Tickets for Wallenda walk announced

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (RELEASE) - The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has announced that free vouchers for access to the Terrapin Point area of Goat Island for Nik Wallenda’s historic high-wire walk over Niagara Falls on June 15, 2012 will be available starting Friday, June 1 at 9:00 a.m.

The Terrapin Point area can safely accommodate 4,000 spectators. Free tickets for public access to the Terrapin Point area will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis for interested spectators who pre-order through the website www.walkthefalls.com . Spectators will be limited to a maximum of five free vouchers per email address.

Vouchers secured via the website can be redeemed for a wristband on June 15. Beginning at 9:00 a.m., wristbands can be picked up at the following locations in the State Park: The Niagara Falls State Park Visitor Center and the Cave of the Winds Information Kiosk. In addition, starting at 11:00 a.m., vouchers can be redeemed for wristbands at the Niagara Tourism and Convention Corporation Visitor Information Tent, located temporarily on Old Falls St. between Rainbow Blvd and Prospect St. in the City of Niagara Falls. There is no cash value for the voucher or wristband.

“We are very excited to be hosting this historic event and are focused on providing a safe and enjoyable experience for the patrons that come to witness Nik’s walk,” said Commissioner Rose Harvey. “We are pleased that Governor Cuomo has allowed us to offer spectators a chance to witness history at no charge.”

Wristbands will provide access to the event area at Terrapin Point on Goat Island in Niagara Falls State Park beginning at 6:00 p.m. on June 15. Wallenda is expected to walk the Falls just after 10:00 p.m. and it is expected to take about 35 minutes for him to traverse the nearly 1,800 feet across the Niagara Gorge. The event will occur rain or shine, although New York State Parks will retain the right to limit spectator viewing in the event of severe weather. Wristband holders will not be permitted to bring coolers, bottles, cans or large bags into the event area. Spectators will be accommodated in lawn seating, and will be allowed to bring portable folding chairs or blankets into the Terrapin Point viewing area.

Terrapin Point is the only area within Niagara Falls State Park from which spectators will have a clear view of Wallenda’s walk. Access to the Terrapin Point area is being limited to 4,000 spectators to protect visitor safety and accommodate equipment for Wallenda’s operation.

With the exception of Terrapin Point, where access will be limited to those possessing wristbands, all other portions of Niagara Falls State Park will be open to the public on a normal basis. Wristbands are not required for access to other areas of the park. The City of Niagara Falls is providing large screens for public viewing of the broadcast of the walk on Old Falls Street, directly adjacent to the State Park at Prospect Street.

It is expected that parking will be very limited in the park on June 15 and that traffic conditions getting to the park will be congested as the day progresses. Spectators are urged to arrive in the city early and enjoy the Park as well as the family oriented Sideshow activities going on in the City of Niagara Falls on Old Falls Street beginning at 11:00 a.m. Attractions in Niagara Falls State Park will be functioning as usual all day on June 15 as well. Those planning to attend this event are urged to stay up to date on parking, traffic conditions and event information at www.walkthefalls.com and by tuning in to local media reports throughout the day.

People without computer access can call to request vouchers at 1-877-325-5787 ext. 337 beginning on June 1 at 9 am.