Thurston Classic

The rolling hills of Meadville, Pennsylvania provide the perfect venue for this competitive event of 30 balloons.  Pilots and crew are housed together in comfortable air conditioned suites at Allegheny College just a short distance from the primary launch field at the college’s Robertson Athletic Sports Complex. 

Event Director, Maury Sullivan, provides competitors with challenging and fun competition utilizing the latest in BFA scoring and competition technology. The Championship starts with a General Briefing on Friday, June 16, 2017 and concludes with the last day of competition on Sunday, June 18, 2017

Tentative Schedule

All times are approximate and schedule may change without notice. All events are dependent on prevailing weather conditions are subject to weather delays or cancellations. The safety of our pilots, volunteers and spectators is our primary concern. 

Thursday, June 15, 2017

9:30 PM                        Night Glow at launch field, Robertson Field, Allegheny College

Friday, June 16, 2017

2:00 – 4:00 PM             Pilot Registration, North Village Condo, common area, Allegheny College, Highland Ave.

5:45 PM                        Pilot General briefing, Pilot Tent, Robertson Field

6:30 – 6:45 PM             Pilot Flight Briefing, Pilot Tent, Robertson Field

7:00 – 8:30 PM             Sponsor flight activity and Hare and Hound – Launch Field

8:30 – 9:30 PM             Propane refueling, Channellock parking lot, across from Suburban Energy

8:30 – 10:00 PM            Pilot and crew cook out, courtyard of Campus Center, Allegheny College

Saturday, June 17, 2017

5:45 – 6:00 AM             Pilot Flight Briefing: Campus Center-McKinley Hall, Allegheny College-main floor

6:30 – 8:30 AM             Competition and Fiesta flight activity

8:30 – 10:00 AM            Propane refueling and logger return, Channellock parking lot, across from Suburban Energy

6:30 – 6:45 PM             Pilot Flight Briefing, Pilot Tent, Robertson Field

7:00 – 8:30 PM             Flight activity – Launch Field

8:30 – 9:30 PM             Propane refueling and logger return, Meadville Area High School 

8:30 – 10:00 PM            Pilot dinner, Rec Center

Sunday, June 18, 2017

5:45 – 6:00 AM             Pilot Flight Briefing: Campus Center- McKinley Hall, Allegheny College-main floor

6:30 – 8:30 AM             Competition and Fiesta flight activity

8:30 – 10:00 AM            Propane refueling and logger return, Channellock parking lot, across from Suburban Energy

10:00 AM                      Awards Brunch – Shaffer Auditorium Allegheny College, Highland Ave