The Great Reno Balloon Race, the world’s largest, free hot air balloon event, runs September 6, 7 and 8 in Reno, Nevada.
The organization will be using solar light towers and battery power sources to both reduce the festival’s carbon footprint and to enhance the experience for attendees, as these elements minimize noise on the field. Now anticipating its 43rd anniversary, The Great Reno Balloon Race is also encouraging spectators to consider viewing the balloons that launch on Thursday, September 5, as part of the festival’s media day as it looks to consider whether a fourth day of the festival can be added.
This year, attendees will encounter National Signal LTS 160 solar towers on the field. These towers eliminate the need for refueling and excess maintenance, and feature automated systems that turn lights on and off to ensure efficient energy use. Attendees will also notice that many louder generators will have been replaced with 75kW 600kWh Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), which operate without producing toxic emissions, fumes or leaks and provide data monitoring to help users understand where to maximize energy efficiency.
The Great Reno Balloon Race attracts local, regional, national and international crowds. Pilots hailing from across the world are selected from an invitation-only process in order to guarantee event-goers safety. This year’s event has already confirmed nearly 100 balloons that will fill the Reno, Nevada skyline during the three day festival. Highlights of the event include early morning Super Glow Shows, where balloon fuel meets the contrast of dark skies and vivid color to illuminate the sky, followed by the Dawn Patrol – a healthy collection of balloons chasing the sunrise. Mass Ascension, where all balloons cleared-for-flight and participating lift off in an impressive spectacle. Like in years past, organizers anticipate an estimated 150,000 attendees, local and international visitors alike, to watch the colorful spectacle.
The theme for the 2024 event, taking place September 6, 7 and 8 is “Women in Aviation,” which will honor those women who have contributed to the advancement of hot air ballooning and The Great Reno Balloon Race itself.
This is the second year that The Great Reno Balloon Race has partnered with Balloon Nevada to make rides accessible to more fans. Balloon Nevada, a private hot air balloon company that offers individuals the chance to experience a ride year round, will take up to 10 guests a day to view the event and its thousands of spectators from the sky. Availability is only for September 6, 7 and 8, and is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Rides can be booked at www.balloonnevada.com/grbr.
While event admission is free, the event’s VIP area, Cloud 9, offers heated indoor and patio outdoor seating on the field, breakfast and a hosted bar with champagne, bloody marys and mimosas and VIP parking. The Cloud 9 tent opens at 4 a.m. and closes at 9:30 a.m. Saturday tickets have sold out, but individuals can still purchase tickets for Friday, September 6 and Sunday, September 8 by clicking here. For more information about The Great Reno Balloon Race and to stay updated on event details, visit www.renoballoon.com.