ARIZONA NEWS

Hot air balloon ride company moving Valley operations to new Glendale facility

Apr 22, 2023, 5:00 AM

(Facebook Photo/Rainbow Ryders, Inc. Hot Air Balloon Company) (Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Ride Company Photo) (Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Ride Company Photo) (Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Ride Company Photo) (Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Ride Company Photo)

PHOENIX — A regional hot air balloon company is moving its local base to the West Valley as it completes its fourth decade in business.

The Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Ride Company recently broke ground on a 14,000-square-foot facility near Northern and 103rd avenues in Glendale, the company said in a press release Thursday.

The entrance will feature a steel entry element inspired by a balloon burner, and the venue will include a gazebo space for hosting weddings and other special events.

The interior of the facility will include a check-in area where guests will have the chance to meet their pilots and buy merchandise.

“Glendale is known for its vast offerings in the experimental entertainment space,” Mayor Jerry Weiers said in the release. “Welcoming Rainbow Ryders as another major attraction further cements the significant contributions travel and tourism have on our economy.

The move from north Phoenix comes as Rainbow Ryders prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary in the fall.

The business launched out of New Mexico’s Rio Grande Valley in 1983. The company, which currently operates in Phoenix, Albuquerque and Colorado Springs, said its 40-balloon fleet carries 40,000 passengers per year.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Chandler woman accused of abusing over 50 special needs dogs...

Brandon Gray

Chandler woman facing animal cruelty charges seeking custody of 47 dogs

A Chandler woman accused of abusing 55 dogs is trying to get some of the animals that were seized back in her custody, according to a petition filed Wednesday. 

7 minutes ago

Phoenix Fire...

Colton Krolak

Phoenix Fire Department breaks ground on state-of-the-art fire station in West Valley

The Phoenix Fire Department broke ground on a new fire station near 91st Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road in the West Valley.

3 hours ago

Men entering seminary can spend two years at Nazareth House, which was established by the Diocese o...

Kevin Stone

Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix to create its first full seminary for future priests

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix announced plans Tuesday to create its first full seminary to educate and train future priests locally.

3 hours ago

Mike Broomhead...

Mike Broomhead

Amazing Arizonans: World Champion bull rider Cody Custer discusses rodeo career

On this episode of Amazing Arizonans, Mike Broomhead sits down with 1992 World Champion bull rider Cody Custer.

3 hours ago

a model room showing what the new community looks like...

KTAR.com

Eco-conscious, luxury rental community opens in east Mesa

An eco-conscious detached rental community recently opened in east Mesa at Ellsworth Road and University Drive.

3 hours ago

woman cutting a sandwich in the back of house...

KTAR.com

Eligible Mesa small business owners can register for low-cost college courses

A new program in Mesa is expanding ways that small business owners can earn college credits. 

11 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

SCHWARTZ LASER EYE CENTER

Key dates for Arizona sports fans to look forward to this fall

Fall brings new beginnings in different ways for Arizona’s professional sports teams like the Cardinals and Coyotes.

...

re:vitalize

When most diets fail, re:vitalize makes a difference that shows

Staying healthy and losing weight are things many people in Arizona are conscious of, especially during the summer.

...

Ability360

At Ability360, every day is Independence Day

With 100 different programs and services, more than 1,500 non-medically based home care staff, a world-renowned Sports & Fitness Center and over 15,000 people with disabilities served annually, across all ages and demographics, Ability360 is a nationwide leader in the disability community.

Hot air balloon ride company moving Valley operations to new Glendale facility