FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Emma Boone
Public Relations & Digital Content Manager
Visit Shreveport-Bossier
318-588-2248
eboone@visitshreveportbossier.org
The Delta Utilities Red River Balloon Rally Returns for Family-Friendly Fun in Shreveport-Bossier
Shreveport-Bossier, LA – The Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission, in partnership with Visit Shreveport-Bossier, is proud to present the 2025 Delta Utilities Red River Balloon Rally at Louisiana Downs Casino & Racetrack, Friday and Saturday, July 18–19, 2025.
The weekend will be packed with hot air balloons, live music, fireworks, and fun for all ages. Activities include:
- Live musical performances
- Friday: DJ Hot Boy Yoshi and Reputation, a Taylor Swift tribute band
- Saturday: Selena by Amanda Solis and the Tailgate Poets
- Tethered balloon rides – $25 per person (cash only)
- FREE kids zone in the shaded area, sponsored by Cosse and Silmon Orthodontics
- Bossier City Farmers Market vendors (Indoors and outdoors)
- Balloon glow beginning at 8:11 PM each night, sponsored by Delta Utilities (“Call 811 before you dig”)
- Fireworks show beginning at 9:45 PM, sponsored by Team Logic IT and Stuart’s Integrated Systems
- Free parking, courtesy of the Shreveport Aquarium
- Free pedicab rides to and from the entrance, provided by Noble Pedicab
“We're thrilled to serve as the title sponsor for the 2025 Red River Balloon Rally, and equally thrilled to be your new local natural gas provider.” said Sam Walters, Director, Delta Utilities. “This event perfectly aligns with two of our core values: Safety and Community Involvement. Supporting events like this allows us to give back to the communities where we both work and live, which is something we take great pride in. The rally also provides a valuable platform for us to promote essential safety messages about calling 811 before any digging project and educating people about proper excavation practices. We encourage everyone to join us for the live music, meet the balloon pilots, and experience the magical balloon glow at dusk.”
Gates are open 5:00 PM–10:00 PM on Friday and Saturday, July 18 & 19.
Additional highlights:
- Mini balloon displays and special character balloons will be featured at six sponsor locations throughout the community on Friday and Saturday mornings, July 18–19, from 6:45–8:00 AM.
- General admission: $5 for ages 6 and up; kids 5 and under get in free. Tickets will only be sold at the gate. No online sales.
- Military families are invited to the Barksdale Air Force Base Balloon Glow on Thursday, July 17, exclusively for DoD cardholders and their families. (Note: this replaces the free admission offer for military members from previous years.)
“Events like the Delta Utilities Red River Balloon Rally are more than just fun—they’re strategic opportunities to grow Shreveport-Bossier,” said Stacy Brown, President and CEO of Visit Shreveport-Bossier. “By capitalizing on sporting events such as the Ballooning State Championship and attracting visitors from across the region, we are strengthening our local economy and fueling continued growth in our community. The Rally allows us to showcase what makes this destination special while supporting businesses, hotels, and families who call it home.”
The Delta Utilities Red River Balloon Rally is a celebration during the Louisiana State Ballooning Championship with a goal to bring visitors to the Shreveport-Bossier community. Twenty-five of the nation’s top pilots will compete by launching from a location of their choice and racing to hit a target with a bean bag. The first to score a bullseye wins the title. Flights take place Saturday and Sunday mornings from 6:30–8:00 AM, weather permitting.
MEDIA NOTICE: Members of the media must request a media pass in advance to bring camera equipment into Louisiana Downs. For interviews, access to photo and video assets, or to request a pass, please contact Emma Boone at eboone@visitshreveportbossier.org.
For updates and mini balloon locations, follow the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission Facebook page or visit www.RedRiverBalloonRally.org.
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The Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission with Visit Shreveport-Bossier, collaborates with local entities to develop, support, and promote sports events, enhancing the region’s destination marketing tourism efforts. For more information on the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission, click here.
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers is the Exclusive Chicken Finger Provider of the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission.
