For the first time in the history of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst’s “Power in the Pines” air show, VIP tickets will be available for sale to the general public.
The air show takes place on Saturday May 17 and Sunday May 18.
General admission remains free, but attendees can now choose from two types of VIP tickets to enhance their enjoyment of the day.
These tickets are only sold online. Walk up sales are not available.
Flight Line Club VIP Tables (available either Saturday or Sunday.)
Guests can enjoy an extraordinary view of the air show from the comfort of their own table. Guests will also be able to access the traditional on-ground attractions including the static aircraft displays, concessions, exhibitor and souvenir booths.
This VIP section will also offer dedicated restroom facilities, unlimited refreshments and a catered lunch.
Children ages 3 & under are admitted free.
Guests should note that in order to provide maximum viewing of the air show, tables are not under cover. Nearby VIP tents will provide relief from the sun if needed.
Tables of two available for $390.00
Tables of four available for $780.00
VIP Premium Box Seats (available Saturday or Sunday)
These premium seats are located directly on the flightline, providing guests with an outstanding view of the air show. Guests will also have access to the traditional on-ground static aircraft displays, concessions, souvenir booths, and exhibitors.
Guests will also have access to dedicated restroom facilities.
In order to provide maximum viewing of the air show, box seats are not under cover. A nearby VIP tent is available for relief from the sun if needed. Children ages 3 & under admitted free (lap only).
VIP Box Seats available for $75.00 each.
Here is more information about the upcoming “Power in the Pines” air show at Joint Base MDL as previously reported by Military Matters:
This bi-annual weekend attraction returns to New Jersey on May 17-18 – rain or shine.
Historically, the “Power in the Pines” has always attracted huge crowds – usually well north of 100,000.
“We are expecting about 125,000 people,” said Lt. Col. Matt Mattson, the Open House and Air Show Director for the 87th Air Base Wing Commander.
‘We are working to cut the wait time and the long lines for attendees,” said Mattson. “This year we are tripling our capacity for security clearances. We will keep traffic flowing into the base with no stopping and we are working with the New Jersey Department of Transportation, the state police, and local law enforcement to keep the cars on the roads moving.”
Mattson emphasized that parking will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
This year’s air show is headlined by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, considered the Air Force’s premier air demonstration team. They have been wow-ing crowds with their extraordinary flying maneuvers since 1953.
“They are the whole package,” said Mattson. ‘They are tightly run, and they do precision flying that requires control and synchronization. We are excited to have them at this year’s show.”
While the air show gets the bulk of the headlines, the open house portion of the event should not be overlooked.
All along the flightline (the area where guests will watch the air show), guests will be able to see and, in many cases, walk through aircraft on static display. The flightline will also feature vendor tents, activities for children as well as food and beverages available for purchase.
Gates at the Joint Base will open at 9 a.m. on both days. The air show is scheduled to begin around noon.
“I urge everyone to come early,” Mattson said. “We can only accommodate so many people in one day and we will likely reach full capacity by late morning. There will be a lot to see and to experience all day.”
To stay abreast of the latest information about the “Power in the Pines” Open House and Air Show and for more information about the demonstrations planned over the two days, visit the Joint Base webpage.
