mass Ascension and Pilot Competition
8 a.m.: Tethering activities
9:30 a.m.: E.L. Cord Foundation Tissue Paper Balloon Launch
Friday, Sept. 11
3:30 a.m.: Gates open
5 a.m.: Super Glow Show
5:30 a.m.: Dawn Patrol
7 a.m.: Mass Ascension and Pilot Competition
8 a.m.: Tethering activities
9:30 a.m.: E.L. Cord Foundation Tissue Paper Balloon Launch
Saturday, Sept. 12
3:30 a.m.: Gates open
5 a.m.: Super Glow Show
5:30 a.m.: Dawn Patrol, presented by Swizzle
7 a.m.: Mass Ascension and Pilot Competition
8 a.m.: Tethering activities
Paint the Park Pink: Spectators are encouraged to wear pink in support of breast‑cancer awareness.
Sunday, Sept. 13
3:30 a.m.: Gates open
5 a.m.: Super Glow Show
5:30 a.m.: Dawn Patrol
7 a.m.: Mass Ascension and Pilot Competition
8 a.m.: Tethering activities
Parking and Transit
General‑public parking at Rancho San Rafael opens at 3:30 a.m. each day with a cash‑only donation of $10 on Thursday, $20 on Friday, and $25 on Saturday and Sunday. Free parking is also available at the University of Nevada, Reno’s Green and Blue 1 lots near Mackay Stadium; vehicles must be removed by 11 a.m.
The RTC will add service to the RAPID Virginia Line from 4 a.m. to 10 a.m. during the event. Buses run every 15 minutes to the park, and riders boarding at any RAPID Virginia stop can travel free. Parking along McCarran Boulevard and Evans Avenue is prohibited, and RVs, buses, and oversized vehicles are not permitted at the park. Accessible parking is offered on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
Safety Reminders
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office will have deputies on site throughout the race to keep visitors safe. Attendees are asked to leave pets at home, refrain from smoking or vaping, and avoid drones and lasers near the launch areas. Dressing in layers is advised for the chilly early‑morning temperatures, and visitors should stay clear of balloon crews and keep valuables out of sight in vehicles.
The Great Reno Balloon Race is free to attend, and full details can be found at renoballoon.com. The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office contributed to this story.
Original reporting: 2news.com — read the source article.
