NAS Pensacola Air Show 2024

After performing across the US, Blue Angels return to NAS Pensacola, Florida, to cap off the season. This highlight of the aviation calendar offers thrilling aerial performances and family-friendly activities. The event promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for both aviation enthusiasts and those looking for a fun day out. Featuring the legendary Blue Angels, the show offers an exciting display of precision flying and aerial stunts, accompanied by ground exhibits, vendors, and entertainment.

Events

The centerpiece of the NAS Pensacola Air Show is the performance by the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy’s elite flight demonstration team. As the homecoming show for the Blue Angels, this event is a special one for both the team and the local community. According to the organizers, the Blue Angels will be joined by other notable performers, including the F-16 Viper Demonstration Team, the GEICO Skytypers, and aerobatic stars such as Adam Baker and Matt Chapman.

In addition to the daytime performances, the show will also feature a night program, complete with fireworks, offering a dazzling conclusion to the event. Classic attractions like Paul McCowan's skydiving team and Chris Darnell’s Shockwave Jet Truck, the world’s fastest jet-powered truck, are expected to return.

Schedule and Timing

The event will run across two days, November 1 and 2, with gates opening at 8 am. The air shows will begin in the late morning, with both daytime and evening performances scheduled. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to find the best viewing spots and enjoy the various static displays and ground activities available before the flying starts.

Tickets and Parking

While general admission and parking are free, attendees can purchase upgraded seating options. According to the event organizers, paid options include bleacher seating, box seats, and the premium Flightline Club Chalet, which offers reserved seating, catered lunch, and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. Paid tickets can be purchased in advance or at the event, but seating is limited, and popular areas like the Flightline Club often sell out quickly.

Location and Facilities

The air show will take place at Sherman Air Field, located on NAS Pensacola. The air station is about 10 miles from downtown Pensacola, offering convenient access to the city’s amenities. Onsite, attendees will find food vendors, restrooms, and information booths. Due to security protocols, all visitors must pass through a security check, and vehicles will be subject to inspection upon entry to the base.

For those traveling from out of town, Pensacola Beach and the surrounding Gulf Coast area provide additional attractions, from beautiful beaches to the National Naval Aviation Museum, which is located on the base and worth a visit for aviation enthusiasts.

History of the NAS Pensacola Air Show

The NAS Pensacola Air Show has a rich history, dating back to 1946 when the Blue Angels were formed to boost public interest in naval aviation. Created as a means to improve Navy morale, the air show has since grown into one of the most popular events in the Pensacola area, drawing crowds of 150,000 to 180,000 people annually.

Over the years, the event has featured some of the most iconic aircraft in U.S. military history, and 2024 will be no different, with a lineup of performers that showcases both historic and modern aviation capabilities. The show not only highlights the skills of the pilots but also celebrates the legacy of the U.S. Navy's role in aviation and space exploration.