Roswell airport reports building demolitions, runway work; air-race organizers confirm Thunderbirds and new grandstands
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Summary
Deputy Airport Director Omar Gonzales told the council Buildings 112 and 115 have been demolished and Building 66 remains under ATF investigation; air‑race organizer Fred Keller said the U.S. Thunderbirds will perform in September and organizers plan permanent 9,500‑seat ADA‑compliant grandstands and expanded RV utilities.
Deputy Airport Director Omar Gonzales updated the Roswell City Council on airport operations and project work on April 9, saying the demolition of Buildings 112 and 115 is complete and that "Building 66 has been identified" but remains under investigation by the ATF, which has delayed full remediation.
Gonzales said the airport team met with insurance adjusters and is exploring limited cleanup and safety measures while waiting for ATF clearance. He also briefed the council on tenant and facility activity, reporting that Building 1081 is nearly ready for museum occupation pending resolution of the fire‑suppression monitoring panel and a final inspection.
The update was followed by a presentation from Fred Keller, introduced by staff as an event organizer for the national championship air race. Keller outlined race plans for September, including a permanent grandstand designed to hold about 9,500 spectators and to be ADA‑compliant, expanded RV hookups with power and water, drainage mitigation and upgraded media and timing booths. "We have the US Thunderbirds will be with us," Keller said, adding that organizers are negotiating ticketing and sponsorships and expecting a significant uptick in interest after the March announcement.
Keller described contingency planning for weather and drainage after last year’s heavy storm and said organizers are working with airport staff and the state to add an emergency runway and other improvements. He also said some military aircraft appearances are likely and that ticketing would open in phases to previous purchasers before general sales.
Why it matters: the airport projects and the air race together affect local infrastructure, tourism and short‑term demand for lodging and city services. Demolition and remediation work touches public‑safety oversight and insurer coordination; the air‑race plans could bring tens of thousands of visitors and will require utility and drainage capacity, temporary traffic management and close coordination with airport operations.
What comes next: airport staff said they will keep the council updated as ATF clearance and contractor work moves forward, and race organizers said they will continue to coordinate on infrastructure needs and permits.
Sources: Presentation and Q&A at the Roswell City Council meeting, April 9 (Deputy Airport Director Omar Gonzales; event organizer Fred Keller).
