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Auburn Sentinel

California Capital Airshow Welcomes Back Thunderbirds

May 21, 2024 10:35AM ● By California Capital Airshow News Release

The skies will light up July 13 and July 14 with performances by the top airshow performers during the annual California Capital Airshow. Courtesy photo


SACRAMENTO REGION (MPG) - The United States Air Force Thunderbirds Jet Demonstration Team will be at this year’s California Capital Airshow lineup, in addition to the much-anticipated visit from the Italian Jet Team, Frecce Tricolori.

The 18th annual California Capital Airshow, presented by Sacramento County in partnership with the city of Rancho Cordova, returns to Mather Airport on July 13 and 14. This event will feature an extraordinary lineup of performers, miles of ground attractions and the return of nighttime aerial performances concluding with a massive pyro-musical fireworks show.

“To have both the Thunderbirds and Frecce Tricolori performing at the same show is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Darcy Brewer, executive director of California Capital Airshow. “Our attendees will get to see some of the best pilots in the word fly right here in Sacramento. We hope everybody is ready for jets, jets and more jets!”

This unique show features four hours of nonstop aerial performances beginning at 6 p.m. each day. The United States Air Force Thunderbirds will kick off the event, followed by Frecce Tricolori, United States Navy F-18 Super Hornet, U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning and C-17 Globemaster demo teams and an impressive roster of highly-skilled civilian performers.

As the sun sets, the show will continue with maximum afterburner followed by aircraft lighting up the night sky with pyrotechnics, walls of fire, a spectacular fireworks show, and more.

Airshow tickets are on sale now at CaliforniaCapitalAirshow.com. Tickets are limited and selling quickly, so those hoping to attend are encouraged to purchase their tickets soon.

The Airshow’s generous partners are Sacramento County, the City of Rancho Cordova, Modern Aviation, Keurig Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Visit Rancho Cordova, Folsom Lake Dodge, Donaghy Sales, SMUD, Thunder Valley Casino Resort, Atlas Disposal, Sunbelt, Teichert, Elite Power, FOX 40, iHeart Media and UPS.

In addition, the Airshow team is grateful to a long list of committed community supporters, as well as the teams of law enforcement and emergency services that give their time and energy to keep everyone safe.

For more information, tickets, event details and volunteer opportunities, check online at     www.californiacapitalairshow.com.

About the California Capital Airshow

Established in 2004, the nonprofit California Capital Airshow plans and operates the exciting, family-friendly annual event designed to honor the Sacramento region’s rich aviation heritage and veterans while using the power and magic of flight to inspire young people.

The California Capital Airshow gives back to the community through scholarships, charitable group donations and exciting educational youth programming throughout the year. For more information about the airshow, performers and discount tickets, visit the airshow’s website at www.californiacapitalairshow.com.