Full Pima County Fair Midway Map: Ride Locations, Carnival Layout, and First-Look Photos
RCS operates an entirely cashless midway via RFID-enabled cards and wristbands known as the FunPass system. Paper tickets are obsolete; riders scan cards at automated stanchions before boarding. Choosing between individual ride credits and an unlimited ride wristband comes down to arrival timing and the specific rides you plan to experience.
Individual rides require between 4 and 10 credits each, with credits priced at roughly $1.25 per credit when bought in small increments, though volume discounts shave per-unit costs down slightly. High-end coasters like Titan cost upward of 10 credits per ride ($12.50 equivalent), meaning three major coaster cycles can quickly surpass $35.
| Ride Classification | Example Attractions | Credits Required | Height Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extreme Thrill Coasters | Titan, Mach 1, Insanity, Endeavour | 8, 10 credits (~$10.00, $12.50) | 48", 54" minimum |
| Midway Family Rides | La Grande Wheel, Tilt-A-Whirl, Scrambler | 5, 7 credits (~$6.25, $8.75) | 42", 48" (or with adult) |
| Kiddieland Attractions | Wacky Worm, Carousel, Tea Cups, Mini Jets | 4, 5 credits (~$5.00, $6.25) | 36" (some require adult) |
| Walk-Through Attractions | Funhouses, Glass Mirrors, Dark Mazes | 4, 5 credits (~$5.00, $6.25) | 36", 42" |
Unlimited ride wristbands generally sell for $40 to $45 when purchased during online presales, rising to $45 to $52 when purchased on-site. These wristbands are not valid every day; they are locked to specific promotional weekdays (often Thursdays and select Sundays). If you visit on a non-wristband day, you must pay per ride via credit bundles.
For fairgoers looking to skip general lines during crowded Friday and Saturday nights, RCS sells an optional Fast Pass wristband upgrade for an additional $20 to $30. Fast Pass holders use designated priority queues flanking the operator booths, effectively bypassing standard switchback lines that regularly stretch past 40 minutes on peak weekend evenings.
