Visit Atlantic City Airshow will be held Aug. 15.
ATLANTIC CITY – The Visit Atlantic City “A Salute to Those Who Serve” Airshow returns to the skies above Atlantic City Wednesday, Aug. 16, with a preview day Tuesday, Aug. 15.
Sponsored by Visit Atlantic City, formerly Meet AC, the show is celebrating 20 years in Atlantic City with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team and 177th Fighter Wing of the N.J. Air National Guard. A new addition this year is the U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier Demo Team.
The Visit Atlantic City Airshow is the world’s premier beachfront airshow, drawing more than 500,000 spectators annually and an estimated $70 million annually in overall regional economic activity. In 2022, the airshow saw its biggest attendance to date, with a record-breaking crowd of more than 550,000 people.
“The Visit Atlantic City Airshow has been a staple in our community for 20 years, and we’re thrilled to serve as the premier sponsor for this landmark celebration,” Visit Atlantic City President and CEO Larry Sieg said. “This event brings an exciting flair to our beach, and we’re looking forward to seeing all the new acts this summer.”
The show is produced by the Greater Atlantic City Chamber, in coordination with David Schults Airshows, LLC, and features a variety of military performance and demonstation teams combined with top civilian high performance aircraft and helicopters from across the country.
The U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier Demo Team combines tactical mobility, responsiveness and flexibility both afloat and ashore. The light attack aircraft is well suited to the special combat and expeditionary requirements of the Marine Corps.
“It’s incredible to have the Marine’s Harrier Demo Team here in Atlantic City to celebrate our 20th anniversary,” Greater Atlantic City Chamber President Michael Chait said. “As part of an extremely limited number airshows that the USMC Harrier Demo Team will participate in this year, we feel very honored to have them fly in Atlantic City.”
Showcasing the elite skills of its pilots and the amazing capabilities of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the S.A.F. Thunderbirds demonstration will feature an exciting mix of formation flying and solo routines sure to wow the crowds on the Atlantic City beaches and Boardwalk.
Tailored specifically to Atlantic City, the S. Army Golden Knights parachute team demonstration is built on precision and practice. With jumpers exiting the aircraft simultaneously and their signature yellow and black U.S. Army-branded parachutes deploying, the team forms geometric shapes in the air and utilizes smoke canisters for effect during their descent.
“Additional military and civilian acts are in the process of being confirmed, and will be announced at a later date,” Chait said.
The 2023 Visit Atlantic City Airshow is a free with spectacular views of the show from the free public beaches and Boardwalk in Atlantic City.
For those who cannot attend the Airshow on Wednesday, the airshow’s Practice Day on Tuesday is a great alternative and will feature the airshow performers as they take to the skies to practice for the big day.
Those wanting a more unique viewing experience of the show on either day, the Atlantic City Airshow is debuting a special, new ticketed viewing area at The Fly Zone.
“Building upon the success of our VIP Flightline Club in previous years, we decided to do things a little differently in 2023, unveiling The Fly Zone ticketed premium viewing area at a reduced rate in celebration of our 20th anniversary,” Chait said. “This fenced-in, private spectator area on the beach is strategically placed right at show center for the best views of the aerial demonstrations. Spectators can pick out and set-up their own personal seating areas right on the beach with access to great amenities like private restrooms and food/beverage vendors to further enhance the show experience.”
Spectators in The Fly Zone will be allowed to bring their own chairs, blankets, towels and umbrellas into this area, No rentals will be available onsite, and tents and cabanas are strictly prohibited in this viewing area. For the convenience of spectators, portable restrooms will be accessible throughout The Fly Zone. Additionally, speakers will be positioned throughout the viewing area, amplifying the commentary and music that accompanies each performance. The Fly Zone spectators will have access to vendors selling a variety of food and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase throughout the show. Outside food and drink, alcohol and grills are is strictly prohibited.
Advanced tickets for The Fly Zone can be purchased at the Visit Atlantic City Airshow’s official website AtlanticCityAirshow.com. Ticket pricing for both Practice Day and Show Day are as follows:
Practice Day
- Adults and children 13 years and older – $20*
- Children 6-12-years-old, must be accompanied by adult – $10*
- Children 5 and younger must be accompanied by an adult – Free
Show Day
- Adults and children 13 years and older – $25*
- Children 6-12-years-old, must be accompanied by adult – $15*
- Children 5 and younger must be accompanied by an adult – Free
*Prices do not include tax and service fees.
“If the popularity of our Flightline Club was any indication, we expect tickets for The Fly Zone to sell out very quickly. We recommend that folks purchase tickets well in advance of both Practice Day and Show Day to ensure they secure access to this special viewing experience,” Chait said.
The Visit Atlantic City Airshow is a community partnership between the Greater Atlantic City Chamber, Visit Atlantic City, the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, City of Atlantic City, the 177th Fighter Wing of the N.J. Air National Guard, South Jersey Transportation Authority, FAA William J. Hughes Tech Center, The Atlantic City International Airport, U.S. Coast Guard and New Jersey State Police.
For more information on the Visit Atlantic City Airshow or to purchase tickets for The Fly Zone, the Airshow’s new premier viewing area, visit AtlanticCityAirshow.com.
Viewing the Visit Atlantic City Airshow from the Ventnor boardwalk.
