Circus is coming! When to catch its actual arrival

When the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus comes to town, some fans know that you can actually see the elephants, horses and other animals walking into the RBC Center.

Posted 1:32 a.m. Feb 2, 2011 — Updated 4:59 p.m. Feb 2, 2011

Sarah Lindenfeld Hall

When the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus comes to town, some fans know that you can actually see the elephants, horses and other animals unload and walk into the RBC Center. You really can get an up close view of the animals.

I've been following the circus and its arrival for a few years now, including at my previous job writing about family events for The N&O. I've never seen the circus train. But this time of year, I always get questions from readers wondering when the arrival is scheduled. (And I welcome them and any other questions, comments, criticisms and, of course, nice thoughts).

Here's what I know about the arrival: It can be a moving target.

Right now, the circus folks tell me the circus and its animals are scheduled to arrive late Monday evening. I should get an actual time as we get closer to Monday. In past years, from what I understand, the arrival has been hours earlier or later than expected. This week, in Columbia, S.C., the train was two hours late.

So that's what I know right now. I'll post something as soon as I get another update.

The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is scheduled to perform at the RBC Center Feb. 9 through Feb. 13. That's next Wednesday through Sunday The ticket deal the circus offered Go Ask Mom readers last month is still good. You can score tickets in the $15 and $23 price levels for $12 (plus the usual fees) using the code MBLOG11. Click here for details.

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