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Along with our friends at Ace Unlocks of Pensacola, we are excited to bring you our Mom’s Guide to Blue Angels Practice Shows!
Ace Unlocks of Pensacola
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Get ready for some high-flying fun because it’s Blue Angels season!
Whether you are a local or just visiting, here is everything you need to know if you are bringing your family to see a Blue Angels practice show:
Schedule
Generally, the Blues practice on Tuesdays and Wednesdays when they are in town. Select Wednesday practices are followed by an autograph session inside the Naval Aviation Museum (noted with an * on the schedule).
The full schedule for 2024 can be found here: https://navalaviationmuseum.org/blueangels/
Base Access
Visitors wishing to attend a practice show will be permitted to enter Naval Air Station Pensacola through the West Gate on Blue Angel Parkway beginning at 9am.
Capacity is limited, and base access will be paused once the parking areas at the museum and lighthouse are full.
U.S. citizens or U.S. Nationals 18 years and older will be required to show proof of identification either with a REAL ID or passport. More detailed information regarding requirements for base access can be found on the NAS Pensacola website.
When to Arrive
Base access through the West Gate of NAS Pensacola opens at 9am. The Blues take off at approximately 10:30, weather permitting. So be prepared to keep the little ones occupied for at least an hour once you’ve settled into your seats. If the weather looks “iffy” the practice could get delayed while they verify visibility, etc.
Technically, there are two shows – the “high show” (on sunny days) and the “flat show” (on cloudy days). The flat show is pretty amazing, so do not be discouraged if your planning results in a cloudy day!
Be sure to check the Museum’s Facebook page regarding weather updates and information on practice delays or cancellations.
Seating
Complimentary bleacher seating is available for 500 people. Chair service is provided (limited availability) for $5/chair per practice session.
What to Bring
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Sunscreen (we also love this mineral powder for touching up our faces)
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Hat
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Sunglasses
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Hearing protection for both adults and kids (those jets are LOUD…especially when they buzz right over the crowd!). Foam earplugs are available for purchase on-site.
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Cushion or stadium seat (for bleacher seating)
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Activities to pass the time and keep the littles occupied until the practice show starts. Games on the Go are fun to play and will easily fit into your purse or diaper bag. You also can’t go wrong with Mad Libs.
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Stroller and/or diaper bag
***Be sure to increase your fluid intake prior to the show and continue to hydrate during the practice show. The flight light is not shaded, and it gets extremely HOT, especially in the peak months of summer.
What NOT to Bring
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Coolers
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Large bags, backpacks, or luggage
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Umbrellas
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Drones
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Boats/boat trailers
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Alcoholic beverages
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And, of course, no weapons or firearms
Concessions
Non-alcoholic drinks and Chick-fil-A are available for purchase along with merchandise and souvenirs. All proceeds benefit the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation.
Visit the Museum and Gift Shop
While you’re on base, be sure to spend some time at the National Naval Aviation Museum following the practice show.
The National Naval Aviation Museum is the largest Naval Museum in the United States and one of the largest aviation museums in the world. Unlike most museums, you can actually walk up and touch the aircraft, and there are a number of cockpits you can climb into to get a feel of what it felt like for the aircrew.
You can also take advantage of several exciting rides and aviation-themed movies on the large-format movie screen. It’s a fully immersive museum like no other, and it’s right here in our backyard!
And don’t forget to stop by the Flight Deck Store to pick up souvenirs for your future naval aviators!
Enjoy the show!
