Blue Angels have returned home to Pensacola. Here's how to watch practice shows:
The Blue Angels are back in town, ready for another spectacular show season after spending the winter months at Naval Air Facility El Centro, California.
Although the Pensacola Beach Air Show isn't scheduled until July 13, there will be plenty of opportunities for locals to watch the Blue Angels practice, especially now that the sought-after flight line behind the National Naval Aviation Museum has reopened.
The popular flight line viewing area behind NAS Pensacola's museum can draw as many as 25,000 spectators on the busiest days, providing a unique and close-up experience to watch the breathtaking maneuvers performed by the elite fighter jet pilots.
Spectating the Blue Angels' practice from the museum became impossible when NAS Pensacola shut down public access to the base after the 2019 terrorist attack, but the flight line viewing spot is back open since the base's reopening in May of 2023.
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2024 Blue Angels practice dates
March 26, 27*
April 2, 3*, 9, 10, 16, 17*, 23, 24*, 30
May 1*, 7, 8, 14, 15*, 28, 29*
June 4, 5*, 11, 12, 18, 25, 26
July 16, 17*, 23
August 21*, 27
September 4*, 10, 11*, 17, 24
October 16*, 22, 23*
Dates with an asterisk indicate an autograph day inside the National Naval Aviation Museum following the Blue Angels practice
Where do I watch the Blue Angels practice?
The Blues practice onboard NAS Pensacola, and the viewing area is located on the Museum Flight Line north of the museum. Signs will be posted to direct visitors to the viewing and parking locations.
Open bleacher seating is available for 500 people, along with a limited quantity of chairs that are available for a $6 fee per chair.
Visitors 18 and older must present a valid form of identification such as a driving license or passport to gain base access.
What time do the Blue Angels practice?
On each practice day, NAS Pensacola's West Gate on Blue Angel Parkway will be open for public access at 9 a.m. Gates to the flight line will open at 9:30 a.m., and the Blues will begin practice at 10:30 a.m.
The National Naval Aviation Museum says times are subject to change and recommend calling the museum before planning the trip.
Where do I park to watch the Blue Angels practice?
Parking will be available at the National Naval Aviation Museum and Pensacola Lighthouse.
Once parking is full, public access will be halted until more parking becomes available.
How much does it cost to watch the Blue Angels practice?
Admission to the museum's flight line is free. Concessions and chair service will be offered for an additional fee.
Can I bring a cooler to a Blue Angels practice?
No. Coolers are not allowed on base.
Other items that are prohibited include:
Weapons (including concealed weapon permit holders)
Backpack (except diaper bags and medically necessary bags)
Boats or boat trailers
Persons with felony convictions are not allowed base access.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola Blue Angels practices set to begin onboard NAS Pensacola