Fort Worth airshow becomes a drive-in event

The 30th anniversary of the Bell Fort Worth Alliance Air Show, set for Oct. 17-18, 2020, at Fort Worth Alliance Airport and featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, has evolved into North Texas’ first drive-in air show.

The plan is to offer a limited number of parking tickets available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis in mid-September at AllianceAirShow.com. There will be no parking tickets sold onsite, according to organizers.

“The circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic provided the unique opportunity to be innovative in how to move forward with hosting the air show for the North Texas community,” said Christina Carey, director of special projects for Alliance Air Productions, producer of the event. “Our newly reformatted event will be a memorable, fun and socially distanced drive-in experience as we celebrate 30 years of soaring excellence.” 

With health and safety as the top priority, social distancing standards and additional protocols will be in place. Each vehicle will be appropriately separated with one space for the vehicle and the adjoining space for guests to sit safely and picnic, organizers explain.

Guests still will be able to photograph, see, and feel the heart-thumping roar of the world-renowned U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and other performers.

The drive-in experience will not include static displays, exhibitors, kids’ inflatables, paid seating areas or chalets.

Additional information on the drive-in experience and plans, including what will and will not be allowed, is available at AllianceAirShow.com.

• All guests will be required to wear masks for the entirety of the event. 
• Open flames, grills, pop-up tents, RVs, trailers, and smoking will not be allowed.
• Restrooms and hand wash stations will be onsite.

“Alliance Air Productions will continue to monitor updates relevant to our area, as they are made available,” explained Carey. “Should local, state, federal, military, or FAA entities determine that we cannot host a 2020 air show due to matters that are COVID-19 related, advance ticket purchases will be refunded.”

The Bell Fort Worth Alliance Air Show is one of the largest, longest-running and most successful civilian air shows in the nation and placed first among “Best Air Shows” in the 2020 USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Since 2006, more than $760,000 has been distributed to more than 70 nonprofit organizations. This year’s proceeds will be distributed to local nonprofit organizations.