The OC Air Show in Ocean City, Maryland–originally set for June–has been rescheduled for August 15-16, show organizers announced Thursday. And the show will offer social distancing options in it ticket packages.
The OC Air Show will feature the three U.S. Air Force fighter jet demo teams: F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lighting II and the A-10 Thunderbolt II. It’s one of the few times all three of the fighters will perform at the same event, organizers say. But fans are still waiting for the show’s annual headliners, the USAF Thunderbirds, to announce whether they’ll perform.
The air show has made a series of “Stay safe initiatives” to adjust for COVID-19 restrictions. It’s increasing the size of the VIP and “premium viewing venues, adding additional entrances, and reducing the number of tickets available for the venues (which must be bought in advance).
They’re also adding a new group of ticketed viewing areas called “Sand Boxes,” reserved spaces on the beach with umbrellas and chairs. They’re intended to give at-risk, the elderly, and families with small children their own personal space on the beach. They accommodate up to four people and can be had for $199 until July 6 and $285 closer to air show weekend.
For those who don’t spring for a premium venue ticket, the air show is taking step to encourage spectators to spread out across the entire stretch of beach where the jets will be visible.
“The stage for the OC Air Show is 10 miles wide and 1,000 feet high,” says Chairman Bryan Lilley. “Spectators can watch from their backyard, balcony, boat or the beach, making it the ideal event for the Ocean City community to host in the era of social distancing.”
The loudspeaker that usually broadcasts the show’s narration won’t be available in the immediate area around the Show Center to avoid people crowding around. Instead, a text version of the narration will be on the OC Air Show Twitter page (@ocairshow). Fans will also have a chance to virtually attend the show.
The USAF Thunderbirds are anticipated to release their updated 2020 schedule soon. To get the latest update, go to at OCAirShow.com or follow the event Facebook page.
-Meg Walburn Viviano
