Out West Balloon Fest and Fun Run
Takes Flight March 4, 5 & 6
50 hot air balloons will decorate the sky at the 2nd annual Out West Balloon Fest and Fun Run, Featuring the G1GABLAST Fun Run benefiting Cox Charities at the University of Phoenix in Glendale, Ariz. on March, 4, 5 and 6 2016.
This event will be the largest balloon race in Arizona where pilots will be competing for the Arizona State Champion title.
Spectators will witness the launch and landing of the most beautiful vehicles in the sky and partake in a weekend full of special activities to keep the whole family entertained.
“It not only generates a competitive edge for our balloon pilots, but it’s a magnificent site to see by spectators,” said Vanessa Clifton, owner of Aerial Solutions, LLC, event operators for the Out West Balloon Fest.
This year, the stadium will not only allow spectators to watch balloons launch each morning, but will also be able to watch them fly toward the spectator field and watch them glow on Friday and Saturday evenings.
After each morning mass ascension, the Prescott Regulators and their Shady Ladies will be putting on one of the best gunfighter shows in the Southwest. Other activities include tethered balloon rides, a kids zone, a 5k Fun Run (Saturday morning only), live music and much more.
Fun Run
The G1GABLAST Fun Run benefiting Cox Charities is happening Saturday, March 5. Runners will be following a course that will wrap around University of Phoenix Stadium. As they run they will have the unique opportunity to watch balloons launch into the sky and cheer them on from above. Each runner will have a chance to race across the one and only hot air balloon finish line in Arizona.
The day of the event, race packet pick up will be from 6 – 6:45 a.m. The run will start promptly at 7 a.m. and the balloons will launch shortly after.
Runners can register at outwestballoonfest.com. Registration is $30 and includes a t-shirt, racing bib, a medal and admission to the Out West Balloon Fest Glow on Saturday night, March 5.
All proceeds from the Fun Run will benefit Cox Charities. Cox Charities will also be raffling off an iPad Pro to a lucky runner. Winner does not need to be present to win.
Balloon Glows
On Friday and Saturday evening, bring the family out and enjoy special activities including live entertainment, music, a special kids zone and of course more than 30 balloons on the ground lighting up the night.
Bring your appetite because on the ground attendees will find dozens of food and novelty vendors, wine and craft beer tastings and opportunities to mingle with the balloon pilots.
Event Times
Friday Saturday Sunday
Morning: Morning: Morning:
5:30 a.m.: Gates Open 5:30 a.m.: Gates open 5:30 a.m.: Gates open
6 a.m.: Dawn Patrol launch 6 a.m.: Dawn Patrol Launch 6 a.m.: Dawn Patrol launch
Runner Packet Pick-up starts
7 a.m.: National Anthem 7a.m.: National Anthem 7 a.m.: National Anthem
Mass Ascension G1GABLAST Fun Run start Mass Ascension
7:10 a.m.: Mass Ascension
8 a.m.:Music, Kidszone 8 a.m. Music, Kidszone 8 a.m.: Music, Kidszone
Food, vendors Food, Vendors Food, Vendors
9 a.m.: Prescott Regulators 9 a.m.: Prescott Regulators 9 a.m.: Prescott Regulators
And their Shady Ladies and their Shady Ladies and their Shady Ladies
11 a.m.: Gates Close 11 a.m.: Gates Close 10 a.m.: Pilot Award
Ceremony, Arizona
State Champion named
11 a.m.: Gates Close
Evening: Evening:
4 p.m.: Gates Open 4 p.m.: Gates Open
Live music, Kidszone, Food Live music, Kidszone, Food
Vendor Market Vendor Market
5 p.m.: Tethered Balloon 5 p.m.: Tethered Balloon
Rides Rides
6:30 p.m.: Balloon Glow 6:30 p.m.: Balloon Glow
9 p.m.: Gates Close 9 p.m.: Gates Close
Gate Tickets
Morning: $10 adult, Kids 12 and under free
Evening: $15 adult, $7 child, kids 2 and under are free
If you purchase your tickets online before the event:
Morning: $7 adults, kids 12 and under free
Evening: $11 adult, $4 child.
Combo tickets for both the morning and evening event can be purchase for $15, adult and $4, child.
*Events subject to change based on weather.
STAY TUNED FOR A FUN GIVEAWAY!!
