5 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2022 Media Guide BALLOON FIESTA PUBLIC SAFETY The Balloon Fiesta Public Safety Team coordinates a multiagency presence at Balloon Fiesta Park that includes more than 20 federal, state and local law enforcement, first responder and government entities to ensure that the annual event is a safe place for its pilots, guests, volunteers and employees. Since 1991, and keeping in mind the high-profile nature of the event’s international stature, Balloon Fiesta Public Safety Officers complement law enforcement and first responders. In 2022, the event will have almost 200 public safety officers working in conjunction with law enforcement officers and other first responders to keep Balloon Fiesta Park the safest place to be in New Mexico. Our public safety team and law enforcement will be visible throughout Balloon Fiesta Park, including our all public entrances to our event. This includes the entrances used by credentialed media entering Balloon Fiesta Park. Each of our eight (8) public entrances will have six to eight lanes for bag checks and metal detector screening. Each gate will have marked lanes for those with bags (Bag Check Lanes) and those without bags (Express Lanes). Information and best practices for guests: • Conceal Carry, weapons and knives longer than 4”are not allowed into Balloon Fiesta Park during the 50th event. • Metal detectors will be used at our public entrances. Each entrance will have six to eight security lanes with marked “Bag Check” lanes and “Express” lanes (without bags) • All bags and coolers will be checked by Balloon Fiesta Public Safety Officers before being allowed onto Balloon Fiesta Park. • There will be bag checks, the fewer items you have, the faster you’ll get through the security line. • Guests without bags to check will be able to get through the security process faster than guests with bags, chairs and coolers. • Limit the number of items you bring to Balloon Fiesta Park. • When possible, bring personal items in a clear or see-through bag or container. • Children and their caregivers are often distracted with the balloon-filled sky. Visit the New Mexico State Police’s Tag-Your-Tots, station South of the Main Street Stage or at Gate 32 (NE corner of the Launch Field), when you arrive. Have a plan in place if you become separated. • If you see something that looks unsafe or suspicious, alert a public safety officer, launch director (zebra) or other Balloon Fiesta official. • For the protection of our guests, the following items are not allowed at Balloon Fiesta Park during our event: Weapons/Firearms/Knives(4”), conceal carry weapons, bicycles, spike jewelry/wallet chains, alcohol/drugs, animals (except service animals) and items deemed by Balloon Fiesta Public Safety as potentially dangerous to other guests or the venue will be allowed inside. Aviation Note: The airspace within a four-mile radius of Balloon Fiesta Park is covered by a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR). This area, controlled by the Federal Aviation Administration determines which aircraft are allowed to fly into and over Balloon Fiesta’s airspace. This includes hot air balloons, gas balloons, helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. DRONES ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE BALLOON FIESTA AIRSPACE AT ANY TIME. Flying unauthorized aircraft is a federal offense. COVID-19 Balloon Fiesta continues to provide the option of cashless systems and has hand sanitizers around Balloon Fiesta Park. There are presently no mask or social distancing requirements but masks will be available at public entrances.