The City of Killeen is continuing its preparations for the next solar eclipse, which is due to occur on April 8, 2024.
The city held a joint press conference with Central Texas College at the Mayborn Planetarium in November 2022 to begin preparations. During that press conference, media and guests were able to interview and hear from astronomer Warren Hart from Central Texas College, as he detailed exactly what occurs and why this event is significant. Their planetarium is the only one within a 170-mile radius.
The city has also held two townhall events with local businesses to help them prepare for the influx of tourists expected to visit the area next April.
Killeen is in the direct path of totality, meaning the skies will darken in the middle of the day on April 8 at 1:36 p.m. for 4 minutes and 16 seconds.
The once in a lifetime event is expected to nearly double the population of Killeen. Killeen has 2,500 rooms in 40 hotels across the city and all brand hotels are already sold out in the area.
The City’s Emergency Management team and staff have been working on safety plans and will have a control process for traffic management, safety eyewear, etc., as safety is the City’s top priority.
The city is planning the best viewing opportunities and events, along with out partners at Central Texas College, Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce, National Mounted Warrior Museum, III Corps and Fort Hood, Texas A&M University-Central Texas and the Killeen Independent School District to provide the best eclipse experience.
Killeen has 23 parks and residents/businesses are welcome to get a permit to host safe and secure watch parties.
Once events are finalized, they will be posted at www.KilleenTexas.gov/eclipse and www.KilleenEclipse.us. Residents can view our November 2022 press conference on the City’s YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRrPqZmdmqE.
