Sports stats



Lightning's Hot Air Balloon Returns to the US Bank Kentucky Derby Festival Great Balloon Fest This W

April 24, 2012 - Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL)
Louisville Lightning News Release


LOUISVILLE, KY (April 24, 2012) -- The Louisville Lightning is partnering with SkyCab Balloon Promotions and Mobil 1 Lube Express to bring the team's official hot air balloon back for its second appearance at the US Bank Kentucky Derby Festival Great BalloonFest, April 26-28. The balloon, favorably named "Striker" by fans, made its debut two years ago at the same event. Fans will have multiple opportunities to see the balloon during the coming weekend.

Activities kick off Thursday evening, April 26, with the US Bank Great Balloon Tour at Tom Sawyer Park. Friday morning, April 27, Striker can be seen soaring over downtown Louisville as part of the US Bank Great Balloon Rush-Hour Race. Later that evening, the balloon will be part of one of the most popular events during this time of year, the US Bank Great Balloon Glow. The event will bring many of the most interesting and ornate hot air balloons in the region to the Kentucky Exposition Center for an up close view and pictures. The festivities will conclude with the US Bank Great Balloon Race on Saturday morning.

"The BalloonFest is one of the most exciting events leading up to the Kentucky Derby," said Scott McClinton. McClinton is the owner of several Mobil 1 Lube Express locations throughout Louisville and also manages five of the hot air balloons participating in this year's festival. "The Lightning's hot air balloon looks like an enormous soccer ball and it is always one of the favorites for kids and families."

Fans will be able to watch the balloon races from multiple locations across the city. Admission to the US Bank Great Balloon Glow is free with purchase of an official 2012 Pegasus Pin. Further details about all the events can be found on the Kentucky Derby Festival web site, www.kdf.org.

• Discuss this story on the Professional Arena Soccer League message board...

Professional Arena Soccer League Stories from April 24, 2012


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central