Blue Angels during Commissioning Week?

J

jomass

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Who's familiar with the Blue Angels performances during Commissioning Week?

The attached schedule says they perform at a few different times. But which is really the best show to see? I've heard the practices are as good or better than the actual demo. But maybe not.
Also, where's the best spot to get a great view, if you can't actually get on the Yard itself?


Tuesday, May 25, 2010
11 a.m.-1 p.m. Blue Angels Circle & Arrival, Severn River
2 p.m. Blue Angels Flight Rehearsal, Severn River

Wednesday, May 26, 2010
2 p.m. Blue Angels Flight Demonstration, Severn River

http://www.usna.edu/SpecialEvents/CommWeeksked.pdf
 
I am lucky enough to get to travel from Texas to attend Herndon, tacking on a day to a trip for a meeting in DC. The thought of sitting in DC at a meeting when the Blue Angels are flying over USNA is going to kill me! I can't skip out, I am an invited speaker. This is gonna be tough!
 
Blues Practice Show on Tuesday, 25 May 2010

jennyp said:
I am lucky enough to get to travel from Texas to attend Herndon, tacking on a day to a trip for a meeting in DC. The thought of sitting in DC at a meeting when the Blue Angels are flying over USNA is going to kill me! I can't skip out, I am an invited speaker. This is gonna be tough!
Click to expand...

The Blues do the exact same show on Tuesday, the practice show, as the formal show on Wednesday. Same time, same maneuvers. Dresss rehearsal, smoke and everything. Same closings of various bridges and other places, so the key to is come way early, ditch the car in DTA, walk into the Yard and park yourself in a good viewing spot. Though I've seen the Blues countless times all over the country, I always enjoy watching them over the Severn, though you miss out on the pre-show flightline walkout, formation take-off, landing and roll-up.

Practice show = formal show, unless weather (low ceiling) dictates "low show" vs. "high show." It's all good.

The Yard is the best place, since Show Center is the middle of the Severn, generally abeam of the soccer field/outdoor track. Walk onto the Yard with driver's license. Head where everyone else is heading, the fields bordering the Severn. You'll be able to see some from City Dock in DTA, but the low crossing maneuvers at Show Center will be obscured.

Hope you're able to play hooky for the practice!:biggrin:
 
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Instead of parking in DTA and walking on, you should be able to park at the stadium (for a small fee) and take the shuttle bus onto the Yard. That way you won’t waste time looking for a parking space. The shuttle should drop-off in front of Alumni Hall and then everyone just walks on over to the big athletic field. A fun atmosphere of Frisbee tossing, picnicking, and general merriment will ensue. Check the USNA website for shuttle details, including what items are not allowed to be carried on the shuttle. And just a tip, especially for anyone bringing young children, that earplugs may assist in the enjoyment of the show. We brought earplugs for all of us the last time we went. Live and learn: In a previous year, we all played hooky from work and school to attend the show and my son actually said he wanted to go home because it was too loud! I told him to man up, ‘cause we’re staying!
Blue skies for the shows my friends……
 
No matter where you park, be prepared for a LONG wait to go anywhere after the show. The bridge closures will have traffic snarled for miles. It's a good time to walk back into DTA and have dinner or something. Enjoy!
 
Thanks all for the info. I noticed on the schedule about the bridge closings. Why do they close them???
 
FAA show rules for safety. Show Center is smack dab in the middle of the Severn River, so various access points, roads and bridges are closed for some period of time before the show. Not quite the same as an airshow at an airport amidst all the acreage.
 
You can really tell where "Show Center" is too.....they park a school bus right smack dab in the middle of the bridge!
 
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What can you bring into the Yard for the Blue Angles show?

What is allowed/not allowed into the Yard for the Blue Angels show? Blanket, small cooler, backpacks? If you were to outline a good list of 'gear' to bring, what would that look like?

Please advise. It will be our first time.
 
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