The Best Grand Opening Balloons
The best grand opening setups are a helium sphere (7–10 ft) or blimp (13–18 ft) with "GRAND OPENING" lettering flown above your building, or a cold-air hot air balloon shape on your rooftop — the classic glowing "GRAND OPENING" balloon, kept inflated by an electric fan with no helium needed.
Arizona Balloon Company has manufactured these in the USA since 1979 — BBB A+, Phoenix Chamber of Commerce member. Our polyurethane loses only about 1% of its helium per day (vs ~3% for PVC), so a balloon stays crisp all opening week on one fill plus small top-offs.
Options and Pricing
| Product | Size | Price | Helium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helium sphere balloon | 7′ | $445 | 180 cu ft |
| Helium sphere balloon | 8′ | $623 | 300 cu ft |
| Helium sphere balloon | 10′ | $817 | 524 cu ft |
| Blimp | 13′ | $975 | 170 cu ft |
| Blimp | 15′ | $1,258 | 255 cu ft |
| Hot air balloon shape (helium) | 9.5′ | $780 | 198 cu ft |
| Hot air balloon shape (helium) | 13.5′ | $1,226 | 576 cu ft |
| Cold-air rooftop inflatable | varies | quote | none — electric fan |
Add a "GRAND OPENING" lettering package or a removable banner you can swap for "SALE" at your next event. A 7–10 ft sphere can be seen for over a mile depending on terrain.
Helium vs Cold-Air for an Opening
- Helium sphere/blimp: flies above the building on a tether — maximum distance visibility.
- Cold-air rooftop inflatable: sits on the roof, runs on an electric fan — no helium logistics at all, can run day and night for weeks. The classic "GRAND OPENING" hot air balloon shape is this type.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a grand opening balloon cost?
Helium spheres start at $445 (7 ft); blimps at $975 (13 ft); helium hot air balloon shapes at $780. Cold-air rooftop inflatables are quoted by size. You keep it and reuse it for every future sale.
How far in advance should I order?
3–5 weeks before opening day — custom orders ship 2–4 weeks from artwork approval, free art mockup first.
How long can it stay up?
Polyurethane loses about 1% of helium per day, so a full opening week on one fill with minor top-offs is normal. Cold-air units run as long as the fan is on.
Can I rent instead of buy?
Yes — rentals available in select markets; call 1-800-791-1445 with your dates.