CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show officials announced recently that the 2021 CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger will take place on Saturday, July 10 and Sunday, July 11. This year’s headlining attraction will be the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

2021 will mark the 47th anniversary of Dayton’s premier summer event held annually at the Dayton International Airport. Governor DeWine’s announcement that Ohio’s health restrictions will end on June 2nd has provided the opportunity to conduct a “normal” show in 2021 complete with static display aircraft, specialty seating, and a star-studded line-up of top aerobatic performers. Previously, the plan was to move to a “Drive-In” format aligning the show with current health guidelines at the time.

“We’re so excited to return and give the people of Dayton an outdoor summer event to enjoy with family and friends. We have an incredible lineup of performers, comfortable seating and delicious food and beverages, so come on out and enjoy summer…it’s been a long time since we have been able to do this,” explains Scott Buchanan, Chairman of the United States Air and Trade Show Board of Trustees, producers of the event.

Show officials have spoken to Public Health Dayton & Montgomery County and received Ohio Department Public Health’s new order permitting the show to return to normal operations. The show will operate as it has in the past. Static aircraft will be available for public viewing and popular specialty seating areas like the Pavilion, Blue Sky Chalet, and Photo Pit will be open.

The show values its customers and will be implementing some new initiatives that will make guests feel comfortable and safe:

• Fresh Air: Everything is outdoors.
• Cleaning: Tables, restrooms and other surfaces disinfected each day.
• Space: Over 100 acres of show grounds.
• Hand Sanitation Stations: Hand sanitation stations throughout site for guest convenience and safety.
• Specialty Seating: All umbrella table seating areas, Pavilion, Blue Sky Chalet, private chalets and Chairman’s Club spaced a minimum of 6’ apart.

 

The show will be broadcast over its normal public address system and FM radio by announcers Rob Reider and Danny Clisham. Drive-in show guests will enjoy a full four-hour feature flying show in 2021. Joining the world-renowned U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will be an all-star lineup including the U.S. Army Golden Knights, AeroShell Aerobatic Team, the amazing Shockwave Jet Truck, all-new Lucas Oil Airshows, and Jacquie B “Ladies, it’s Time to Fly” aerobatics. Additional attractions to the 2021 show will be announced soon.

This year is a special year for the Thunderbirds in Dayton. Flying in Thunderbird # 6 as opposing solo will be Dayton native, Major Kyle Oliver. Born at Wright-Patterson AFB Medical Center, Kyle went on to graduate from Beavercreek High School and Ohio State University. He was inspired to join the U.S. Air Force while watching the Thunderbirds as a teen visitor to the Dayton Air Show.

2021 show tickets are on sale now at the show’s website, www.daytonairshow.com. Customers can enjoy a print-at-home option on all website purchases. Beginning June 1, 2021, customers can conveniently purchase discount general admission tickets at area Kroger stores. This Kroger exclusive offers $3.00 off adult and children’s tickets at over 100 Kroger stores in the Dayton/Cincinnati region. Visit the show’s website for additional information.

Any drive-in tickets purchased for the 2021 show will be automatically refunded. Please visit the show’s website for further information and instructions. Any specialty seating that was purchased for the 2020 show or 2021 show before the change to a drive-in format will be honored at the 2021 show on July 10th and 11th. Visit the show’s website for more information.