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ATU offering campus grounds as spot to see the total solar eclipse | How to reserve

The cost of the reservations ranges from $75 to $2,500.

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas Tech University in Russellville is offering reservations for its campus grounds to serve as a space for the public to view the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.

Russellville is one of the largest cities in the state that'll be directly in the path of totality for the eclipse, with lodging nearly completely booked within a 50-mile radius as people are planning to travel across the world.

ATU said in its announcement that proceeds from the reservations will go toward student organizations, who will in turn provide training to help university staff organize and produce the event.

"The ATU Department of Public Safety and faculty from the ATU emergency management program are taking the lead in training and preparing Arkansas Tech students to help host our eclipse guests on campus," said Susan West, ATU associate professor of hospitality administration and chair of the ATU eclipse committee.

There are four types of reservations open for purchase which include a single-day option, a three-day option, and space for RV trailers and single vehicles. The cost of the reservations ranges from $75 to $2,500.

ATU says all rented spaces are non-refundable. Click here for the rules of rental space during the 2024 eclipse at ATU.

Yellow space (Cost: $150)

What you'll get

  • Campus recreation parking lot and fields
  • Pre-registered day of parking and viewing space
  • Available at 6 a.m. on Monday, April 8, 2024
  • 20x20 marked viewing space
  • Access to bathrooms

Who can reserve this?

  • Traditional 2-axle vehicle, no trailers                                       
  • 6 persons per car

Orange space (Cost: $2,500)

There are two lot options for orange spaces, Lot A and J. Both are reservations for three nights.

What you'll get

  • Pre-Registered Day Of RV Space
  • Available at 9:00 am on Saturday, April 6, 2024
  • Space includes 20x20 viewing space 
  • No power, water, or bathroom facilities

Who can reserve this?

  • RV Trailers 
  • 7 persons per reservation (4 adults max)

Light blue space (Cost: $75)

What you'll get

  • Tucker Coliseum parking area
  • Pre-Registered Day Of Parking & Viewing Space
  • Available at 6:00 am on Monday, April 8, 2024
  • Access to bathrooms

Who can reserve this?

  • Traditional 2-axle vehicle, no trailers
  • 6 persons per car
Credit: Arkansas Tech University
ATU Solar Eclipse reservation campus map

To reserve a space on the ATU campus to observe the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, click here.

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