Unveiling New Premium Viewing Area – The Fly Zone – and Featuring Top Military Acts the U.S. Marines Harrier Demo Team, U.S.A.F. Thunderbirds, U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team and the 177th Fighter Wing Demo Team
Atlantic City, NJ – JUNE 8, 2023 – Today, the Greater Atlantic City Chamber officially announced the return of the Visit Atlantic City Airshow “A Salute to Those Who Serve” on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. Powered once again by premier sponsor Visit Atlantic City (formerly Meet AC), this year’s show is celebrating 20 years in Atlantic City with the announcement of a new viewing experience and aerial performances by top military acts – U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier Demo Team, U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team and 177th Fighter Wing of the N.J. Air National Guard.
“To celebrate 20 years in Atlantic City, we knew that we had to make this year’s show our best one yet,” said Michael Chait, president, Greater Atlantic City Chamber. “Anchored by fan favorites the Thunderbirds and Golden Knights, with our friends at the 177th Fighter Wing bringing local flair, the addition of the Marine’s Harrier team is only going to enhance this year’s experience for fans, visitors and sponsors alike!”
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,” said Larry Sieg, president and CEO of Visit Atlantic City. “This event brings an exciting flair to our beach, and we’re looking forward to seeing all the new acts this summer.”
Each year, the show is produced by the Greater Atlantic City Chamber, in coordination with David Schultz Airshows, LLC, and features a variety of military performance/demo teams combined with top civilian high-performance aircraft and helicopters from across the country. Returning this year to Atlantic City is the U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier Demo Team – combining tactical mobility, responsiveness and flexibility both afloat and ashore, this 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,” said Chait. “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.”
Long-time fan favorites, the U.S.A.F. Thunderbirds and the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team will also return to the Atlantic City skies once more in 2023:
● Showcasing the elite skills of their pilots and the amazing capabilities of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the U.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 U.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,” promised Chait.
The 2023 Visit Atlantic City Airshow is a FREE event – 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, Aug. 16, the Airshow’s Practice Day on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 is a great alternative and will feature the Airshow performers as they take to the skies to “practice” for the big day.
However, for those wanting a more unique viewing experience of the show on either Practice or Show Day, the Atlantic City Airshow is debuting a special, new ticketed viewing area right at show center for
spectators – 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,” explained Chait. “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 available onsite) – tents and cabanas are strictly prohibited in this viewing area.
Portable restrooms will also be accessible and stationed throughout The Fly Zone for the convenience of spectators. Additionally, speakers will be positioned throughout the viewing area, amplifying the
commentary and music that accompanies each performance.
Outside food and drink is strictly prohibited in The Fly Zone, along with alcohol and grills/fires. However, spectators in The Fly Zone will also have access to vendors selling a variety of food and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase throughout the show. Access to The Fly Zone will only be permitted with advanced ticket purchase via the Visit Atlantic City Airshow’s official website – AtlanticCityAirshow.com. Ticket pricing for both Practice Day and Show Day are as follows:
● Practice Day (8/15/23):
o Children 5 and younger – FREE, no ticket required but must be accompanied by an adult
o Children 6 to 12-years-old – $10* per ticket, must be accompanied by an adult
o Children and Adults 13 years and older – $20* per ticket
● Show Day (8/16/23):
o Children 5 and younger – FREE, no ticket required but must be accompanied by an adult
o Children 6 to 12-years-old – $15* per ticket, must be accompanied by an adult
o Children and Adults 13 years and older – $25* per ticket
*Prices listed above 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,” said Chait.
The Visit Atlantic City Airshow is a community partnership between the Greater Atlantic City Chamber; Visit Atlantic City; the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority; the 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; the U.S. Coast Guard; and the 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.
