New Grounds Access Rules Established Ahead of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018
April 19, 2018 - The growth of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is tremendous, but it’s led to some logistical challenges. One of them is due to the unique nature of the event: Unlike most events that can keep the gates closed until opening day, final AirVenture prep work is taking place while thousands of people are arriving on the grounds with their airplanes, motorhomes, and other camping equipment. To improve safety, security, and mobility in these final hectic days before AirVenture opening day, several new policies are going into effect in 2018. These new procedures will be in place from Thursday, July 19 through Sunday, July 22.
Grounds Access: Entry will be allowed to credentialed vehicles ONLY through Gates 33 (Waukau Avenue) and 26 (Knapp Street Rd/Theater in the Woods). Other vehicle gates will be closed. Non-credentialed vehicles are NOT allowed on the grounds, the same as during AirVenture week. Personal golf carts, scooters, bicycles and other such vehicles are also prohibited. The restricted area (shown on map) will be enforced in order to ensure safety for everyone involved as AirVenture preparation is underway.
Exhibitors and vendors within the restricted area will receive special pre-event lanyard credentials. While early AirVenture attendees — such as those arriving with their aircraft — will not require wristbands until Sunday, July 22, they are asked to avoid entering the restricted area. Non-credentialed volunteers will be allowed onto the grounds ONLY to pick up credential packets from their chairmen. EAA security will be present in the restricted area. Non-credentialed vehicles will be turned away or asked to leave.
Exhibit Hangar Access: On Thursday, July 19 through Sunday, July 22, there will be strict enforcement of access to Exhibit Hangars A-D. Only credentialed exhibitors and vendors are allowed during open hours from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. on those days.
Aviation Gateway Park Access: From Thursday, July 19 through Sunday, July 22, there will be strict enforcement of access to Aviation Gateway Park exhibit facilities such as the Innovation Showcase, UAV Showcase, and Education/Career Center. Access is limited to credentialed exhibitors and vendors, and only between the hours of 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. At 6 p.m. sharp, doors will be locked.
Outdoor Exhibit Access: Outdoor exhibits are not open until Monday, July 23. Visitors on the grounds before that time are asked to give space to allow exhibitors to finish setting up their areas and to exercise caution anywhere around the outdoor exhibit areas due to the presence of equipment used to prepare the areas for the fun hustle and bustle of AirVenture.
Thank you for your cooperation! This is a new policy this year, one undertaken with safety foremost in mind. There is a tremendous amount of work that must be completed in the final days before AirVenture opens, and we want to give our staff, volunteers, exhibitors, and vendors every opportunity to safely and effectively prepare for The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration.
