DAYTON — CenterPoint Energy Air Show organizers said they are spending tens of thousands of dollars to improve parking for air show patrons.
The new construction announced Thursday is aimed at getting air show fans to spend less time stuck in traffic and more time on the air show grounds enjoying the show.
>> Kia, Hyundai agree to $200 million settlement over car thefts issues
Attendance numbers at the show took a big jump last year. While normal attendance ranges from 40,000 to 50,000, over 83,000 people came to the show in 2022. Kevin Franklin, Dayton Air Show executive director, said that showed a need to make improvements to parking.
Transportation Supply Depot is letting organizers use their private driveway as a three-lane driveway over air show weekend for free. Construction crews are working to link that driveway to the existing general admission grass lot on the airport’s property.
Air show organizers said they estimate that 60 percent of the crowd every year uses the general admission lot.
“It’s a large capital investment into the continuing longevity of the air show. We’re in the final phase of our construction of our new road,” Franklin said.
>> Criminal charges filed against man accused of leaving scene of deadly crash on I-75 in Moraine
The executive director told News Center 7′s John Bedell that the construction costs were all paid for by donors.
The new entry and exit point will be much closer than the current entry points to the I-75 exit to Northwoods Blvd.
“It’s going to help us process the folks a lot quicker,” Franklin said.
Organizers said the work will be done in time for this summer’s show.
© 2023 Cox Media Group
