2024 Balloon Fiesta Safety and Security Measures: Know Before You Go

Guests can expect metal detector screenings, bag searches, and express lanes for clear bags as part of collaborative safety efforts at the 52^nd Balloon Fiesta

Albuquerque, NM – At the 52^nd Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta powered by ExxonMobil, launching October 5-13, 2024, will have the safety of all guests, staff, and volunteers as a top priority. Balloon Fiesta aims to create a secure and enjoyable environment where everyone can experience the magic of the flying events without concerns for their well-being. To ensure a safe experience, Balloon Fiesta has implemented comprehensive safety measures in collaboration with leading security agencies.

This year, new security initiatives will be introduced, including SecurEvent Solutions' advanced protocols and the integration of Express Lanes at select gates for guests carrying a clear bag or no bag. Increased use of metal detectors at entry points, along with bag searches and credential/pass verifications, will also be in place for all attendees.

Balloon Fiesta recommends that guests familiarize themselves with the list of prohibited and allowed items:

Allowed Items

• Backpacks/bags (1 per person) are allowed but will be inspected upon entry.
• Clear bags and guests with no bags will gain access to the Express Lane, where the entry process will be expedited.
• Blankets or bulky clothing should be carried over the shoulder to be screened more quickly.
• Folding chairs are allowed but will have to be removed from the carrying case for inspection.
• Guests are allowed to bring in food of any kind for their own consumption. Resale of this food is prohibited.

Prohibited

• Weapons (including knives over 4” blade length) any item that may be used as a projectile or one that is deemed dangerous by Public Safety personnel.
• Any animal, with the exception of a service animal.
• Glass bottles and hard-sided coolers.
• Alcohol of any kind.
• Religious or political paraphernalia.
• Costume face masks, or full-face masks.

QR Code Reporting

For the first time, QR codes will be used for seamless incident reporting through the Halo system. Guests and staff can report safety concerns directly by scanning a QR code with their phones, which will be available on volunteer credentials and at various locations around the field.

Collaborative Public Safety Effort

This year’s Balloon Fiesta event safety approach will again involve a collaborative effort of local, state and federal law enforcement and emergency response agencies, including:

• Albuquerque Police Department
• Albuquerque Fire Department
• New Mexico State Police
• Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office
• Bernalillo County Fire Department
• FBI/Joint Terrorism Task Force
• Albuquerque Fire Department
• Bernalillo County Emergency Management
• Lovelace Hospital
• Pueblo of Sandia
• Rio Rancho Police Department
• Rio Rancho Fire Department
• Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office
• Sandoval County Fire Department
• State of New Mexico Department of Homeland Security
• United States Department of Homeland Security

Important Internet Links:

• For the more information on what is and is not allowed in the park, visit https://balloonfiesta.com/files/galleries/2024_Allowed_in_Park.pdf.

• Know before you go to Balloon Fiesta: https://balloonfiesta.com/Know-Before-You-Go.

• Balloon Fiesta Map: (restrooms, exits, and concessions) https://balloonfiesta.com/files/galleries/2024_Field_Map_8_1_24_TBD-1.pdf.

About the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta powered by ExxonMobil is a festival of hot air balloons that takes place in October in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. It is the largest gathering of balloons and balloonists in the world. For details on events, schedule, entertainment and photographs visit our website www.balloonfiesta.com and follow us on X/Twitter @BalloonFiesta and Facebook.