Page 3 - Thunder & Lightning Over Arizona - Davis Monthan AFB 2025

Desert lightning news Thunder and LighTning over arizona March 22 & 23, 2025 3 www.aerotechnews.com/davis-monthanafb Facebook.com/DesertLightningNews
Welcome to
Thunder & Lightning Over Arizona Air Show!
On the weekend of March 22-23, we are opening the gates and inviting everyone to enjoy a free, weekend-long event packed full of entertainment. Come out and see dynamic aerial displays, memorable planes, and SO much more! The world- renowned United States Air Force Thunderbirds will be headlining this event. Limited premium seating available. Location is Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, 3100 S. Craycroft Road, Tucson, AZ 85707
Entry and Exit FaQs
are tickets and parking passes free?
The show is completely free to the general public. General Admission parking is free. However, premium tickets are available for purchase, and VIP Parking is available on a limited basis to Platinum ticket holders. Information can be found on the 355th Force Support Squadron’s.
OFFiCiaL WEBsitE
dmforcesupport.com/thunder-lightning-over- arizona/
When do the gates open?
The Craycroft and Swan gates will be open for general public entry to the Open House.
The Craycroft gate will be open for inbound (three lanes) and outbound (one lane) Open House traffic only, Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. The Craycroft gate will be open for outbound traffic only, Saturday and Sunday from 3pm to 5pm.
The Swan gate will be open for inbound Open House traffic, Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. The Swan Gate will be open for outbound Open House traffic only, Saturday and Sunday from 3-5 p.m.
Will there be handicapped parking available?
Yes, there will be designated portions of the parking lots for properly marked handicapped vehicles.
is tailgating allowed?
No, parking lots are reserved for transiting to and from the show only.
What documentation is required?
Air show visitors should come with a form of government issued photo identification, e.g., driver’s licenses, passports, passport cards, military IDs, Tribal cards, or permanent resident cards.
do i need a military id?
No, this event is open to the public.
Will i be able to leave and return from the show?
Yes, however you will have to process through the security checkpoint again.
GEnEraL EVEnt FaQs
Will there be food and drinks available for purchase?
Yes, there will be food, drinks, alcoholic drinks (we I.D.), and souvenirs available throughout the show area.
is the show the same both days?
Yes! Performances, static displays, activities, and concessions are the same each day.
are alcoholic beverages allowed?
Alcoholic beverages may be purchased at the event, with proper I.D. You may NOT bring alcoholic beverages into the air show.
are camping/folding chairs allowed?
Lawn chairs are permitted. Please note there is a lengthy walk from the parking lot to the general admission seating area.
are there upgraded seating tickets?
Premium tickets are available for purchase prior to the event.
do the food and souvenir vendors take cards?
Most of the vendors will accept major credit cards, but there will be ATMs on-site.
What should i Bring?
Small Items
Empty bottles to fill with water, snacks in non- glass containers, small purses, and umbrellas (please avoid using umbrellas in reserved or VIP seating areas)
Larger Items
Wheelchairs and other medical devices.
For Viewing
Cameras, video recorders, binoculars, tripods (must be able to demonstrate all items are operable)
For Food/Vendor Purchases
Credit Cards / Mobile Payment / Cash (ATM’s are available on site)
For Children
Strollers, wagons for toddlers, diaper bags, hearing protection.
For Medical Needs
Portable coolers for medicines and medical equipment are allowed; all items are subject to screening.
Suggestions to Pack
Comfortable shoes, hearing protection, sunscreen, cameras, clear plastic water bottles, pen for autographs, hat with a visor, sunglasses, cash (ATMs on site), sufficient gas in your vehicle’s tank to wait in congested traffic.
Prohibited items
Weapons of any kind
Including: pocketknives, pocket tools, scissors, box cutters, nunchucks, Billy clubs, large/heavy chain-linked jewelry or belts, mace/pepper spray, firearms.
Alcohol, illegal drugs
Toys that resemble firearms
Marijuana/CBD oil
Possession and use of marijuana or CBD oil is illegal on all federal installations.
Flammable Items/Fireworks
Large Portable Sun Protection
Tents or canopies of any kind.
Walking sticks
(medical canes or walkers okay)
Spray paint/Silly string
Wheeled recreational devices
Golf carts, bicycles, scooters, go-karts, skateboards, heelies, roller skates, rollerblades. Containers
Containers for water must be plastic and empty to get through checkpoints. There will be water stations available for attendees to refill water bottles.
Cooking Equipment
Including grills.
Coolers
Camelbacks
Large Bags
Rucksacks, backpacks, duffle bags, large camera bags, and large purses.
Walkie-talkies, HAM radios, scanners
Balloons
Military uniforms worn by non-military members
Gang or motorcycle club affiliated colors or clothing/items
Drones or radio-controlled aircraft
Animals or Pets
(service animals permitted in accordance with ADA rules)
Umbrellas in seating areas
Small umbrellas are allowed in pedestrian/ walking areas. Please avoid using umbrellas
in reserved or VIP seating areas, as this will obstruct the view for other spectators.