Luke AFB aerial show delayed to ensure ‘dynamic’ experience
Jan 17, 2018, 4:09 AM
(Facebook/Luke Air Force Base)
PHOENIX — Fans of the “Luke Days” air show at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale will have to wait a couple more days to see the show this year: It has been pushed back to March 17 and 18.
The two-day event was originally scheduled for March 10 and 11, but Kiley Dougherty, a spokeswoman with the 56th Fighter Wing, said it was moved to “ensure the public a more robust and dynamic experience.”
Dougherty said this year’s show will be different that years prior: The U.S. Navy Blue Angels aerial team will be in attendance for the first time since 1992, replacing the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.
“It will provide a different experience,” she said.
Dougherty said the “Luke Days” event is the one time every two years that the public is permitted to come onto base and enjoy the aerial and on-the-ground performances from the Navy, Marine, Army and Air Force.
The F-35 Lightning II and the F-16 Fighting Falcon will be among the static displays, but the schedule of aerial performers and full list of aircraft on static display is still being finalized, according to a press release.
It is a great “experience for any age from as small as you can think to as old as you can think,” she said, adding that the event is completely free.
“We’re not usually open to the general public, but we do this to thank their community for their support over the last two years.”
Officials expect there to be upwards of 425,000 spectators during the air show weekend, a number that will be comparable to its 2016 attendance.
KTAR News’ Nailea Leon contributed to this report.