FRIDAY DRIVE-IN/TAILGATE AIRSHOW
Updated: Friday, 09/30/2022 @ 09:52 PT
>>> Friday ONLY Flying Schedule: Please scroll to the bottom of this page for the Friday Drive-In schedule. <<<
This is a fun and relaxed way to kick-off Airshow weekend. Come out and enjoy an intimate, up-close show with all the best the military has to offer. Only 1,500 tickets are available!
This year’s 2022 Airshow will feature a Drive-In Airshow on Friday, September 30th. The Drive-In Airshow will take place in what usually is our largest parking lot located on the west cargo ramp at Mather Airport. PICTURE A TAILGATE PARTY, BUT WITH JETS! Gates will open at 2 PM (please DO NOT arrive before this time), there will be plenty of time for you to get parked prior to opening ceremonies beginning at 3:30 PM with jets in the air until about 7 PM.
The USAF F-22 Raptor, Navy Growler Legacy Team, Canadian Forces F-18, Air National Guard, Beale AFB, Travis AFB and a few other surprises only flying through on Friday! THAT’S MORE THAN 15 MILITARY JETS IN 3 HOURS OF ACTION-PACKED FLYING!
THIS UNIQUE EVENT IS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT THAN THE SATURDAY & SUNDAY SHOW AND IS FOR AIRSHOW FANS LOOKING FOR SOMETHING WILD AND LOUD! Tickets for Friday’s Drive-In Airshow will include a parking spot and an area directly next to your vehicle to “tailgate”.
- No grills or glass are allowed, but you are welcome to bring food and drinks, coolers, chairs and standard umbrellas (no beach umbrellas, canopies or pop-up tents, please)
- There will NOT be access to the ground display aircraft ramp on Friday, but you will have an excellent seat for a GREAT show.
- Drive-in tickets will be sold per car – number of seatbelts is how many people can attend.
- There will be NO food and drinks available for purchase onsite – plan to bring your own food and drink by visiting one of our many restaurant partners.
Here’s what a 2022 CCA Friday-ONLY Drive-In Airshow Ticket gets you (think a tailgate party at your favorite sporting event):
YOU GET ONE PARKING AREA MEASURING APPROX 15-FEET DEEP BY 20-FEET WIDE (300 SQUARE FEET)
Gates will open at 2:00 PM on Friday, September 30th, please do not arrive before 2 PM – it will negatively impact our parking plan. Each “Drive-In” ticket holder will be allotted at 15-foot-deep by 20-feet-wide, air show viewing area on the paved ramp at Mather Airport, commonly the parking lot on the west side of the airport. That’s 300 square feet of fun! Because of how our performers fly their demonstration profiles, every parking area will have an excellent view of the sky.
AIR SHOW ARRIVAL
You will receive specific driving instructions to enter the limited entrance gates for the Friday event, please make sure you follow them. Upon entry, your ticket will be scanned, and our volunteers and staff will direct you to your parking space. Parking gates will NOT open until 2 PM, please do not arrive before this time as it will negatively impact our carefully planned parking plan.
VEHICLE ENTRY LIMITATIONS
RVs, trailers, and campers are NOT permitted due to their height and impacting other people’s view.
WHEN IN YOUR PARKING AREA
Plan to bring chairs to watch the action outside of your vehicle. You may also want to bring a hat or personal umbrella to protect yourself from the sun. Don’t forget the sunscreen! Pop-up tents and large beach umbrellas are NOT permitted due to the danger of them taking flight, and they obstruct the view of fellow air show attendees.
WHAT ABOUT FOOD AND DRINKS?
We’re encouraging people to bring their own food and drinks, since there will be no on-site food vendors.
- Grills and BBQ’s, regardless of size are NOT permitted.
- Alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Non-alcoholic beverages in cans and plastic are permitted. Glass of any kind is not permitted, due to a safety concern.
All coolers, bags, cars and so forth are subject to search at any time. It can be upon arrival or any other time you’re on airport property. In all instances, security and law enforcement officers will be clearly identified.
AMPLE RESTROOMS AND HANDWASH STATIONS
Portable restrooms and handwash stations, including accommodations for those with disabilities, will be positioned throughout the event space. These restrooms will be cleaned continuously throughout the event.
WHEN DOES THE FLYING START AND END?
Several people have asked, “when does the flying start?” Currently, subject to change, opening ceremonies will begin at 3:30 PM PT, and all flying demonstrations will end before 7 PM PT. You’ll have approximately 3 hours of action-packed aviation excitement. Gates will not open until 2 PM, please do not arrive at the Airport prior to this time as it will negatively impact our carefully planned parking plan.
HOW MUCH AS THE FRIDAY ONLY DRIVE-IN TICKETS?
There will be THREE ticket levels available – pricing will be based per carload and proximity to runway. All tickets will be sold only ONLINE, no tickets will be available to purchase at the event.
WHAT ABOUT THE PERFORMER SCHEDULE?
The Friday-ONLY Drive-In Airshow has a unique military-only performer lineup (subject to change) that will be different from Saturday & Sunday’s performances. Everything that is flying Saturday & Sunday will fly Friday AND MORE! That’s right, there will be a few surprises ONLY FLYING ON FRIDAY! YOU WILL SEE MORE THAN 15 MILITARY JETS FLYING IN 3 HOURS!
ARE THERE DISPLAY AIRCRAFT THIS YEAR?
There will be no onsite display aircraft for the Friday-ONLY Drive-In/Tailgate Airshow. If you would like to see display aircraft, plan to come back on Saturday and/or Sunday.
MAXIMIZING YOUR DRIVE-IN AIRSHOW TICKET VALUE
You’re going to get the best value for your dollar by bringing family and friends to the air show. Friday Drive-In Airshow ticket holders can bring as many people as you have seatbelts in each vehicle. Please make sure you take advantage of that opportunity.
WHAT IF YOU’D LIKE TO SIT NEXT TO FAMILY/FRIENDS?
If you want to sit near family or friends, please plan to arrive to the event at the exact same time. One way to do this, is to meet up off-site and caravan to the entrance gate.
Here are some of the most Frequently Asked Questions that people have been asking:
CAN I BRING MY SERVICE ANIMAL TO THE “DRIVE-IN” AIRSHOW?
We love all pets, but only clearly identified service animals are allowed on airshow grounds.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE AIRSHOW IS CANCELED?
As in previous years, we’ll ensure that you get to see an airshow and you are happy with the experience!
CAN I EXIT AND RE-ENTER THE AIR SHOW?
You are welcome to leave the airshow at any time, including early. After most people arrive at the show, the entrance lanes are reversed to exit lanes. This is done to ensure that everyone gets home as quickly as possible. The only disadvantage is that RE-ENTRY IS NOT PERMITTED.
WILL I BE ABLE TO HEAR THE AIR SHOW FROM MY CAR?
Yes, by utilizing a pre-determined FM station you will be able to hear all the narration and music throughout the event. The FM station will be sent to ticket purchases prior to the event.
CAN I WATCH THE AIR SHOW FROM OUTSIDE MATHER AIRPORT?
Short answer, “yes, absolutely!” Please note, we’re not encouraging you to do so. Every performer flight profile is based on doing their most spectacular maneuvers at show center. And you won’t get a good view from outside the airshow grounds. At best, you’ll see a few aggressive repositioning turns from the outside, but nowhere as cool as being upfront to all the airshow action with lively music and entertaining narration.
Important Friday Drive-In Note
Gates will open at 2 PM (please DO NOT arrive before this time), there will be plenty of time for you to get parked prior to opening ceremonies beginning at 3:30 PM with jets in the air until about 7 PM.
Friday (Drive-In ONLY) Flying Schedule
(Official v1.0)
Note: Schedule subject to change without notice!
- 16:01 National Anthem / U-2 Flyover
- 16:03 Honor Flight Arrival/Parade
- 16:12 TOP GUN F-5 Arrival
- 16:15 U-2 and 2 x T-38 Demo
- 16:30 KC-135R Stratotanker Demo Team
- 16:40 Parade of Heavies (C-5 Super Galaxy, C-17 Globemaster III, KC-10 Extender)
- 16:48 MiG Alley: F-86 & MiG-17
- 17:02 UPS 767 Arrival
- 17:07 Canadian CF-18 Hornet Demonstration
- 17:23 F-18 Rhino Arrival
- 17:30 CA Air National Guard C-130J Water Drop
- 17:35 CA Air National Guard 2 x F-15
- 17:45 F-22 Demo + USAF Heritage Flight (F-22 & P-38)
- 18:10 US Navy F-35C Lightning II Arrival
- 18:20 E/A-18G Demo Team + USN Legacy Flight
- 18:45 Show Concludes
Note: Schedule subject to change without notice!
Buy Now & Get Deeper Discounts (NOT Available to the Public)
on 2023 California Capital Airshow Tickets
DON’T MISS THE ACTION & FUN, PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS TODAY
* Nominal service fees apply & limited ticket quantities.
Our goal is to provide you with the best airshow experience possible at a range of price points. Ticket types include everything from an affordable day of aviation thrills for the whole family to a premium level air show experience. There’s something for everyone!
Please note:
Aircraft and performers are subject to change without notice, due to operational considerations. If anything changes, we will do our best to let you know. Thank you!
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