National Balloon Classic

What National Balloon Classic does

National Balloon Classic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operating an annual nine-day competitive hot air balloon event held July 31 – August 8 at the Memorial Balloon Field in Indianola, Iowa, drawing 85,000+ guests and 100+ pilots from around the world. Founded in 1971, the event has operated for over 55 years and is one of Iowa's premier tourism attractions, featuring championship competition tiers (North Central Regional, State, and National Champion), signature entertainment experiences including Nite Glow® and THE SKY IS ALIVE™ 3D drone shows, and a premium SkySuite™ VIP product.

The organization runs a five-person staff operation under CEO Staci Scheurenbrand and President Nate Fehl, supported by a board of directors and a Balloonmeister (Bill Clemons) responsible for flight operations. The underlying technology is event operations and weather-dependent flight scheduling, with pilot briefings 30 minutes before each flight, surface wind monitoring (8-10 mph maximum safe speeds), and accuracy-based competitive scoring systems. Distribution channels include an online ticketing platform (Ticketspree), official retail locations, a cash-free on-site box office, and a dedicated ride operator (Galena on the Fly) for paid balloon ride experiences.

Revenue is generated through seven distinct streams: general admission tickets ($12 advance, $15 at gate), SkySuite™ VIP packages, balloon rides via Galena on the Fly, on-site merchandise (T-shirts, hats, glow gear, Iowa-made products), food and beverage concessions, corporate sponsorship packages starting at $1,000 across four tiers (Presenting, Premier, Impact, Supporting), and tax-deductible donations. TruBank serves as the Presenting Sponsor, with HyVee, DeYarman Ford, Poindexter Flooring, Retirement Solutions of Iowa, and Simpson College as Premier Partners. The organization is media-partnered with KCCI and IHeartMedia and supported by Warren County, the Indianola Chamber of Commerce, and regional tourism bodies (Experience Indianola, Wander Warren County, Catch Des Moines). Financial statements are not publicly disclosed.

Name

National Balloon Classic

Legal name

National Balloon Classic, Ltd.

Website

https://nationalballoonclassic.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1971

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The National Balloon Classic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that operates an annual nine-day competitive hot air balloon event in Indianola, Iowa, drawing 85,000+ guests and 100+ pilots around championship flights, drone shows, and a premium SkySuite™ VIP experience.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Live Event Entertainment

NAICS

All Other Amusement and Recreation Industries (713990), Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events without Facilities (71132)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Parades, Carnivals & Street Fairs (MPAGAEAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Scenic & Sightseeing Helicopter Tours (THABAGAE), Family, Kids & Education Fairs (MPAGAFAH)

Keywords

• Hot air balloon festival
• Competitive balloon flying
• Drone light show event
• Corporate event sponsorship
• Outdoor family entertainment

Headquarters

HQ city

Indianola

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. General Admission Tickets: Evening session tickets sold at $12 in advance or $15 at gate. Each ticket provides access to one evening session, free morning competition viewing (free will donation), free parking, and all evening entertainment including live music and drone shows.
2. SkySuite VIP Experiences: Premium SkySuite tickets offering exclusive elevated viewing experiences with private pilot briefings, air-conditioned cabanas, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and snacks, linen-covered patio seating, and dedicated VIP restrooms.
3. Balloon Rides: Hot air balloon rides offered every morning and evening (weather permitting) through official operator Galena on the Fly. Rides are available at 6:00 AM or 6:00 PM and do not include gate admission.
4. Merchandise and Gift Shop: Official merchandise including event t-shirts, hats, balloon cards, souvenirs, glow gear, and Iowa-made products sold at the on-site gift shop during event hours.
5. Food and Beverage Concessions: On-site food vendors including food trucks, food stands, and a beer and wine tent generating revenue from concession sales during evening sessions and morning flight viewings.
6. Corporate Sponsorship Packages: Sponsorship packages starting at $1,000 with various tiers (Presenting, Premier, Impact, Supporting). Includes naming rights, website/social media branding, on-site signage, exclusivity, printed materials, pilot hospitality, VIP access, and broadcast announcements. Both cash and in-kind partnerships accepted.
7. Donations: 501(c)(3) nonprofit accepting tax-deductible donations at various levels ($25, $50, $100, $250, $500, or other amounts). Monthly giving options available. Employer matching programs supported.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

The National Balloon Classic produces and operates a 9-day annual hot air balloon event at Memorial Balloon Field in Indianola, Iowa, selling general admission tickets, premium SkySuite VIP hospitality, hot air balloon rides, on-site food and merchandise, and corporate sponsorship packages. The event combines competitive balloon flying, signature drone light shows, Nite Glow balloon illuminations, and live music entertainment for families, tourists, pilots, and corporate sponsors.

Product overview

The National Balloon Classic is a nonprofit hot air balloon festival offering a portfolio of event-based products centered around competitive balloon flying and entertainment experiences. Core offerings include General Admission Tickets (evening sessions with balloon flights and live entertainment), Competitive Balloon Flying (morning and evening precision-based competitions), and Balloon Rides (through partner Galena on the Fly). Premium enhancements include SkySuite™ VIP packages providing exclusive viewing areas with private pilot briefings and hospitality services. Signature experiences feature THE SKY IS ALIVE™ drone shows, Nite Glow® illuminated balloon events, and Live Music Entertainment on the TruBank Stage. Additional offerings include Gift Shop merchandise and Food Concessions. The 9-day event is held annually at the Memorial Balloon Field in Indianola, Iowa.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• General Admission Tickets Evening session tickets providing access to hot air balloon flights, live music, entertainment, and all scheduled evening activities at the Memorial Balloon Field. Available in advance online at $12 or at the gate for $15 per evening session. Free morning competition viewing with free-will donation, free parking, and all evening entertainment are included.
• SkySuite VIP Experience Premium VIP viewing experience offering exclusive access to a private pilot briefing, manicured patio seating, air-conditioned cab with full-window views, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, dedicated host, and VIP restrooms. Date-specific with limited seating.
• Hot Air Balloon Rides Hot air balloon flight experiences offered every morning (6:00 AM) and evening (6:00 PM) during the event, weather permitting, through the official ride balloon operator Galena on the Fly. Rides do not include gate admission.
• Competitive Balloon Flying Competition Premier competitive balloon flying competition for skilled pilots from around the world, competing in accuracy-based tasks for points, cash, and championship titles including the North Central Regional Championship, State Championship, and National Balloon Classic Champion.
• Live Music Entertainment Nightly live music performances on the TruBank Stage, including happy hour DJ sets and headline acts throughout the 9-day event.
• THE SKY IS ALIVE Drone Show Awe-inspiring 3D drone light show featuring hundreds of illuminated drones creating aerial displays synchronized with music. Featured as a signature evening entertainment experience.
• Nite Glow Balloon Illumination Evening balloon glow event where hot air balloons are illuminated simultaneously at dusk, creating a magical illuminated display. Featured as a signature event experience.
• Event Gift Shop Merchandise Official event merchandise including T-shirts, hats, balloon cards, souvenirs, glow gear, and Iowa-made products available on-site at the gift shop during event hours.

Quantifiable outcome

• 85,000+ guests annually
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.

• TruBankflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting Sponsor of the National Balloon Classic. Provides stage naming rights (TruBank Stage), prominent branding throughout the event, and serves as the flagship sponsor for the annual competition. The partnership includes visibility across all event marketing, signage, and entertainment programming.
• HyVeecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPremier Partner providing grocery and retail sponsorship support to the National Balloon Classic.
• DeYarman Ford IndianolacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPremier Partner and local automotive dealership supporting the National Balloon Classic.
• Poindexter FlooringcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPremier Partner providing flooring products and services sponsorship.
• Retirement Solutions of IowacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPremier Partner and financial services company supporting the event.
• Simpson CollegecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPremier Partner and local educational institution providing support and partnership to the National Balloon Classic.
• Coca-Cola (Atlantic Bottling Company)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerImpact Partner providing beverage sponsorship through Atlantic Bottling Company distribution.
• GreenState Credit UnioncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerImpact Partner and regional credit union supporting the National Balloon Classic.
• RE/MAX CentralcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerImpact Partner and real estate services company providing sponsorship support.
• Gib's Indianola A&WcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerImpact Partner and local restaurant providing food vendor partnership and support to the event.
• Baker GroupcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerImpact Partner and business services company supporting the National Balloon Classic.
• Kubicek BalloonscoreTechnology or IntegrationImpact Partner and hot air balloon manufacturer providing equipment and technology partnership.
• Catch Des MoinescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerImpact Partner and regional tourism organization promoting the Des Moines metro area and sponsoring the Flight over Des Moines balloon activity.
• Greater Iowa Credit UnioncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerImpact Partner and regional credit union providing financial support.
• Iowa SoundcoreTechnology or IntegrationImpact Partner and audio production company providing sound equipment and technical support for live music performances.
• KCCIcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia Partner providing broadcast television coverage and promotional support for the National Balloon Classic.
• IHeartMediacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia Partner providing radio broadcast coverage and promotional support through iHeartMedia's radio stations.
• Hotel PommierflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial hotel sponsor of the National Balloon Classic. Located at 1215 N Jefferson Way, Indianola, IA 50125. Provides preferred accommodation rates and services for event attendees and participants.
• Galena on the FlyflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial Ride Balloon Operator for the National Balloon Classic. Sells and operates hot air balloon rides at 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM during the event (weather permitting). Rides available through buyaballoonride.com/nbc.
• Warren CountycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerWarren County, Iowa provides governmental support and partnership for the National Balloon Classic event held at the Memorial Balloon Field.
• Indianola Chamber of CommercecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal Chamber of Commerce supporting and promoting the National Balloon Classic as a major community event.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Mississippi Balloon Festival: Regional hot air balloon festival featuring competitive flying and night glows. Comparable as a smaller-scale US balloon event with similar product mix.
• Lorraine Mondial Air Ballons: Largest hot air balloon gathering in the world (Chambley-Bussières, France). Comparable as a mass international balloon rally with competitive flying and night glows.
• Bristol International Balloon Fiesta: Europe's largest hot air balloon festival, held in Bristol, UK. Comparable as a mass hot air balloon event with night glows, competitive flying, and family entertainment programming.
• Reno Hot Air Balloon Races: Annual competitive hot air balloon event in Reno, Nevada. Directly comparable as a US-based competitive balloon race with multi-day programming.
• Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta: The world's largest hot air balloon festival, held annually in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Directly comparable as a multi-day competitive ballooning event with mass ascensions, night glows, and entertainment programming.
• QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning: Largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America. Directly comparable as a balloon event with concert entertainment and family programming.
• St. Louis Balloon Race: Annual hot air balloon glow and race event in St. Louis, Missouri. Comparable as a US-based balloon festival with similar competitive and entertainment elements.

Regional players

• Iowa State Fair: Major annual Iowa event with similar target audience (families, regional visitors, sponsors) and entertainment-led programming. Comparable as a regional tourism anchor competing for the same Midwest leisure spend.

Others

• Adventure Travel Trade Association: Industry association for adventure and experiential travel. Relevant adjacency for understanding the broader adventure/aerial tourism category in which the National Balloon Classic competes.

Broad incumbents

• EAA AirVenture Oshkosh: World's largest aviation event, held annually in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Comparable as a multi-day aviation-themed festival with similar pilot competition, sponsor activation, and spectator audience.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/nballoonclassic
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@NationalBalloonClassic
• Facebookfacebook.com/Nationalballoonclassic
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/national-balloon-classic
• Instagraminstagram.com/thenationalballoonclassic
• TikToktiktok.com/@nationalballoonclassic

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about National Balloon Classic