City is ‘Ready for Liftoff’ for 52nd International Balloon Fiesta

The Balloon Fiesta Park (BFP) is better than ever and ready to host another world-class event, thanks to millions of dollars of investments and improvements made at the park over the past year. More parking, better pedestrian access, more field restrooms, and improved public safety are in place in time for the 2024 Fiesta. Governor Lujan Grisham, Mayor Keller, Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Board (AIBF) President Judy Nakamura, AIBF Executive Director Julie Morgas Baca touted the changes today, highlighting the City’s newest BFP parking lot, which is a 23-acre portion of the former Honeywell site. The City was able to purchase the property earlier this year thanks to capital outlay funding from the Governor.

“Today’s announcement marks a major milestone for Balloon Fiesta Park as a world-class destination that brings thousands of visitors and millions of dollars in revenue to Albuquerque each year,” said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “I’m proud that the State of New Mexico has invested in remarkable new enhancements that will dramatically improve the Balloon Fiesta experience for all for years to come.”

“Balloon Fiesta is so proud of this event and what it does to promote Ballooning , Albuquerque and our state. As a nonprofit entity, we cannot possibly garner all of the resources we need to make this event succeed,” said AIBF Board President Judy Nakamura. “Thus we are so grateful We are for the support of the Governor, Mayor and Bernalillo county as well as all our partners who come together to make improvements that enhance the guest experience.”

Other improvements to the park include:

• 19 new security cameras on the field, with 5 different views
• New five-foot wide ADA sidewalk on the north side of Balloon Fiesta Parkway from San Mateo to entrance gate 32
• Electrical, water, and sewer hookups for 4 mobile and flushable restroom trailers, doubling restroom capacity on the field (brick-and-mortar restrooms coming next year)
• Improved storm water drainage on Pilots Parkway through the RV parking in the South Lot to reduce flooding
• New electrical and fiber optic cable to provide substantial electricity to the music Fiesta stage area; updated electricity to wood carvers, artisans, and discovery tents on the north end of the park; and electrical hookups for vendors (no more generators!)
• Updated public address system and speakers

“For over half a century, this iconic tradition has been our opportunity to showcase Albuquerque to the world,” Mayor Keller. “Every year we learn how we can enhance the experience even more, and this year we’re investing more than $20 million into the park to ensure families enjoy the best, safest fiesta ever.”