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Everything you need to know about the Davis-Monthan Air Show

DAVIS MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE

The Thunder and Lightening over Arizona show is at Davis Monthan on March 23-24 in Tucson, Ariz.

By: Sarah Covey

Posted

and last updated

Davis-Monthan's long-anticipated Thunder and Lightning air show is coming up this weekend, but do you know the rules for entry and the schedule of events? KGUN9 has you covered.

The event is free to the public and gates open at 9 a.m., but given the large attendance this festival, it's advised to get there early. The address for the event is : 3100 S. Craycroft Road. Tucson, AZ 85707

For a PDF map of directions,click here.

Parking instruction, per Davis-Monthan:
"Enter Davis-Monthan Air Force Base via the Swan or Craycroft gates starting at 9 AM on Saturday and Sunday. You will be directed to the closest parking areas. Be advised that there are Handicap spots available near the show entrance if you have proper vehicle identification. Expect a walk of up to ½ mile from some of our further parking lots."

Traffic alerts:
Major traffic will be expected on the roads surrounding Davis-Monthan, but it's also worth noting that roadway improvements south of the base, on Valencia Road from Kolb Road to Wilmot Road, will cause major speed and lane restrictions.

In other words, more delays will be along those streets.

TDOT is suggesting going along Alvernon Way and Golf Links Road to access the air show. Also, to allow more time for travel to the area.

To see more specific road closures near Davis-Monthan for the air show,click here.

Prohibited Items:

Backpacks – Clear or mesh authorized
Duffle bags – Clear or mesh authorized
Large camera bags
Coolers
Drones
Umbrellas
Outside alcohol
Camelbacks
Paint
Balloons
Illegal Drugs
Weapons (brass knuckles, mace, pepper spray, box cutters, nun chucks, firearms, knives, and etc.)
Military uniforms worn by non-military members
Gang or motorcycle club affiliated colors or clothing/items
Bicycles
Scooters
Skates/shoes with skates in them
Skateboards
Go-carts

Pets: All pets are prohibited form the A&A Days grounds. Service animals assisting physically challenged guests will be authorized.

Davis Monthan is allowing guests to bring a lawn chair or folding chair to sit on, or, if you don't want to haul a chair along, chairs will be rented at the show.

If you don't want to wait in line, or you want special seating, VIP tickets are available at the following prices:

Admission:
Adults VIP:
Saturday - $135 Less than 95 seats remaining (as of 3/20 at 5:30 p.m.)
Sunday - $120 Limited tickets remaining (as of 3/20 at 5:30 p.m.)

Children VIP:
Saturday - $85
Sunday - $75

**NOTE** The general public or non-military ID-card holders who wish to attend the show must arrive by 3 p.m.!

Military ID-card holders (active duty, dependents, retirees, etc.) will be able to access DMAFB via the North Wilmot gate which will be open 24 hours starting Friday, March 22, through Sunday, March 24, at 2200 (10 p.m.)

Events:
Attendees will be treated to barrel rolls, aerobatic smoke, and other hear-pounding air maneuvers throughout the event. If you're looking to see the Thunderbirds, they'll be appearing at 2 p.m. The event ends at 5 p.m each day.

The general schedule is the following:
9:00 AM Gates Open
11:00 AM Flying Begins
4:30 PM Flying Ends
5:00 PM Gates Close

Those performing are the following :

Guests will also have the option of viewing grounded planes, which include active duty aircraft, Aircraft coming from the AMARG/"Boneyard" or Pima Air and Space museum, and Other Heritage Aircraft being flown in by civilians for static display. See the full list of ground displays here.

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If you have kids and they don't want to put their eyes on the sky, Davis Monthan has a Kid Zone area with aviation themed attractions, like a bounce house, a slide, an obstacle course and a trackless train and others. The Kids Zone