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Parking and admission free for Grissom Air & Space Expo

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Benjamin Mota
  • 434 ARW Public Affairs

Contrary to some social media reports, the Grissom Air & Space Expo remains free and open to the public Sept. 7-8, 2019.

The two-day event features the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and U.S. Army Golden Knights.

“We’re not sure who first reported a price for admission, but that information is completely false,” said Douglas Hays, 434th Air Refueling Wing chief of public affairs. “Our event was free from the beginning and is free now.”

Part of the confusion may lie in a premium seating option available for purchase but not required for admission.

The premium seating allows visitors to access to one tented area, and the options of adult beverages.

The price on that seating did raise from $25 to $30 for admission and $35 to $40 for admission and two beverages.

“The premium seating is a vendor function,” Hays said. “That area is an option for those who choose take advantage of it, but other fine viewing points are available throughout the area. There really isn’t a bad seat in the house.”

Visitors can bring their own folding chairs if they choose to as well.

If chairs are the style carried in a pouch, they must remove them for inspection upon entry into the viewing area.

“We don’t make money off the air show,” Hays said. “Our whole purpose it to showcase the Air Force, the Air Force Reserve, and other military units.
“We want to let tax payers see where how their money is spent, and we hope to inspire future generations to serve,” he added.

The lineup for flying acts include the Thunderbirds, Golden Knights, F-16 Viper demo, KC-135R, A-10 Warthog, FG1-D Corsair, P-51 Mustang, F-5A, and F-86 Sabre demonstrations, and an American Champ Super Decathlon.

“We fly,” said Col. Larry Shaw, 434th ARW commander. “We want people looking up in the air because we are the Air Force!”

When not looking up, ground static displays include T-6 Texan, T-38 Talon, KC-10 Extender, C-5 Galaxy, C-17 Globemaster, F-35 Lightning, A-10 Warthog, F-16 Fighting Falcon, UH-1 Huey, UH-60 Black Hawk, C-47, F8F Bearcat, and TBM Avenger.

Other events and activities are in the works as well.

“This is a great event for our neighbors,” Hays said. “You can’t beat the price, it’s free!”

For more information about the airshow, visit grissomairshow.com and stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.

Public Affairs Staff

Material contained on the Official Grissom Air Reserve Base Internet Web Site is written and produced by members of the 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office. The award-winning staff includes:

Douglas Hays
Chief, public affairs

Maj. Elias Zani
Public affairs officer

Josh Weaver
Public affairs operations chief

Master Sgt. Josh Weaver
NCOIC of public affairs

Master Sgt. Rachel Barton
Staff writer

Tech. Sgt. Alexa Culbert
Staff writer

Senior Airman Alexis Morris
Staff writer

Airman 1st Class Elise Faurote
Staff writer