Tucson: Downtown: 2009 Tucson Gem and Mineral Show

Planning for the 55th 2009 Tucson Gem, Fossil and Mineral Shows now in gear

For two weeks Tucson, Arizona hosts dozens of gem shows, dealer displays and special events throughout Downtown Tucson, AZ and nearby hotels during the annual Tucson Gem Showcase.

The yearly gem shows and exhibits attract the world's best minerals, jewelry, lapidary and publication dealers from across the USA and beyond to Downtown Tucson.

The Gem Shows are a collection of different events held at over 50 locations through the Downtown area. Dozens of shows and exhibits are running at the same time. Most of the gem shows are free. Hours of operation vary by show.

The main event is the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show™ held at the Tucson Convention Center (TCC) from February 12-15, 2009. This show attracts thousands of visitors and over 250 mineral, gemstone and jewelry dealers.

For 2009 and beyond, more downtown hotels rooms are being planned. A major downtown revitalization program, Rio Nuevo, is leading the effort to build new visitor and cultural facilities, more hotels and accommodations.

The Gem Shows are also collectively called the Tucson Gem Show and the Tucson Gem, Fossil & Mineral Shows.

2009 Tucson Gem and Mineral Show ™ Events Schedule

The Tucson Gem, Fossil and Mineral Show ™ sponsored by the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society, is held at Tucson Convention Center Exhibition Hall and the Arena. An estimated 240 retail dealers will share the Exhibition Hall and the Arena areas of the Tucson Convention Center with a variety of mineral, fossil, jewelry, and lapidary crafts.

2009 Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, the largest gem and mineral show in the US, will be held from February 12-15, 2009. This year's theme is "Mineral Oddities."

Tickets are available at the door of the Tucson Convention Center (Ticket Office 520-321-1000) and all Tucson Convention Center outlets after January 15, 2009. Admission is $8.25 plus a $0.75 Tucson Convention Center ticket tax. Tickets will be available at the door (cash only) of the Tucson Convention Center (TCC) from February 12 -15, 2009. The 2009 Gem Ride Guide will be available after January 24, 2009.

The 56th Annual Tucson Gem and Mineral Show™ will be held February 11-14, 2010. The theme will be "Gems & Gem Minerals."

Construction still around downtown

Coming to Tucson in 2009? Beware of detours

For the year and a half, the Tucson, AZ. I-10 (Intertstate-10) freeway entrances and exits are still closed from 1-19 to Prince Road. This causes an inconvenience to unaware dealers and visitors, and even those prepared to handle the great divide.

The Interstate-10 (I-10) freeway exits at Congress are also still closed. The entire project may not end until just before or after the 2010 Tucson Gem Show.

Driving along the frontage road near Downtown is reduced to 25 mph because of the pedestrian traffic and congested vehicles due to the construction. View Tucson Freeway Cameras.

Free Downtown Tucson shuttles during Gem Shows

A free local shuttle will operate January 31-February 15, 2009. City officials advise gem show visitors to use parking garages, dealers sites and other shuttle services. Read more about the downtown shuttle.

Watch Freeway traffic on the Internet

Watch real-time video from ADOT of freeway construction and traffic. Freeway images of 1-10 at Ina Road, Sunset, Ruthrauff, Paradise, Prince, Miracle Mile, Grant, Speedway, Congress, Starr Pass and 1-19. Tucson Freeway Cameras and other Tucson traffic.

More information about the Tucson Gem ad Mineral Shows:

Tucson Gem & Mineral Society, 520-322-5773: www.tgms.com
Metropolitan Tucson Visitors & Convention Bureau: http://www.visittucson.org/gemshow/

ASM Exhibit is Highly Relevant to Local Tradition:

Set in Stone: 2000 Years of Gem and Mineral Trade in the Southwest. This exhibition will run through Feb. 2010. Read more...