Want to watch the Blue Angels from the comfort of AC this weekend? Here's where to go
A visit to the Blue Angels Pensacola Beach Airshow takes a little planning, a lot of water and a half-day worth of patience waiting for the Blues to take to the sky at 2 p.m.
However, this year’s weather forecast is showing a 30% to 50% chance of rain, temperatures in the mid-90s and humidity driving up the heat index above 100 degrees.
If you don’t want to take your chances just sitting out on the sand, several beach businesses are selling packages that take some of the guess work out of securing shade, shelter and food and beverages. Here are some popular picks. Since these are ticketed events, they are at risk of selling out, so make your plans fast.
The Blue Angels will fly Thursday for a practice show over Pensacola Beach, a dress rehearsal show on Friday and the official Pensacola Beach Air Show on Saturday.
DRIFT
41 Fort Pickens Road Floor 2, 850-733-7331
DRIFT is providing an alternative to a hot day on the sand with the “Drift Experience” offering views from DRIFT’s patio overlooking all the action, access to hors d’oeuvres, elevated buffet selections, two complimentary drinks and air-conditioned indoor seating. The tickets will be available for both Friday and Saturday air shows.
Each ticket provides access to DRIFT from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but every person entering must have a ticket. If you catch a ride on the Pensacola Bay City Ferry, Gopher Carts or Island Breeze Carts, you can receive an additional complimentary drink ticket by presenting a receipt, referral card from the drivers or wristband from the ferry.
No outside food or beverage is permitted.
Cost: $250 per ticket
Where to purchase: Eventbrite. Friday tickets can be purchased here, and Saturday tickets can be purchased here.
Casino Beach Bar & Grille
41 Fort Pickens Road, 850-932-6313
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Casino Beach Bar & Grille will offer seats for purchase (indoor, outdoor and beach loungers) that come with a complimentary travel mug. Every person must have a ticket to be on the property. No outside food or beverage of any kind is permitted in the restaurant.
Cost: $95-$125 per ticket
Where to purchase: Eventbrite. Friday tickets can be purchased here, and Saturday tickets can be purchased here.
Hilton Pensacola Beach
12 Via De Luna Drive, 850-916-2999
From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, the Hilton will be hosting a Blue Angel VIP Watch Party with a covered private seating area, complimentary shuttle service from Gulf Breeze High School, full buffet from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and an alcoholic drink ticket. The buffet menu includes a salad bar, cold salads, shrimp boil, crab cakes, red snapper and flank steak carving stations, hot dogs, black angus burgers, chicken tenders, sides, desserts and complimentary soda and bottled water.
The watch party will also include pool and beach access and live music for entertainment,
No coolers or outside food and beverages are permitted during the event.
Cost: Adults $200, children 5 to 12 years old $50 plus tax, children four and under $0.01.
Where to purchase: Hilton Pensacola Beach square site
Water Pig BBQ
5 Via De Luna Drive K, 850-565-4863
Water Pig BBQ is offering various seating options and price-points. Table seating ($75 per person) fits from four to eight people and offers one parking spot per table, covered seating, unlimited water and soft drinks, and a complimentary appetizer. Bar seating ($50 per person) offers covered seating and unlimited water, however those sitting at the bar must be at least 21 years old. Picnic table seating ($75 per table) offers unlimited water. Those interested must fill out a survey form for a Water Pig team member to contact you. All reservations require food and beverage purchases during the reservation hours.
Those interested can fill out a form here. Those who have submitted requests will receive a phone call confirming seating availability. Full payment is required at the time of confirmation. Cancellations must be done by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10. Any cancellations made after the deadline date will forfeit the reservation cost.
Table reservations include one parking spot per table. Parking is not included in the bar and picnic reservations.
Cost: $50-$75
Where to purchase: Survey Monkey
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Blue Angels Air Show Pensacola Beach indoor seating VIP packages