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Davis-Monthan AFB

THUNDER AND LIGHTNING OVER ARIZONA

March 25-26, 2023

Gates open to the general public at 9:00am

Thank you for everyone who came out and supported the 2023 Thunder and Lightning Over Arizona Air Show. Please feel free to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for information on more fantastic FSS events.

You don't want to miss this.

Welcome to the Thunder & Lightning Over Arizona Air Show! On the weekend of March 25-26, we are opening the gates and inviting everyone to enjoy a free, weekend-long event packed full of entertainment. Come out and see dynamic aerial displays, memorable planes, and SO much more! The world-renowned United States Air Force Thunderbirds will be headlining this event. Limited premium seating available.

Days until the air show!

Days
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Hours
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Please Note: There is a lengthy walk from the general parking lot to the viewing area and more, please plan accordingly.
Statics
Performances
Fun

Air Show Premium Tickets

Platinum - AfterBurner Club (Adult)
  • Priority Installation Access
  • VIP Parking**
  • Seating on the Flight Line (First come, first serve basis)
  • Breakfast
  • Air Show Military Challenge Coin
  • Luxury Restroom Facilities
  • Catered Lunch
  • Complimentary Beverages
  • Cash Bar
Gold - AfterBurner Club (Adult)
  • General Parking
  • Seating on the Flight Line (First come, first serve basis)
  • Catered Lunch
  • Complimentary Beverages
  • Air Show Military Challenge Coin
  • Luxury Restroom Facilities
  • Cash Bar
Premium Seating
  • Reserved Seats
  • Seating on the Flight Line
Beer Garden
  • AGES 21+ ONLY
  • Complementary First Glass of Beer Per Guest
  • Shade Tents
  • Dedicated Restroom Facilities
**VIP Parking is included upon base approval. A security check will be required to park in the VIP Parking. If the security clearance is not approved, you will be required to park in the general parking. VIP Parking is limited and only available until 0800.

Breakfast Menu - AfterBurner Club

Platinum Ticket Holders Only

  • Scrambled Eggs
  • Bacon
  • Sausage
  • Hash Browns
  • Croissants
  • Muffins
  • Coffee
  • Juice

Catered Lunch Menu - AfterBurner Club

Platinum and Gold Ticket Holders

  • Smoked Chicken Thighs (Seasoned, Slow Smoked, and Slightly Shredded)
  • Country Style Pork Ribs (Boneless)
  • Traditional Mac and Cheese
  • Blistered Green Beans
  • BBQ Sauce (On the Side)
  • Garden Salad
  • Rolls and Butter
  • Assorted Dessert Station

Guest Information

What Should I Bring?

Small Items

Empty bottles to fill with water, snacks in non-glass containers, small purses, and umbrellas (please avoid using umbrellas in reserved or VIP seating areas)

Larger Items

Wheelchairs and other medical devices

For Viewing

Cameras, video recorders, binoculars, tripods (must be able to demonstrate all items are operable)

For Food/Vendor Purchases

Credit Cards / Mobile Payment / Cash (ATM's are available on site)

For Children

Strollers, wagons for toddlers, diaper bags, hearing protection

For Medical Needs

Portable coolers for medicines and medical equipment are allowed; all items are subject to screening.

Suggestions to Pack

Comfortable shoes, hearing protection, sunscreen, cameras, clear plastic water bottles, pen for autographs, hat with a visor, sunglasses, cash (ATMs on site), sufficient gas in your vehicle's tank to wait in congested traffic
Prohibited Items

Weapons of any kind

Including: pocket knives, pocket tools, scissors, box cutters, nunchucks, Billy clubs, large/heavy chain-linked jewelry or belts, mace/pepper spray, firearms

Alcohol, illegal drugs

Toys that resemble firearms

Marijuana/CBD oil

Posession and use of marijuana or CBD oil is illegal on all federal installations

Flammable Items/Fireworks

Large Portable Sun Protection

Tents, canopies of any kind

Walking sticks

(not to include medical canes or walkers)

Spray paint/Silly string

Wheeled recreational devices

Golf carts, bicycles, skateboards, heelies, roller skates, rollerblades

Containers

Containers for water must be plastic and empty to get through checkpoints. There will be water stations available for attendees to refill water bottles

Cooking Equipment

Including grills

Coolers

Large Bags

Rucksacks, backpacks, and large purses

Walkie-talkies, HAM radios, scanners

Balloons

Drones or radio-controlled aircraft

Animals or Pets

(service animals permitted in accordance with ADA rules)

UMBRELLAS in seating areas

*Small umbrellas are allowed in pedestrian/walking areas. Please avoid using umbrellas in reserved or VIP seating areas, as this will obstruct the view for other spectators.

Become a Sponsor

Be a part of something huge! Reach potential customers across Pima County, Arizona, and beyond! Federal endorsement of sponsors not intended.

Performances, static displays, activities & concessions are the same each day.

Location

Davis-Monthan AFB, Tucson, AZ 85707

Your Host

ENTRY & EXIT FAQs

How much do tickets cost?

The Thunder and Lightning Over Arizona Air Show is free to the public, however premium tickets can be purchased online using the link on our website.

When do the gates open?

The gates open at 9:00am for the general public. Inbound gate closes at 2:00pm.

Are tickets and parking passes free?

The show is completely free to the general public. General Admission parking is free. However, premium tickets are available for purchase, and VIP Parking is available on a limited basis to Platinum ticket holders.

Will there be handicapped parking available?

Yes, there will be designated portions of the parking lots for properly-marked handicapped vehicles.

Is tailgating allowed?

No, parking lots are reserved for transiting to and from the show only.

Do I need a military ID?

No, this event is open to the public.

Will I be able to leave and return from the show?

Yes, however you will have to process through the security checkpoint again.

GENERAL EVENT FAQs

Will there be food and drinks available for purchase?

Yes, there will be food, drinks, alcoholic drinks (we I.D.), and souvenirs available throughout the show area.

Is the show the same both days?

Yes! Performances, static displays, activities, and concessions are the same each day. .

Are alcoholic beverages allowed?

Alcoholic beverages may be purchased at the event, with proper I.D. You may NOT bring alcoholic beverages into the Air Show.

What are your COVID guidelines?

Currently, there is no mask mandate, nor required proof of vaccination/negative test results. 

There are a number of bathrooms and hand washing stations on-site for ease of use. Social distancing is encouraged. 

Are camping/folding chairs allowed?

Lawn chairs are permitted. Please note there is a lengthy walk from the parking lot to the general admission seating area. 

Are there upgraded seating tickets?

Premium tickets are available for purchase prior to the event. 

Do the food and souvenir vendors take cards?

Most of the vendors will accept major credit cards, but there will be ATMs on-site.

DoD ID HOLDERS ONLY


Thank you to our sponsors

Federal endorsement of sponsors not intended.
  • Legacy Traditional Schools

    Air Show Sponsor
  • California Aeronautical University

    Air Show Sponsor
  • Encompass Health

    Air Show Sponsor
  • Vail Unified School District

    Air Show Sponsor
  • Renewal by Andersen

    Air Show Sponsor