Air Show Traffic to Impact Loveland Roads This Weekend
The Great Colorado Air Show returns to Northern Colorado Regional Airport Sept. 20-21, bringing significant traffic disruptions and road closures throughout the Loveland area. Boyd Lake Avenue will be closed north of Kendall Parkway starting Friday morning, with heavy congestion expected from Thursday through Sunday.
The air show, which is sold out and requires tickets for entry, will close Boyd Lake Avenue from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Earhart Road will also be restricted to ticketed attendees only during the event.
Major Traffic Impacts Expected
City officials warn that heavy traffic and congestion around the airport will begin Friday, Sept. 19, with the worst impacts expected from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the weekend show days. Motorists should expect delays on Interstate 25, Rocky Mountain Avenue, Byrd Drive, Southwest Frontage Road, Crossroads Boulevard and Colorado Highway 392.
The Northern Colorado Regional Airport is jointly owned by Loveland and Fort Collins, according to a 2023 governance memorandum, with Loveland providing the majority of day-to-day administrative support since the airport operates within city limits.
Air show practice flights will take place Thursday and Friday afternoons, adding to the noise and air traffic in the area. The city has established a dedicated complaint line at 970-962-3247 for noise issues related to the event.
Transportation and Parking Information
Event organizers are encouraging attendees to arrive early and follow traffic control signs for event access. Due to space limitations, bicycles and walk-ins are strongly discouraged, and the venue cannot accommodate drop-off areas for rideshare services like Uber and Lyft.
General parking for the air show is free, with VIP parking available for purchase. Motorists are warned not to park on I-25, roads with no-parking signs or roads without designated parking lanes, as these vehicles may be ticketed and towed.
City officials are asking for patience from all travelers in the area and recommend using alternate routes throughout the weekend. Attendees can receive event safety information by texting "AIRSHOW25" to 888777.
For other construction-related road impacts beyond the air show, residents can visit the city's Cone Zone website at lovgov.org/ConeZone.