In preparation for the highly anticipated Grissom Air & Space Expo, August 29 -30, base officials are reminding all guests that a free parking pass is mandatory for vehicle entry to the event.
“Our primary goal for this air show is to ensure everyone has a great time,” said Maj. Joni Friar, 434th Air Refueling Wing air show director. “This new parking pass requirement is a direct response to the number one complaint from the last airshow: severe traffic congestion.”
By requiring passes in advance, event organizers can accurately track expected attendance and engineer proper traffic flow patterns. This proactive measure is critical for mitigating gridlock, ensuring emergency vehicles can maneuver freely, and maintaining a safe, secure environment for all attendees.
To further enhance the safety and efficiency of the event, the 434th ARW is partnering with the Indiana State Police to manage the increased volume of visitors.
“We are deploying additional troopers in and around the Grissom area throughout the weekend to assist with traffic management and site security,” said Sgt. Steven Glass, Indiana State Police public information officer. “Our primary mission is to ensure that everyone traveling to and from the Expo does so safely. By working closely with base officials and enforcing the new parking pass system, we aim to minimize delays and keep the surrounding roadways clear for both attendees and the local community.”
Passes are limited and are expected to run out quickly. Once all passes have been claimed, additional vehicles without a valid pass will be turned away and will not be granted access to the air show parking area. Attendees will still be able to get into the airshow without a pass but will have to park in areas not designated as official airshow parking.
“Safety and efficiency are our top priorities for this year’s airshow,” said Friar. “By controlling vehicle volume, we can drastically reduce waiting times and ensure a much better, safer experience for our community.”
Guests are strongly encouraged to secure their free passes early and review all arrival instructions prior to traveling to the base.
Reserve Your Free Parking Pass:
https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/39722/grissom-air-reserve-base-parking
Official Event Information:
For more details about the Grissom Air & Space Expo, please visit: https://grissomfss.com/airshow/
