Blue Angels to take flight at 2023 Scott Air Force Base Airshow. See weekend schedule

Meredith Howard
·4 min read

The 2023 Scott Air Force Base Airshow will kick off Saturday, and attendees will get the chance to see the U.S. Navy Blue Angels take flight along with several other performances. The event is free and open to the public.

Premium box seating is available for $40 a ticket – it’s sold out for Saturday, but Sunday tickets are still for sale as of Thursday morning.

Here’s what to know about attending the airshow, including the schedule, what you can take on to the base, parking and transportation information.

Airshow schedule

The 2023 Scott Air Force Base Airshow will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 13 and May 14. The order of events will be the same both days.

Here’s what to know:

  • 9 a.m. gates open

  • 11:30 a.m. Red Bull team teaser, Honor Guard and Band of Mid America; “High Flight” and opening remarks AMC Flyover: C-21, C-40, KC-135, KC-46

  • Noon: Red Bull team; Tora! Tora! Tora!

  • 1 p.m. MiG-17 Randy Ball; P-51 Mustang, Heritage Flight, F-22 Demo; Extreme Flight Pitts S1-S

  • 2 p.m. C-17 West Coast Demo Team; Jet Provost; C-130; Wings of Blue

  • 3 p.m. Blue Angels

The 2023 Airshow at Scott Air Force Base will take place from May 13 to 14.
The 2023 Airshow at Scott Air Force Base will take place from May 13 to 14.

You can find maps and additional information online at Scott Air Force Base.

What can you bring to the base?

Scott Air Force Base provides a list of allowed and prohibited items. Empty plastic water bottles are allowed, and there will be places to fill up on water once you enter.

Coolers are only allowed if they are used for medicine. Weapons of any kind, including pepper spray, are not allowed.

Food, drinks and souvenirs will be available for purchase. Free water will be available.

Here’s what else to know:

Permitted items:

  • Empty clear plastic bottles to refill at the base

  • Snacks in non-glass containers

  • Small purses

  • Umbrellas (must be smaller than a personal golf umbrella)

  • Collapsible seating (folding chairs, camping chairs), blankets

  • Wheelchairs and other medical devices

  • Cameras, video recorders, binoculars, tripods (You must be able to demonstrate all items are operable.)

  • Strollers, wagons for toddlers, diaper bags, hearing protection

  • Portable coolers for medicines and medical equipment are allowed. All items are subject to screening.

  • Multi-tools and pocket tools no longer than 4 inches unopened

Recommended items:

  • Comfortable shoes

  • Hearing protection

  • Cameras, pens for autographs

  • Enough gas in your vehicle’s tank to wait in congested traffic

  • Sunscreen, hat with visor, sunglasses

  • Credit cards/cash (ATMs are available onsite.)

Prohibited items:

  • Weapons of any kind, or anything that resembles a weapon (including but not limited to scissors, box cutters, nunchucks, Billy clubs, large/heavy chain jewelry or belts, mace/pepper spray, firearms)

  • Balloons

  • Toys that resemble firearms

  • Flammable items/fireworks

  • Walking sticks

  • Large portable sun protection such as tents, large umbrellas or canopies

  • Backpacks, coolers, cooking equipment (including grills)

  • Large bags

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • “Illegal drugs,” marijuana or CBD oil (Possession and use of marijuana or CBD oil is illegal on all federal installations, according to the base website.)

  • Glass containers

  • Bikes, roller skates, rollerblades, golf carts and skateboards

  • Drones or radio-controlled vehicles

  • Walkie talkies, HAM radios, scanners

The open flight line offers no shade, the Scott Air Force Base website says, but there are areas, such as the STEM hangar, that provide shade.

“First aid will be available to treat minor ailments such as dehydration, minor cuts, bruises, and applications of emergency medications (such as Epi-pens),” the base website says.

Medical personnel will be onsite to stabilize and coordinate transportation for any injuries or illnesses requiring higher levels of care.

Transportation and parking

Scott Air Force Base officials encourage attendees to take the MetroLink to the show for the easiest access to the base. The Shiloh-Scott and Southwestern Illinois College stations will offer transportation to and from the base every 15 minutes.

MetroLink tickets are available for $2.50 each way or $5 for a day pass.

If you drive to the base, you will need to secure a free parking pass. Limited spaces are available, and some spots are about a mile away from the base. Shuttles are not available. Americans with Disabilities Act parking is available for credentialed vehicles.