Trinity A-bomb site open house

FILE – Scientists and other workers rig the world’s first atomic bomb to raise it up onto a 100-foot tower at the Trinity Test Site near Alamagordo, N.M. A new film on J. Robert Oppenheimer’s life and his role in the development of the atomic bomb as part of the Manhattan Project during World War II opens in theaters on Friday, July 21, 2023. On the sidelines will be a community downwind from the testing site in the southern New Mexico desert, the impacts of which the U.S. government never has fully acknowledged. (AP Photo/File )

by: Perry Groten

Posted: Oct 21, 2023 / 07:18 AM CDT

Updated: Oct 21, 2023 / 11:36 AM CDT

WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, NM (Associated Press) — Thousands of visitors are expected to descend Saturday on the southern New Mexico site where the world’s first atomic bomb was detonated, with officials preparing for a record turnout amid ongoing fanfare surrounding Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster film, “ Oppenheimer.”

Trinity Site, a designated National Historic Landmark, is usually closed to the public because of its proximity to the impact zone for missiles fired at White Sands Missile Range. But twice a year, in April and October, the site opens to spectators.

This may be the first time gaining entry will be like getting a golden ticket to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.

White Sands officials warned online that the wait to enter the gates could be as long as two hours. No more than 5,000 visitors are expected to make it within the window between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Visitors also are being warned to come prepared as Trinity Site is in a remote area with limited Wi-Fi and no cell service or restrooms.