Tampa Bay AirFest 2016: What to Know Before You Go

TAMPA, FL — Area residents who can’t wait to see high-flying action don’t have to hold out much longer. Tampa Bay AirFest 2016 gets off the ground this Saturday.

“This is our favorite time of the year, because we have a chance to give back to a community that gives us so much,” MacDill Air Force Base’s website proclaims about the festival. “In 2014, AirFest was awarded ‘Best Military Site’ by the USAF Thunderbirds due to the incredible partnership between MacDill and Tampa Bay, and we expect this airshow to surpass those lofty expectations.”

AirFest fans will find there are a few things they should know before they go:

Dates, Times, Location

Tampa Bay AirFest 2016 takes place March 19-20 at the base. Officials say spectators will find the Dale Mabry, MacDill and Tanker Way gates open to them from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday both.

“Security Forces personnel will be directing all traffic to the designated parking area,” base officials wrote in an email to Patch. HART bus riders will also find that buses will run to the base. Information about rides on Hart can be obtained on that organization’s website.

Costs

AirFest is free to attend. Parking is also free.

Premium seats are available for those who wish to pay for them. The prices start at $25 and climb to $125. For more information, visit MacDill online.

Aerial Performances

These are set to begin at 11 a.m. both days. Performers include:

• U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds
• USSOCOM para-commandos
• Jerry Kerby
• GEICO Skytypers
• Michael Goulian
• Scott Yoak
• Randy Ball
• KC-135 Stratotanker
• Jim Tobul
• Rob Holland
• Kirby Chambliss
• A-4
• Red Bull Air Force
• F-18

On the Ground Attractions

Visitors will also get to see a number of static displays. Some of the aircraft AirFest fans will get to check out include an A-10 Warthog, a F-35, a F-18, a C-5 Galaxy, a T-1 Jayhawk and a F-15E, among others.

What to Bring

Organizers recommend spectators bring the following things with them:

• Sunblock
• Cash
• Sunscreen
• Camera
• Comfortable shoes
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Ear plugs
• Foldable chairs
• Small umbrellas

What Not to Bring

The following items and more are not permitted on the grounds:

• Firearms, replica or toy weapons, stun guns, tasers, knifes or weapons of any kind
• Laser pointers
• Sharp objects
• Batons and asps
• Pepper spray, mace
• Fireworks
• Drones, UAVs and remote controlled vehicles
• Drugs
• Coolers, with the exception of small, handheld coolers for baby food (formula and food in plastic containers) or medications. Coolers will be inspected.
• Outside food or beverage items, except plastic bottled water
• Glass bottles or containers
• Portable barbecue or cooking devices
• Roller blades, hoverboards, skateboards, skates, scooters, bicycles
• Banners or signs on a pole
• Clothing with objectionable language
• Pets
• Costumes or any garment resembling military personnel or law enforcement officers
• Any other items base personnel consider safety or security risks

For more information about AirFest, visit MacDill online.

Photo courtesy of the USAF Thunderbirds