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Rillito Downs plans rolling for Spring Fling

Plans for ASUA's Spring Fling are right on track.

Although construction of the Integrated Learning Center has pushed the annual event to a new location, Rillito Downs, 4502 N. First St., from April 13 to 16, directors said preparations are running smoothly.

"Things are going really well," said Craig Haubrich, executive director of Spring Fling. "The new location is providing a lot more opportunities than in the past."

The 26th annual Spring Fling will be off-campus for the first time this year and admission will be free for the first time. There will be shuttles to transport students to the new location.

Haubrich said the Allstate Pony Express will provide transportation from campus to Rillito Downs starting an hour before the carnival opens and will provide rides every half hour until an hour after it closes.

This year's Spring Fling will also be bigger than last year, with 30 rides compared to last years 26. East University Boulevard restricts a portion of the Mall, so Rillito Downs has more space, Haubrich said.

Haubrich added that Spring Fling will offer new attractions this year, like an inflatable Titanic obstacle course and an extreme sports attraction.

Last year it cost Spring Fling about $10,000 to bring the music group Voices of Theory to Tucson, and only about 400 people attended, Haubrich said.

This year, the directors of Spring Fling decided to bring in an extreme sports attraction, rather than a musical group, he said.

Three professional athletes from California, one in-line skater, one BMX bike rider and one skateboarder will be putting on shows on a 24-foot half pipe, Haubrich said.

Musical groups will still be featured at Spring Fling, but it will be local bands, he added.

Haubrich said the directors decided to have free admission to the carnival since the student-run carnival is only four days before the Pima County Fair.

The Pima County Fair offers many arts and craft booths and attractions, so it can charge for admission, Haubrich said.

"Outside of the rides we (Spring Fling) don't have much to do," he added.

Spring Fling must take place close to the fair because they both use the same carnival ride provider.

Haubrich said he is not worried about losing money from free admission.

"Hopefully we won't lose money," Haubrich said. "We hope increased attendance and resources consumed will make up for the free admission."

Eighty-five clubs are participating this year, seven more than last year, Haubrich said.

Chris Wright, Spring Fling club relations director, said he thinks more clubs are getting involved because people are more excited this year.

"I think clubs are more excited because of the new location and free admission," Wright said.

Haubrich said Spring Fling can only offer so many game, soda and pizza booths. When those are filled, directors encourage organizations to find original food booths, he added.

"We will never say no to a club," Haubrich said.

Wright said some organizations go to local businesses and get sponsors.

As far as security goes, Spring Fling is still short on red-shirt security.

Jason Kalan, director of field operations, said he wants about 100 red-shirt security members this year as opposed to last year's 60-member staff.

Kalan said the security team is prepared for a lot of different situations, but he just wants to be prepared.

"I'd rather error on the side of too many people then not enough," Kalan said.

Audrey Deanda can be reached at Audrey.Deanda@wildcat.arizona.edu