Blue Angels Homecoming Bash

Celebrating their return to Pensacola after their 2012 tour of the U.S., the Blue Angels will host a Homecoming Air Show on Friday and Saturday, November 2 and 3, at the Pensacola Naval Air Station. The Angels, the U.S. Navy’s Precision Flight Demonstration Squadron, are famous for their tight formations and breathtaking stunts, performed at speeds reaching 700 mph. Every year, they travel the country, electrifying crowds with their aerial acrobatics.

Admission to the homecoming show is free, with the gates opening at 8 a.m. each day. The show begins at 9 a.m., with the Blue Angels scheduled to fly around 2 p.m. Show attendees will be able to meet the pilots and get their autographs after the show on both days.

A special Friday night air show, also free and open to the public, features visually stunning special effects and fireworks set to music. The night show starts at 4 p.m., with the playing of the National Anthem, and runs till 7 p.m.

Guests are welcome to bring their own blankets and chairs, but no coolers, backpacks, food, drinks, or pets are allowed. Bleacher seating can be rented for $7 per person. To reserve seating, and to learn more about other seating options, including box seating and the Flightline Club, call 850-452-6362, log onto www.naspensacola-mwr.com/,  or e-mail nasptickets@gmail.com.

In addition to the Blue Angels, the airshow includes displays of all kinds of aircraft, refreshments, virtual reality experiences, and a Kids’ Zone with games and a bungee jump. And on Saturday, there’s a free concert after the show. Presented by the Air Force Reserve, it features country stars Big and Rich. The music starts at 4 p.m.

For places to stay and additional information about Pensacola, click on our links to Pensacola Beach vacation rentals, Pensacola Beach restaurants, and Pensacola Beach recreation.