ADMISSION/PREMIUM SEATING

Q: Do I need a military ID to attend the air show?

A: No, this event is free and open to the public.

Q: Do I need to purchase tickets to attend the air show?

A: No, the Aviation Nation air show is free and open to the public; however, tickets can be purchased for premium seating options by clicking here.

Q: Can I show my premium tickets on a phone for admission?

A: Yes, but printing your ticket before arriving at the gate will be faster. If you cannot print, take a screenshot of your tickets and have it ready for the ticket scanner.

Q: I have a problem with the premium tickets. What should I do?

A: For all ticketing questions, call the Ticket Hotline at (702) 342-1777 or visit https://attendstar.com/tickets. 

Q: Can I get my money back for any premium tickets?

A: There are no refunds, per the terms and conditions of the tickets agreed to upon purchase. All ticket sales are final.

Q: Will there be premium seating available on Friday for Military Appreciation Day?

A: No, premium seating is only available on Saturday and Sunday.

ARRIVAL/PARKING

Public parking for Aviation Nation will be at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.  Parking is available in the red, blue, and orange lots.  Handicap accessible parking will be in the green lot located off Speedway Blvd. and Checkered Flag Lane.

Q: What time do you suggest we arrive if gates open at 9 a.m.?

A: While we cannot provide a specific recommended time, we expect more than 200,000 attendees during the air show weekend, which will cause heavier than normal traffic on roads leading to the event. When planning your trip, allot time to park, process through security for bag checks and wait in lines to board buses.

Q: What time do the buses run?

A: Buses will provide free transportation for all air show guests from the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, located at 7000 Las Vegas Blvd. North.​, to the event beginning at 9 a.m. and ending at 1 p.m.

Q: Are the buses wheelchair accessible?

A: Yes, the buses are wheelchair accessible; however, guests should bring a wheelchair, if needed, as wheelchairs will not be available for rent at the air show.

Q: Can I park on base with a military ID card?

A: Yes, but parking on base will be extremely limited.  Parking near the flight line will be reserved for event staff.  Be aware of the modified gate hours during the air show weekend.

PLANNING YOUR VISIT

Q: What do you suggest I bring?

A: Sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, empty reusable water bottles, hearing protection, a stadium chair or cushion for free bleacher seating

Q: I have small children. Can I bring a stroller, diaper bag, or change of clothes?

A: For those with babies and young children, strollers, small diaper bags with snacks and baby bottles, and over-the-ear protection are encouraged. Keep in mind all strollers and bags will be searched before boarding buses. 

Q: Can I bring my camera, video camera, or cell phone?

A: There will be several aerial performances, so a small camera and/or video camera wouldn't be a bad idea. While there are no restrictions on taking photos or videotaping the show, large camera bags are not permitted. Leave unnecessary camera accessories at home or put them in a small bag. 

Q: Is tailgating allowed?

A: No, tailgating is not allowed.

Q: Is protesting allowed?

A: No, all protesting activity is prohibited. Guests who bring protesting signs or engage in protesting activity will be escorted out of the air show by the Las Vegas Metro Police Department.

Q: Are we allowed to bring food and drinks to the show?

A: Factory sealed plastic beverage containers and small snacks are permitted. They may be brought to the air show in small purses, bags, fanny packs or Camelbacks. In addition, small coolers are permitted for medical supplies or infant formula. Glass containers, large bags and coolers are not permitted. Security personnel will check each guests’ bags/strollers before guests can board the buses for the air show.

Q: Will it be necessary to have hearing protection?

A: Due to the nature of the event, it is highly encouraged you bring hearing protection – especially for children. There will be a number of aircraft taking off, landing and performing, which will be extremely loud.

Q: Is smoking allowed?

A: Yes, but only in designated areas away from the flight line

Q: Can I bring alcoholic beverages?

A: No, but they will be available for purchase.

Q: Can I bring an umbrella in case it rains or I get too hot?

A: Rain umbrellas that can fit in a small purse are permitted, but large golf umbrellas or shade umbrellas are not permitted. There is limited space for shade on the flight line, but guests are welcome to walk through one of the larger aircraft static displays or open hangars to get a break from the sun.

Q: Can I walk onto the base through the main gate?

A: Pedestrians, unless they are DOD ID card holders, WILL NOT be authorized entry to the base unless they are on a bus from the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. 

ATTENDING THE EVENT

Q: Can I leave and re-enter the air show?

A: Yes, guests may leave and re-enter, but will have to process through security each time.

Q: Do you have a list of when the performers will fly?

A: Check the Aviation Nation page for the latest schedule.

Q: Which day will the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds be performing?

A: The Thunderbirds will perform demonstrations Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting.

Q: Can I take photographs or get autographs?

A: Yes, many of the performers make themselves available for photographs and autographs during the air show.

Q: Will restroom facilities be easily accessible?

A: Yes, portable restrooms will be located all over the flight line.

Q: What type of medical services will be available?

A: First aid will be provided to address dehydration, treatment for minor cuts and bruises, and the application of emergency medications (ex. Epi-pens). Medical personnel will stabilize patients and coordinate transportation to a higher level of care for all other injuries/illnesses.

Q: What happens if it rains?

A: In the event of rain, some flying demonstrations may be delayed; however, unless the weather poses a serious threat to the safety of the visitors and participants, the show will proceed as scheduled with some modifications. 

Q: How will I know if the air show has been cancelled or delayed?

A: In the event of an air show cancellation, announcements will be coordinated with local news agencies, pushed through the Nellis Life app and recorded on the Nellis Straight Talk Hotline at (702) 652-7469.

*For all other questions, email the Nellis Public Affairs office at 57WG.PA.CommunityEngagement@us.af.mil.

All visitors are subject to search by security forces.

Take note of prohibited items while planning your day at Aviation Nation. Banned items will be confiscated and/or cause visitors to be turned away at the gate.

-Weapons of any kind including pocket knives, pocket tools, scissors, box cutters, billy clubs, large heavy chain link jewelry or belts, mace and pepper spray

-Firearms of any type

-Toys that resemble firearms, laser pointers

-RC aircraft & drones

-Flammable items and Fireworks

-Pets (except for service animals)

-Spray paint and silly string

-Outside food, coolers, grills, or glass containers

-Glass bottles

-Liquid without factory seal intact (baby bottles are exempt)

-Walkie-talkies, HAM radios, scanners

-Alcohol and illegal drugs

-Bicycles, skateboards, scooters, heelies, roller skates or roller blades

-Excessively large items and bags (the only exceptions are diaper bags, small purses, and small camera bags at or below 21 inches long, 10  inches wide, 10 inches deep)

-Possession and use of Marijuana is illegal on Nellis Air Force Base or any federal installation.  This includes both recreational and medicinal.

All visitors are subject to search by security forces.

-Sunscreen

-Plastic beverage bottles with factory seal intact (baby bottles exempt)

-Reusable water bottle (empty for security line, free water stations are available inside)

-Hearing protection (especially for children)

-Wagon or lightweight stroller for tired children

-Stadium chair or cushion for free bleacher seating (collapsible camping chairs are fine, but subject to search)