Everyone is still going to call it the Reno Air Races, but for official purposes this popular event is now known as "TravelNevada.com Reno National Championship Air Races and Air Show Presented by Breitling."
Aircraft displays and spectators crowd the tarmac at the 2011 Reno Air Races and Air show. Photo © Stan White.
Despite the tragic crash at the 2011 Reno Air Races, event organizers have met numerous conditions (mainly related to safety for both spectators and pilots) and the show will go on. The 49th Reno Air Races will be from Wednesday, September 12, through Sunday, September 16, 2012.
The name change revolves around sponsorship money. The Nevada Commission on Tourism (NCOT) is the TravelNevada.com part. This is the official Nevada state travel and tourism website. They get to be in the official title of the event due to a three year sponsorship worth $600,000. Watch company Breitling, which has been a big sponsor for many years, is providing $200,000 toward the 2012 event. Though not a title sponsor with its name on a billboard, our own Reno - Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority (RSCVA) is contributing $150,000 to the 2012 Reno Air Races. A major sponsor is being sought for the 50th anniversary event next year, but has yet to be landed. Should none be secured, NCOT will continue with its support agreement through 2014.
The Reno Air Races have always been acknowledged to be a dangerous event, but is it just too risky to continue? Thusfar, the answers to this poll are heavily in favor of continuing the event. What do you think?
Sources: Reno Air Racing Association, Reno Gazette-Journal.
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