General Information

The Thurston Classic is open to the public - FREE OF CHARGE!

THERE ARE NO RIDES OFFERED AT THE THURSTON CLASSIC!

Flights take place from Allegheny College Robertson Athletic Complex (204 Park Avenue, Meadville). Allegheny College properties are non-smoking facilities. All events are subject to weather which could cause cancellations or delays. No seating is provided so bring lawn chairs or blankets. PLEASE COME EARLY…Parking is limited!

EXPERIENCE THE THRILL

Upcoming Events

Thu, Jun 13
Joyce Stevens Memorial Night Glow (9 PM)
Meadville
RSVP
Jun 13, 2024, 9:00 PM
Meadville, 204 Park Ave, Meadville, PA 16335, USA
Balloons are inflated, tethered and appear as giant illuminated light bulbs against the evening sky. Food and drinks available. Official souvenirs on sale. Donations accepted. Limited handicapped area for parking/viewing will be available. Shuttle service available from the Complex parking lot.
Fri, Jun 14
Ted Watts' Tribute Sponsors Flight (6 PM)
Meadville
RSVP
Jun 14, 2024, 6:00 PM
Meadville, 204 Park Ave, Meadville, PA 16335, USA
The competition begins as the Hare Balloon takes off, chased by the Hound Balloons to see who finds the Hare and scores closest to the target the Hare lays out at landing. Food and drinks available. Official souvenirs on sale. Donations accepted. Shuttle service available from the Complex parking lo
Sat, Jun 15
Sanctioned Race #1 (7 AM)
Meadville
RSVP
Jun 15, 2024, 7:00 AM
Meadville, 204 Park Ave, Meadville, PA 16335, USA
Balloons will be flying into the Complex from outlying areas and pilots will attempt to score by tossing a bean bag from their balloon at a target laid on the ground. A truly spectacular sight!
Sat, Jun 15
Sanctioned Race #2 (6 PM)
Meadville
RSVP
Jun 15, 2024, 6:00 PM
Meadville, 204 Park Ave, Meadville, PA 16335, USA
Balloons will be inflated and lifting off from the Complex. Food and drinks available. Official souvenirs on sale. Donations accepted. Shuttle service available from parking lot at the Complex for those needing assistance.
Sun, Jun 16
Sanctioned Race #3 (7 AM)
Meadville
RSVP
Jun 16, 2024, 7:00 AM
Meadville, 204 Park Ave, Meadville, PA 16335, USA
Pilots will again be flying into the Complex attempting to score on a target laid on the field with a bean bag tossed from their balloons. A truly spectacular sight!

Directions

Note: The launch field is a short walk from the parking area and a pedestrian path will be provided as illustrated in the map above. Spectators are encouraged to use the pedestrian path. Spectators will not be permitted on the maintenance road adjacent to the path.

There is no seating in the viewing area which includes a bank (too steep for lawn chairs) and a limited lawn area. Blankets are recommended. Lawn chairs may be used on the level portions of the viewing area.

For those who choose, shuttle service will be provided at 2 locations:

At the entry to Robinson Field, south of the general parking area
At the VIP parking lot