ST. GEORGE – Since 1946, the United States Navy Blue Angels have been presenting flight demonstrations to the public. This week, the Blue Angels, accompanied by the U.S. Army Golden Knights and others, have returned to St. George to enjoy the picturesque backdrop and hospitable welcome of Southern Utah.
Pretty Angels lined up in a row, St. George, Utah, July 23, 2014 | Photo by John Teas, St. George News
Wednesday, the Blue Angels arrived in delta formation over the St. George Airport at about 4 p.m. They then went into their famous carrier break landing maneuver before landing on runway 1 and taxiing to the parking area to greet visiting dignitaries, VIPs and members of the press.
Wednesday’s event was a media briefing, preparatory to the Thunder Over Utah air show that will take place this weekend, with main events occurring Saturday and Sunday. Preliminary events have been occurring throughout the week, leading up to a special preview party on Friday night and then the full show on Saturday and Sunday.
An estimated 50,000 people will attend Thunder Over Utah this weekend.
Location
Thunder Over Utah will be presented at the St. George Municipal Airport, 4550 S. Airport Parkway in St. George. If traveling from St. George, driving directions are as follows:
Head South on Interstate 15
Exit to Utah State Route 7 (Airport Parkway) at milepost 2
Head east (7.5 miles) on Southern Parkway
Parkway ends, exit to Airport Parkway
West on Airport Parkway (bear right at roundabout)
Parking available at terminal building
Tickets
General admission
Saturday: Advance tickets $30 | Gate price $35 | Kids 15 and younger free for general admission
Sunday: Advance tickets $25 | Gate price $30 | Kids 15 and younger free for general admission
Parking: Advance tickets $10 | Gate price $15
Bomber Club
Advance tickets: $30 adult | $15 kids ages 5 to 15
Saturday: Tickets sold out
Sunday: $40 adult gate price | $20 kids
The Bomber Club is a spacious tented area where guests can enjoy some shade and have access to tables and chairs for relaxation. Bomber Club patrons will enjoy complimentary beverages (nonalcoholic) all day and have access to nonpublic portable washrooms. The Bomber Club chalet includes premium outdoor seating along the flight line.
A Bomber Club ticket does not include air show admission or parking; those tickets must be purchased separately. Limited seating is available.
Fighter Club
Advance tickets: $55 adults | $30 kids
Saturday: Tickets sold out
Sunday: Tickets sold out
Enjoy Thunder Over Utah by spending the day at the Fighter club. Enjoy the festive atmosphere and entertainment while attending the air show in this premium chalet. Bring the whole family and enjoy a catered buffet-style lunch, served from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., and complimentary beverages (nonalcoholic) all day, along with access to nonpublic portable washrooms. The Fighter Club chalet includes premium outdoor seating along the flight line.
A Fighter Club ticket does not include air show admission or parking; those tickets must be purchased separately. Limited seating is available.
Friday Night Preview Party
Advance tickets $10
Friday: $15 gate price
Kick off air show weekend on Friday, July 25, and get an exclusive sneak peek during the Friday night preview party, where some of the Thunder Over Utah performers will show their stuff, including the U.S. Army Golden Knights, Matt Younkin, the School Time Jet Bus and others. Live music will be provided by the Lawn Darts. Please note that the U.S. Navy Blue Angels will not be performing at the Friday Night Preview Party.
Parking
Parking is available at terminal building.
Tickets for parking at Thunder Over Utah are $10 per vehicle if purchased in advance, or $15 per vehicle the day of the event when purchased at the site. Parking costs are in addition to admission prices for viewing the show.
Limited handicap parking is available on a paved surface lot. Disabled guests are urged to arrive early as the handicapped parking lot may fill quickly.
NOTE: During the main events on Saturday and Sunday, all vehicles must be removed from airport property by 6 p.m.
Preliminary events
Thursday, July 24, 12:45 p.m., 1:45 p.m.: Blue Angels walkdown and circle maneuvers.
Thursday, July 24, 3:45 p.m.: Blue Angels practice flight demonstration.
Friday, July 25 – Flying begins at noon: Practice demonstrations by all performers.
Friday, July 25, 3 p.m.: Blue Angels practice flight demonstration.
Air show schedule
Friday
5 p.m.
Gates open
5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.
Air show preview party.The Lawn Darts live band plays until 6:30 p.m.
6:30 p.m- 8:30 p.m.
Demos and flybys (The Blue Angels will not be performing.)
9 p.m.
Gates close
Saturday
8 a.m.
Admission/ticketing points open and car parking begins
9 a.m.
Public gates to air show grounds open
10:30 a.m.
WWII air and ground battle reenactment
12:30 p.m.
Air show begins
5 p.m.
Gates close
Sunday
8 a.m.
Admission/ticketing points open and car parking begins
9 a.m.
Public gates to air show grounds open
10:30 a.m.
WWII air and ground battle reenactment
12:30 p.m.
Air show begins
5 p.m.
Gates close
Entry restrictions
Spectator area: Smoking is allowed outside spectator gates and the parking lots.
All carry-in items and persons are subject to search.
All unattended bags and items will be removed from the premises.
Cameras may be used to monitor the facility.
No RV parking allowed.
No unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
The following restrictions apply:
No coolers
No loose ice
No cans
No glass
No alcohol
No pets
No weapons of any kind
No tents
No awnings
No cooking equipment
No bicycles
No scooters
No roller-blades
No ladders
No large umbrellas
For your convenience: To minimize imposition, it is recommended that Air Show patrons bring only necessary items on their person and limit the size and contents of carry-in items to those that are essential.
Air Show concession stands feature a wide variety of food and beverage options for your enjoyment and convenience.
Resources
For tickets and other information, visit the Thunder Over Utah website
Additional information about the Blue Angels can be found here
Click on photo to enlarge it, then use your left-right arrow keys to cycle through the gallery.
The Blue Angels greet St. George with their famous carrier break landing maneuver above the new airport, St. George, Utah, July 23, 2014 | Photo by John Teas, St. George News
Arriving on time and in perfect flight order, St. George, Utah, July 23, 2014 | Photo by John Teas, St. George News
Number 1 and Number 2 make the turn onto the taxiway to greet VIPs, St. George, Utah, July 23, 2014 | Photo by John Teas, St. George News
Blue Angel crew members precisely line up the F/A-18 fighter jets, St. George, Utah, July 23, 2014 | Photo by John Teas, St. George News
Even something as simple as handing off a pilot’s helmet is carried out with choreographed precision, St. George, Utah, July 23, 2014 | Photo by John Teas, St. George News
Lieutenant Mark Tedrow, right, disembarks from Number 6, St. George, Utah, July 23, 2014 | Photo by John Teas, St. George News
Blue Angel Number 5 is backed up into position for servicing, St. George, Utah, July 23, 2014 | Photo by John Teas, St. George News
St. George Mayor Jon Pike welcomes the pilots and crew members, St. George, Utah, July 23, 2014 | Photo by John Teas, St. George News
Filling up at the Full Service Island, St. George, Utah, July 23, 2014 | Photo by John Teas, St. George News
Pretty Angels lined up in a row, St. George, Utah, July 23, 2014 | Photo by John Teas, St. George News
Blue Angels 1 through 6 arrive at the St. George Airport in Delta Formation, St. George, Utah, July 23, 2014 | Photo by John Teas, St. George News
Related posts
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Volunteers needed for Thunder Over Utah Air Show
Blue Angels arrive in St. George to plan upcoming air show; STGnews Videocast
Blue Angels return to St. George; Thunder Over Utah discount tickets available
Email: jteas@stgnews.com
Twitter: @STGnews
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