The numbers are in for the California Capital Airshow (CCA), presented by Sacramento County in partnership with the City of Rancho Cordova and the twilight event was deemed another huge success according to event organizers on Monday afternoon. two-day full-capacity event had nearly 90,000 attendees, according to a CCA press release, many which came out to enjoy the return of the “Night Show,” with a lineup of performers headlined by Italian jet team Frecce Tricolori and the United States Air Force Thunderbirds jet demonstration team.
“The community’s energy and excitement surrounding this year’s performances exceeded our expectations,” said Darcy Brewer, Executive Director of California Capital Airshow. “This Airshow was truly one-of-a-kind, and the feeling of seeing tens of thousands of aviation enthusiasts come together to experience the magic of flight is indescribable.”
Welcoming Frecce Tricolori to Sacramento
California Capital Airshow served as the first U.S. stop on Frecce Tricolori’s first North American tour in more than 30 years and was the only location in the Western United States where spectators could see the team’s full performance.
CCA welcomed Frecce Tricolori to Sacramento with a press conference at Mather Airport on Tuesday, July 9. The welcome ceremony featured dance performances from the Italian Cultural Society and special remarks from Michael Faust, Treasurer of California Capital Airshow; Linda Budge, City of Rancho Cordova Council Member; and Cindy Nichol, Sacramento County Airport System’s Director of Airports.
2024 Performer Lineup
On Saturday and Sunday, the Sacramento skies were filled with the sound of the Thunderbirds, followed by Frecce Tricolori, the U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornet, U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning and C-17 Globemaster demo teams, and an awe-inspiring lineup of world-class civilian aerobatic performers and selection of rare World War II aircraft. The show concluded with a half-hour long display of fireworks, pyrotechnics, walls of fire, and a 500-drone show featuring images and messages celebrating Frecce Tricolori and the Thunderbirds.
Exhibits to Educate and Inspire
At the center of the Airshow was a pop-up museum commemorating NATO’s 75th anniversary, the 80th anniversary of D-Day, and the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force. The displays highlighted Mather Air Force Base’s rich history, as well as the historical ties between the United States and Italian Air Force branches. The show featured more than 200 acres of static displays, featuring aircraft from Travis Air Force Base, Beale Air Force Base, California Air National Guard, law enforcement agencies, first responders, and dozens of STEM and aviation partners.
“Watching young people explore all of the exhibits and show interest in the world of aviation and STEM is the true highlight of the weekend for the Airshow team,” said Terrence McNamara, Board Chairman of California Capital Airshow.
Airshow By The Numbers
Here are just a few of CCA’s favorite numbers behind creating “Magic in the Air” during the evening performances…
- 541,000 pounds of thrust in the Airshow’s combined jet demos
- 1,000 foot Wall of Fire (…which generated 15 million BTUs of heat!)
- 70 pounds of dynamite and 6,000 feet of detonating cord
- 500 drones from Starlight Aerial Productions
As well as magic on the ground…
- 908 dedicated volunteers
- 27 partnering nonprofits
- 27,749 lemonades sold
- 99 Frecce Tricolori crew members
- 2 unforgettable days of aviation fun!
Special thanks to our generous partners: Sacramento County, the City of Rancho Cordova, Modern Aviation, Keurig Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Visit Rancho Cordova, Folsom Lake Dodge, Donaghy Sales, SMUD, Thunder Valley Casino Resort, Kaiser Permanente, Atlas Disposal, Sunbelt, Teichert, Elite Power, FOX 40, iHeart Media, and UPS. In addition, the Airshow team is grateful to an army of passionate volunteers, a long list of committed community supporters, as well as the law enforcement, fire, and medical services teams that give their time and energy to keep everyone safe.
The Airshow’s performances, themes, exhibits, and activities are new and different every year, and planning is already underway for 2025. CCA will be releasing more information about that event in the coming months. For more information on the Airshow, go towww.californiacapitalairshow.com.
Established in 2004, the California Capital Airshow 501(c)3 plans and operates the exciting, family-friendly annual event designed to honor the Sacramento region’s rich aviation heritage and veterans while using the power and magic of flight to inspire young people. CCA gives back to the community through STEM scholarships, charitable group donations, and exciting educational youth programming throughout the year. For more information, please visit the California Capital Airshow website.
Folsom Times photos above: Top photo:Mark Loper. In story photos; Mark Loper