Blue Angels return to St. George; Thunder Over Utah discount tickets available

U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform at Thunder Over Utah, St. George, Utah, March 17, 2012 | Photo by Troy Hoskins, St. George News

ST. GEORGE – The U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the popular military air demonstration team, will return to St. George this summer for the 2014 Thunder Over Utah air show.

U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform at Thunder Over Utah, St. George, Utah, March 17, 2012 | Photo by Troy Hoskins, St. George News
U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform at Thunder Over Utah, St. George, Utah, March 17, 2012 | Photo by Troy Hoskins, St. George News

Thunder Over Utah, set for July 25-27 at the St. George Municipal Airport, promises an electrifying weekend. Aside from the main attraction, the Blue Angels, classic military aircraft and some of the world’s finest professional demonstration pilots will soar through the skies. Between performances, fans can enjoy aircraft displays and tours, vendors and the Kidz’ Zone, with aviation-themed activities for youngsters. A complete schedule has not yet been released.

“There’s lots to see on the ground and in the air,” marketing director Herb Gillen said. “Of course, the Blue Angels are the headlining act, but there’s much more.”

Tickets are on sale now at ThunderOverUtah.com. Until Feb. 8, “early bird” pricing offers general admission at 40 percent off. Kids age 15 and under enter for free.

The inaugural Thunder Over Utah in March 2012 featured performances by wingwalker Carol Pilon and aerial acrobatic pilot Jeff Boerboon, a WWII ground combat re-enactment, and a rare appearance by the F-22 Raptor. Many other active-duty and retired military aircraft were on display to the crowd of 35,000.

U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform at Thunder Over Utah, St. George, Utah, March 17, 2012 | Photo by Troy Hoskins, St. George News
U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform at Thunder Over Utah, St. George, Utah, March 17, 2012 | Photo by Troy Hoskins, St. George News

Airport manager Rick Stehmeier said that fans can expect an even better show this year, with improved traffic control, parking and facilities, and more cooperative weather (previously, high winds and wet skies threatened canceled some performances and made for an unpleasant visitor experience).

Among the most skilled pilots in the U.S. military, the Blue Angels have delighted fans around the world with daring combinations of speed and grace for over 65 years. They fly at nearly 600 mph, executing precision maneuvers that often leave their wingtips less than 18 inches apart.

“The Blue Angels are the draw,” Stehmeier said. “(Their demonstration) is loud, fast, exciting and beautiful too. Very seldom do we get an opportunity like this.”

Image courtesy of Thunder Over Utah
Image courtesy of Thunder Over Utah

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U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform at Thunder Over Utah, St. George, Utah, March 17, 2012 | Photo by Troy Hoskins, St. George News
U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform at Thunder Over Utah, St. George, Utah, March 17, 2012 | Photo by Troy Hoskins, St. George News

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6 Comments

  • But Seriously January 17, 2014 at 4:34 pm

    Love the Blue Angels. But the end of July? Are they nuts?

  • bub January 17, 2014 at 6:10 pm

    last time it was in april right?

  • Judy June 29, 2014 at 12:13 am

    I was lucky enough to be living in St. George at that time and did attend this awesome show! The wind was crazy that day and the red sand was blowing steady, especially in the parking area (poor cars).
    I am a Navy “brat”, as my Dad served 20 years with the USN! I attended this attraction alone, just to show respect to my Dad.
    What I witnessed was the most remarkable thing I have ever seen!
    They were so fast, so presise, so entertaining. The wing walker was amazing. I went in the HUGE aircraft (I don’t know its name), up into the pilots cockpit. I was amazed that such a large plane could get off the ground. For such a huge plane, the pilots area was very cramped!
    Thank you so much for memories I will never forget!!

  • Brian July 24, 2014 at 1:40 pm

    If one desires Peace, promote instruments of Peace, not war.

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