The Air Dot Show Fort Lauderdale will be the next place Blue Angels fans will have a chance to see them in 2025.
The air show will take place on May 3-4 and will feature the U.S. Navy’s flight demonstration team along with six other military and civilian performers, including the F-22 Raptor demo team and the Florida ANG F-15 Eagles.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Blue Angels’ performance at the 2025 Air Dot Show Fort Lauderdale.
When is the Fort Lauderdale air show?
The 2025 Fort Lauderdale Air Show is happening on Saturday and Sunday, May 3-4. The Drop Zone Beach is set to open at 9 a.m. and the Flight Line Club beach area will open at 10 a.m.
Air Dot Show Fort Lauderdale 2025 schedule: When do the Blue Angels fly?
The 2025 Air Dot Show Fort Lauderdale 2025 show will start around 11:45 a.m. and run until about 3 p.m. Here’s a look at the Saturday and Sunday schedule.
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11:45 a.m. to noon – Opening ceremonies: Welcoming remarks, invocation, National Anthem and Jump in of the American flag.
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Noon to 2 p.m. – Flight performances
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2 p.m. – The Blue Angels
Who is performing at the Fort Lauderdale air show?
The Blue Angels will headline the air show. They’ll be joined by:
Air Dot Show Fort Lauderdale 2025 tickets
General admission tickets for the Fort Lauderdale air show are free, but premium and VIP seating options are available.
Drop Zone Beach seating will run you about $37.50 for adults and $26 for children. What you’ll get is a beachfront view closest to the center, restrooms, convenient parking and access to nearby concession stands.
If you’re looking for even more privacy, the Sand Boxes allow you to reserve a private 10-foot by 12-foot area in the sand that you choose. Tickets are $299 and include admission for four people.
Flight Line Club VIP tickets give you a unique dining experience with tents, a catered lunch, exclusive parking and more. These tickets will run you $199 per adult and $169 per child.
Finally, Pelican Grand VIP Penthouse tickets for Sunday’s show are still available for $599. You’ll get access to a rooftop balcony on the 10th floor of the Pelican Grand Beach Resort. It also includes air-show viewing from the luxury ballroom, a variety of food, an open bar and preferred parking.
Where will show center be?
Show center is at Birch State Park, according to the event website, but the aerobatic box is about 2 miles wide, so spectators will have plenty of space to view the show.
Can I watch the Fort Lauderdale air show from my boat?
Of course.
The U.S. Coast Guard will establish a safety zone for the air show to keep people clear of the aerobatic box and to prevent boat anchors from damaging offshore coral reefs.
Boaters will be allowed to watch the show on the eastern perimeter of the safety zone, which extends 4 miles parallel with the flight path of the performing aircraft and is approximately 1 mile away from the air show centerline.
Where to watch the Blue Angels in Florida
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May 3-4: Fort Lauderdale Beach at Air Dot Show Fort Lauderdale
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July 12: Pensacola Beach at Pensacola Beach Air Show
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Nov. 1-2: Punta Gorda at Florida International Air Show
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Nov. 7-8: Naval Air Station Pensacola at Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show
Who are the Blue Angel pilots in 2025?
Here is a look at the 2025 Blue Angel pilots and their roles:
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#1 | Cmdr. Adam Bryan | USN – Flight leader and commanding officer
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#2 | Cmdr. Jack Keilty | USN – Right wing
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#3 | Maj. Brandon Wilkins | USMC – Left wing
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#4 | Lt. Cmdr. Wes Perkins | USN – Slot
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#5 | Cmdr. Thomas Zimmerman | USN – Lead solo
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#6 | Lt. Connor O’Donnell | USN – Opposing solo
What planes do the Blue Angels fly?
In 2021, the Blue Angels transitioned from the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet, which the team has flown since 1986, to the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet. The new Super Hornets are 25% larger, can fly 40% further and remain on station 80% longer.
How fast do the Blue Angels fly?
The fastest the Blue Angels fly during an air show is 700 mph during its Sneak Pass maneuver. The slowest speed is around 120 mph during the Section High Alpha maneuver.
How close do the Blue Angels fly?
The diamond formation the Blue Angels fly in during the Diamond 360 maneuver has the jets flying about 18 inches from each other.
How low do the Blue Angels fly during an air show?
Not every air show is the same, and because safety is paramount, the range of maneuvers the team performs depends entirely upon the conditions at the time of the show. That said, in general, the infamous Sneak Pass is the closest they’ll get to the ground. During this maneuver, the Lead Solo will “sneak” up on the crowd from behind and pass only 50 feet above it. Earbuds are recommended to protect your ears, but nothing will save you from the rumbling you’ll feel in your chest as it passes overhead.
What is the most impressive move the Blue Angels perform?
The Blue Angels allow media and other selected civilians to participate in rides ahead of some shows. Anyone selected to participate has to pass a physical exam and get a sign-off from their doctor. During these rides, it’s not uncommon for the rider to pass out at some point. All of this is to say that it’s demanding enough just to sit in the cockpit. All of the maneuvers performed by the Blue Angels are impressive.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Blue Angels Fort Lauderdale air show: Everything to know
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