GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind -- Soon the skies will be filled with the thunder of jet noise as the base opens its doors for the Grissom Air and Space Expo.
Planning for the Sept. 7-8 show has been a massive undertaking and as officials put the final touches in place, one of the biggest tasks is getting to the base.
Event planners have worked closely with Indiana State Police to map out parking zones, entry and exit points and the flow of traffic at the start and end of each day.
Attendees have the following routes to choose from:
From the north: Drivers travelling south on U.S. 31 will turn west into the complex on Hoosier Blvd. Drivers will be directed to general, permit, handicapped accessible or motorcycle parking.
From the south: Drivers travelling north on U.S. 31 and parking in general parking should take exit 166 to U.S. 35 north to State road 218 and turn east to get to the complex. Permit parking, motorcyclists and handicapped accessible traffic will continue north on U.S. 31 to Hoosier Blvd and into the complex.
From the east: Drivers should enter the complex via State Road 218 and turn north on U.S. 31 and west on Hoosier Blvd.
From the west: Drivers should enter the complex via State Road 218 and turn south onto Foreman Dr.
General admission and parking are free of charge. Handicap parking is available.
“We’re really trying to avoid backups on U.S. 31,” said Sgt. Trent Smith, Indiana State Police special operations officer. “We realize that this does take drivers a few miles out of the way but it’s the safest route and keeps people from having to wait in long backups due to construction.”
Keeping spectators safe and traffic moving on event day will be a collaborative effort between Grissom, state and county law enforcement and first responders.
Smith urged drivers to allow extra travel time and expect heavier traffic.
“We’re doing our best to make it as expedient as possible,” said Smith.
The Grissom Air and Space Expo will feature demonstrations by the Thunderbirds and the U.S. Army aerial demonstration team, The Golden Knights, along with other military and civilian acts.
Gates open at 8:30 a.m. each day, with flying scheduled to begin at 11:30.
For more information about the airshow, visit grissomairshow.com and stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter for continued updates.