Before people turn their eyes to the sky for this year’s Utah Air Show, spectators must first navigate the heavy traffic expected on the ground.
The free Wings Over the Wasatch event runs on Saturday and Sunday at Hill Air Force Base. Gates open at 7:30 a.m. each day before the air show and open house wraps up at around 5 p.m.
The show will feature military and civilian aerial performers, including the famed Air Force Thunderbirds. There is no set performance schedule, because performance times are subject to change, but both days should see similar, nonstop action.
In order to get to and from the event without hassle, here is what you should know:
Public transit is your best option
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Gary Rower waves to the crowd as he lands in his 1941 Stearman, at the Warriors Over the Wasatch airs how at Hill Air Force Base on Sunday, June 24, 2018.
Parking on base is “extremely limited,” according to organizers. That’s why the base is urging people to consider taking public transit.
UTA and Hill Air Force Base partnered to offer a special $5 air show day pass. It is only available on the UTA Transit app and allows for unlimited rides on all UTA services this weekend.
Those who take the UTA FrontRunner should get off at the Clearfield Station, located at 1250 S State St. From there, a free UTA shuttle every 15 minutes will take passengers along a priority access route to the base.
The FrontRunner will run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday for the air show, with 30-minute peak service and 60-minute midday service. More specific times can be found here.
Larger groups are eligible for a $15 group day pass, which covers up to four people. The group must ride together. These passes are also available in the UTA Transit app or by calling 801-RIDE UTA (743-3882).
The strategy for limited parking
One way drivers can beat base traffic is to park at UTA’s Clearfield Station. From there, drivers are still able to take the free UTA shuttle.
Another free shuttle to the base will regularly depart from Weber State University’s Center for Continuing Education, located at 775 S. University Park Blvd. Parking at both locations will be limited, organizers advised.
Those who want to drive to the event itself must enter the base’s North or West gates, starting at 7:30 a.m. Drivers will be directed to available spaces from there.
Vehicles with handicap placards and license plates should enter through the left lane at the West Gate to be directed to handicap parking spaces.
Off-base parking is also available at Northridge High School, located at 2430 N. Hill Field Road. But anyone who parks there will need to walk to the base’s South Gate, which is only open to pedestrians. No shuttles are available at this location, and drivers from the general public will be turned away at the South Gate.
Parking along Utah State Route 193 is strictly prohibited to avoid traffic jams and safety issues, organizers said.
Pack accordingly
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Brittine Balls holds her son, Ryker, 5, and Jesse Balls holds his son Brixton, 3, as F-35As fly overhead during the Warriors Over the Wasatch air show at Hill Air Force Base on Sunday, June 24, 2018.
All bags brought to the air show will be subject to search. Base officials encourage people to bring clear bags to speed up security lines.
Items that are not permitted include: alcoholic beverages, coolers, pets or any form of cigarette. Find the complete list of prohibited and permitted items here.
Veteran resources available at event
This year, the Department of Veteran Affairs will host a “Vet Fest” booth at the Hill Air Show.
Veterans, as well as families of veterans and veteran caregivers are encouraged to visit the booth to find out more about VA resources including the PACT Act, filing a benefits claim, enrolling for VA health care and local VA programs.