Shreveport-Bossier City, LA. – The Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission announced today the 2024 CenterPoint Energy Red River Balloon Rally is set for July 12 – 13, 2024 at Louisiana Downs Racetrack and Casino located at 8000 E Texas St, Bossier City, LA 71111.
The event will showcase the Louisiana Ballooning State Championship featuring up to twenty-five of the nation’s top balloon pilots competing for the grand prize and title of Louisiana Ballooning Champion. In addition, the weekend-long festival will include spectacular balloon glows, live performances by local bands, tethered balloon rides, AEP SWEPCO Kids Zone, craft vendors from the Bossier City Farmers Market, fireworks sponsored by Team Logic IT and Stuart’s Integrated Systems, and much more.
“The Balloon Rally was such a success last year in its first year at Louisiana Downs,” said Sara Nelms, Director of Sports at the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission. “As this is the Balloon Rally’s eighth year in Shreveport-Bossier, we’ve been working all year long to get ready for year two at this wonderful venue, and we can’t wait for everyone to see what’s in store. Bring your family out to this great event, catch a ride in a tethered balloon, and watch colors fly over Shreveport-Bossier!”
Event Highlights:
Live Performances:
- Friday, July 12: Hidden Tracks and Dirt Road Troubadours
- Saturday, July 13: Total Choice and The Hollow Decks
Special Balloon Displays:
- On Friday, July 12 and Saturday, July 13, special-shaped balloons and mini balloons will be displayed at various locations around Shreveport-Bossier. The schedule is as follows:
Friday, July 12
| 6:45am-8:00am | Mini Balloon Setup @ Geico | 8510 Youree Dr. |
| 6:45am-8:00am | Mini Balloon Setup @ Landers Dodge | 2701 Benton Rd. |
| 6:45am-8:00am | Special Shape @ RRCU | 2709 Old Minden Rd. |
| 6:45am-8:00am | Special Shape @ LAD | 8000 E Texas |
Saturday, July 13
| 6:45am-8:00am | Mini Balloon Setup @ Whataburger | 2620 Airline Dr. |
| 6:45am-8:00am | Special Shape @ Bossier Farmers Market | Pierre Bossier Mall |
Louisiana Ballooning State Championship:
- The competitive balloons can be seen throughout Caddo and Bossier parishes on July 13–14 from approximately 6:45 a.m. – 8:30 a.m., weather permitting. Please check the CenterPoint Energy Red River Balloon Rally Facebook page every morning to find out exactly where the balloons will fly and how the weather will affect these flights.
Ticket Information:
- General admission: $5 for ages 6+, children ages 5 and under get in free.
- Military with a valid ID: FREE admission thanks to Shreveport Regional Airport.
- Tethered balloon rides: $25 CASH only. An ATM will be available on site.
- Parking: Free this year, thanks to A Brighter Smile Dental Care for sponsoring the parking lots.
We invite members of the media to reach out for interviews. Visit Shreveport-Bossier and the Sports Commission are available for interviews leading up to the event. Balloon Pilots are available for select interviews before the week of the event. Please contact Emma Boone, Public Relations/Digital Content Manager at Visit Shreveport-Bossier, at eboone@visitshreveportbossier.org or (318) 588-2248.
Please contact Emma Boone to obtain a media pass for the Red River Balloon Rally. Passes are limited, and only those with a media pass will be permitted to bring video cameras.
For pictures of last year’s balloon rally, click here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/swoiy6osw50yy61ooqdx5/AJPJOvHQac3ETOm8I012wHM?rlkey=smkpbxk7bkdgpvrmkdlmi2zez&st=kihzubs8&dl=0.
For a complete schedule of Red River Balloon Rally events, sponsors and to purchase tickets, visit www.RedRiverBalloonRally.com or the CenterPoint Energy Red River Balloon Rally Facebook page.