2017 BFA U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship

For spectators in the Shreveport-Bossier Louisiana area, the BFA U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship and the Red River Balloon Rally will mean more balloons floating overhead. A total of 50 or more balloons will color the summer skies above Shreveport-Bossier for an entire week competing for the title of US National Champion and for the right to represent the United States in the next World Championship in Austria.

The Championship starts with a General Briefing on Monday, July 10 and concludes with the last day of competition on Sunday, July 16, 2017

Tentative Schedule

All times are approximate and schedule may change without notice. All events at US National Competition and at the RRBR are dependent on prevailing weather conditions. All events are subject to weather delays or cancellations. The safety of our pilots, volunteers and spectators is our primary concern. All competitive flights Tues through Friday will NOT necessarily be seen at the LSUS Festival Site but will take place over the Cities of Shreveport and Bossier City and parts of Bossier and Caddo parishes. Each morning the flight launch and targets will be determined based on prevailing winds. No refunds or rainchecks for any admission fees for festival.

Tentative Pilot Schedule

Monday, July 10, 2017

1:00 – 4:00 PM Pilot Registration, Wyndham Garden, Magnolia Ballroom
2:00 – 4:00 PM Competition mini seminar, non-mandatory, Wyndham Garden, Magnolia Ballroom
4:30 – 5:30 PM Pilot General Briefing, Wyndham Garden, Magnolia Ballroom
6:30 – 9:00 PM Welcome party

 
Tuesday – Friday, July 11-14, 2017
5:45 AM Competitive Pilot Flight Briefing: Magnolia Ballroom
6:30 – 9:30 AM Competition Flight
9:00 – 10:30 AM Debriefing
9:00 – 10:30 AM Propane refueling, Captain Shreve High School

Thursday Evening DeSoto Parish Championship, July 13, 2017
4:30 PM Pilot and crew meal, C E “Rusty” Williams (DeSoto Parish) Airport, Grand Cane, LA
5:30 PM Pilot Prize Flight Briefing, 4H Building
6:30 – 8:00 PM Pole Grab Prize Flight – Fly-in and ring toss
8:30 – 9:00 PM Balloon Glow: all competitors, airport
10:00 – 11:00 PM Propane refueling, C E Rusty Williams Airport

Friday Evening Non-Competitive Activities, LSUS Campus
6:30 PM Pilot Dinner, Baptist Collegiate Ministry, LSUS Campus for even-numbered competitors
7:30 PM Pilot Glow Briefing: even-numbered competitors
8:30 – 9:00 PM Balloon Glow: all even-numbered competitors
9:15 PM Fireworks
9:30 – 10:30 PM Propane refueling, Captain Shreve High School

Saturday, July 15, 2017
5:45 AM Competitive Pilot Flight Briefing: Magnolia Ballroom
6:30 – 9:30 AM Competition Flight, includes LSUS fly in and ring toss
9:00 – 10:30 AM Debriefing
9:00 – 10:30 AM Propane refueling, Captain Shreve High School

Saturday Evening Non-Competitive Activities, LSUS Campus, 1 University Place 3019 / 9883
6:30 PM Pilot Dinner, Baptist Collegiate Ministry, LSUS Campus for odd-numbered competitors
7:30 PM Pilot Glow Briefing: odd-numbered competitors, Baptist Collegiate Ministry
8:15 PM Red River Balloon Rally Opening Ceremony
8:30 – 9:00 PM Balloon Glow: odd-numbered competitors
9:15 PM Fireworks
9:30 – 10:30 PM Propane refueling, Captain Shreve High School

Sunday, July 16, 2017
5:45 AM Competitive Pilot Flight Briefing: Magnolia Ballroom
6:30 – 9:30 AM Competition Flight, includes LSUS fly in and ring toss
9:00 – 10:30 AM Debriefing
9:00 – 10:30 AM Propane refueling, Captain Shreve High School
12:00 Noon Awards Brunch, Wyndham Garden doors open
12:30 PM Awards Brunch – Ballroom