Davis-Monthan AFB
Thunder And Lightning Over Arizona
March 22-23, 2025
Gates open to the general public at 9:00 AM
You Don't Want To Miss This
Welcome to the Thunder & Lightning Over Arizona Air Show! On the weekend of March 22-23, 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!
Please Note: There is a lengthy walk from the general parking lot to the viewing area and more, please plan accordingly.
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
Premium Seating
- Reserved Seats
- Seating on the Flight Line
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
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 8:00.
Breakfast Menu - AfterBurner Club
Platinum Ticket Holders Only (Menu Coming Soon)
Catered Lunch Menu - AfterBurner Club
Platinum And Gold Ticket Holders (Menu Coming Soon)
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.
Thunderbirds
Vicky Benzing (Plum Crazy)
Tom Larkin (Mini Jet)
Smoke-n-Thunder Jet Shows
Red Bull Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Jon Melby (Fear Boss)
Brad Wursten
Your Host
355th Force Support Squadron
The team at the 355th Force Support Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base is very excited to welcome you to the 2025 Thunder & Lightning Over Arizona Air Show.
Entry & Exit FAQs
How Much Do Tickets Cost?
The Thunder and Lightning Over Arizona Air Show is free to the public, however premium tickets will be available for purchase online using the link on our website. Link to be provided at a later time – be sure to check our website and Facebook page (@355FSS) regularly for updates.
When Do The Gates Open?
The gates open at 9:00 AM for the general public. Inbound gate closes at 2:00 PM.
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
Support Davis-Monthan: Become a Sponsor!
Federal endorsement of sponsors not intended.