California Capital Airshow

This was the second year attending in the VIP area and it was again disappointing. I paid $ 240 for two tickets which included parking and food. Parking should have been much closer than we got and there was certainly an area that should have been designated for VIP’s.
Can you please hire a caterer that can provide edible food? Honestly the potato salad was the only thing that was worth eating. Next year hamburgers and hot dogs with the fixings on the side would be a success as opposed to the dry meat and wilted salad you gave us. Drop the price or improve.
At least the air show was great.

We attended the Sat 10÷3÷15 performance. The show itself was excellent, however their «Shaded Seating» is a total ripoff. Their website said the patrons would be able to sit in the shade while viewing the show. I wrongly assumed it would be similar to the shaded seating at the Salinas Sit Show which is composed of 4 seats around an umbrella. In this case, it is simply a tent off to the side of «show center» with no view. Buyer beware!

Wow, where to start?
Well how about buying tickets online for 2 dollars more than at the actual event so a total of 27 bucks for an adult? What? And how about 16 ounces of water for 4 bucks! Very few choices in terms of food. Less vendors and selections than I remember.
Ok I’ll try to focus now…
There is nothing left here, some old ww2 airplanes, fed ex and ups planes and a 35 year old f-​15 fighter jet. What a disappointment, I thought I had returned to 1991. Honestly, even my 6 year old thought that the snowbird jets were sad, he said «what are those little toy jets daddy?»
Granted, we have been watching air shows on YouTube with mirages, warthogs, harriers, Russian mig jets, and some pretty incredible aircraft. I could tell my son was let down. And so was I, for the money that they are charging there should be an awesome display of air power and thousands of people crowding in to get a glimpse. I can tell their numbers are way down. So sad.
This is a rinky dink circus side show that is duping people into thinking that it is exciting. Even the thunderbirds are the same tired 45 minute display that they have been doing forever. Nothing new.
I love America and our armed forces, it’s not their fault. Maybe something political is going on. And with that. Good night.
B

We been coming for years. Once you get pass the gate it’s huge. Remember it’s outside and it does get hot. So be prepared. I love the planes and watching the veteran. We are so lucky to have something like this so close home. There are portable bathrooms everywhere. Just have to look for them. The weather is amazing. Have a great day.

Why are they charging VETERANS anyway?! How pathetic… and with all the bad Unilocal reviews who would pay?!
They offered discounted tickets online and when u go to pay it was only discounted on Friday for today. So we called and they could care less. Sorry sir u had to buy Friday or Saturday to go on Sunday day for discounted price. What crap! They can ha e the air show. Not going!

On a warm Sunday afternoon on 10÷4÷2015, my father and I were heading to the Mather Airport for the California Capital Airshow for the first time. This year marks the 10^th anniversary of the airshow that captivates Sacramento residents near and far to enjoy the amazing «oohs» and «ahhs» on a bright sunny skies.
As we entered Mather Field Road on Highway 50, there’s an easy direction signs that heads to the airport easier, so there’s no need to worry to go shortcuts there. The parking format is so huge! We parked near the large Mather Service building as the parking guider guides us to park. We did parked successfully after paying $ 10 cash to get in. We did also get in successfully too after passing through the security check-​in without carrying prohibit items.
Inside of the capital airshow, there were many airplanes, helicopters, vintage military planes, military base squadron planes, and many more to explore! We did have much fun by exploring military planes like Travis Air Force’s squadron plane, and vintage World War II airplanes too. There’s also have fire department planes, CHP planes and a helicopter, Sheriff’s and Police’s helicopters too.
Now onto the airshow! The airshow presentation was fantastic to watch! I really enjoyed some aircraft moments that my father and I were really enjoyed of. The Canadians Snowbirds’ presentation was totally amazing to watch! They synchronized very well from splitting to plane clap tags. We also enjoyed watching Gene Soucy’s ShowCat presentation, The B-​25 & B-17’s presentation, and Sasquatch’s presentation cause they’ve done a great job for doing some wicked moves just like riding a roller coaster does. The rest of the airshow presentations were doing fantastic today. Such an enjoyable show!
One last thing, since the weather is kinda warm in every October, you need to bring your sunscreen protection spray or lotion before you head out. It’s a convent way to save your body by preventing UVA/​UVB rays.
To conclude, California Capital Airshow is the finest, and the most amazing event that I’ve ever participated! Perfect for family/​friends/​veterans gatherings to re-​experience the imaginations of the past and present airplanes. A well, worthy visit for your next year’s event!

What a disaster! Overflowing porta potties, hand washing stations out of water, incompetent volunteers, parking was a nightmare and pedestrian unfriendly. No bicycle parking or access. Will NEVER, NEVER, NEVER go to this show again.

I went on the Internet and purchased tickets in advance. I bought the $ 30 shaded seating tickets. I was afraid that it would be hard to find a seat once I got there. Actually there were plenty of seats. People didn’t want to sit in the large tented area, because you couldn’t actually see much of the air show. Everybody was using the seats that were in front of the tent, which were in the blazing sun. Next year I think I would just bring my own chairs. An important tip is to bring water. Water bottles are for sale for four dollars each. You should also bring sunscreen. I stayed from noon until 4:30. It kind of makes for a long day in the sun. We did walk around and look at the planes. It was especially fun to walk to the very large planes.

Very dissorganized. We went on Saturday, 9÷6÷14, and finding place (s) to park or enter the event was horrible. No signs. No arrows. No one directing traffic. Nothing. Roll the bones and maybe you’ll find where you need to go.
Once you figure out which gate you’re allowed through — and I say that because other gates are shut with personnel simply standing there looking at you — then you get to figure out which way to the main event. Mather field is huge and this event is sprawling — there is nothing intuitive about where you should go for starting.
We purchased the $ 95.00 VIP tickets. Again, no signage ponting out where the tent was. Ask for directions? «It’s way down that way».
This VIP package, as another Unilocaler pointed out, is supposed to provide shaded view of the event. IT DOES NOT! It’s a shaded tent with any viewing of the event blocked by seating and umbrellas placed outside and forward to the tent. The tent is provided for the food buffet and bar, that’s it. And the food? Again very dissorganized. Most of the warming dishes were empty. They served hamburgers, hot dogs, chips but there weren’t any, buns that were damp and there were only a few hamburger buns, potato salad, etc. Service for the food went on both sides of the tables/​lines BUT things like mustard, catsup, mayonaisse, etc., were only available as ones. If you wanted mustard and it was on the other side of the table, reach for it. And if you picked out two items, such as a woman did by choosing a hamburger patty AND a hot dog, the food police was there to scold you — in public — for picking 2 items when you’re only supposed to pick one. Hey stupid food Nazi — where’s the sign telling anyone this?
Amateurish organization. At best. We won’t bother going back. It’s not worth the heat the irritation or the overcharging.

We just returned home from the air show today. I purchased 4 VIP seating tickets. In the description of the seating it says shaded. That was true only you could not really see very well from the tent as they had tables in front of the tent with umbrellas up. The only way one could really see was to sit in chairs in front of the tent/​tables with umbrellas which put us right smack in the sun. When you pay $ 95 per person there is an expectation that you will have excellent seating; it will be comfortable; and it will definitely not in the blazing sun! I wish I had just purchased general admission and brought my own umbrellas and lawn chairs. In fairness, the catered buffet was very good and there was an open bar, although due to the heat we just drank water and lemonade. At least the money is going to a non-​profit for scholarships which is helping me deal with this. I still am disappointed as I had a different expectation. It was a long show and parts dragged on more than others, but there were some very spectacular portions of the show. I did give it 2 stars, but if you like air shows you should go, but come prepared and buy the cheaper tickets.

Such a disappointing airshow. I brought my wife to it for her first airshow.
There were no modern military aircraft on display and none flying in the show. The highlights are always the modern military aircraft like F15, F16,F18, and F22. There were none flying and none on display to take pictures with. Yes the P52 mustangs were kinda cool, and the Canadian Team was great, but none of them have the powerful engine that make you want to plug your ears.
I know the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds are grounded, and I don’t expect them all the time, but having 0 there was so disappointing. When I bought the tickets they listed the F22 was going to fly, but then it changed.
Would not go back to it unless it had some modern military aircraft flying. I remember 3 or 4 years ago they had the F16 Thunderbirds, F15, F18, F22, and a suprise visit from the B2 Stealth Bomber. All of these aircraft were flying in the show.

I went on Saturday, it was hot… Great display of aircrafts from the Air Force. They had the following aicrafts; C-​5, MV-​22, A-​10, F-16,and B-​52. Missing from the group was B-​1, B-​2, F-​15, F-​22, C-​130. Also, there was a static display of WWII aicrafts.
It was well organized from the Parking to the show. Great selection of foods outlets. The only negative there wansn’t any areas with shades except you camp underneath the aicraft. The FedEx and UPS aicraft were great shelter.
Overall, its great for family and fans.

The California Capital Airshow is a treat for aviation enthusiasts. Though it’s a bit pricy, at $ 20 per ticket plus $ 10 to park, there’s lots to see and do, so you can make a day of it. In addition to the typical «fair food,» there are some vendors with free samples and a fun Kid Zone. There are TONS of aircraft on display, and unlike some airshows where all the action is above, this one allows you to get up close, ask questions, and even go inside some of the planes. The Thunderbirds are the highlight, and put on an amazing show.

Easy parking and fast lines to enter. Very nice volunteers. The show is very nicely produced and the Thunderbirds are always worth seeing. Very family friendly. Bring earplugs or headset for younger kids.

Awesome… and my hubby got live-​interviewed on Channel 3 this morning!

HOT HOT HOT. So darn hot this past weekend at the airshow. I was melting on the car ride there. We were directed to park on this field which wasn’t very friendly for our car. We got there before 9am — but even though the website said gates open at 9am we were allowed in until almost 10am. They were very disorganized. We were waiting for an authorized security person and the ticket scanners. Lame.
There were a bunch of stationary planes for viewing and taking pictures. We actually got to go inside of a C5 and I learned what a C5 was. LOL
There weren’t a lot of people there. The place didn’t seem that packed.
This was my first airshow. I probably would’ve never ever gone to one if it weren’t for the bf. This really is a guy thing. I just don’t have much interest in planes.

The airshow is decent. I went to the airshow at Travis last month… so many more people there… where are all the Sacramento people? I mean, it seemed barren out there.
The Partiots show at the end was pretty good. Not as good as the Blue Angels last month… but still very good. This one had a re-​enactment of Pearl Harbor that was very, very good… called Tora Tora Tora. Very well planned out and the narrator did an excellent job.
I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s ⁹⁄₁₁ tribute. Should be memorable and exciting. Other than that, it’ll be the same show that I saw today. That’s ok… good chance for some more pictures.
Please be warned, it is very hot out on that tarmac… you can bring minimal water in if in unopened containers… otherwise, be prepared to spend a little money.

The California Capital Airshow is a must see event! I have a 3 yr old son and with kids having short attention spans, I thought He’d be bored after a couple of hours but to my surprise he stayed attentive and curious the whole day. Can’t wait for this years airshow. Kids under 5 are free and at $ 12 for adults and $ 10 parking; it is definitely worth the price of admission!

In it’s fifth year, the California Capital Airshow is a nonprofit organization that has consistently offered significant economic benefit to the greater Sacramento region in terms of hotel room nights, car rentals, restaurant business and more and has distributed more than $ 41,000 in scholarships to any college student persuing an aviation-​related career. Contrary to another review, neither of those two elements have anything to do with the military.
Also, the airshow hosts Make a Wish, Shriners and other children for a special opportunity to have once-​in-​a-​lifetime opportunities, meet the men and women who are their heroes (civilian and military) and enjoy a special day just for them.
Beyond what flies, the airshow features a diverse collection of civilian and commercial aircraft on display that in many cases you won’t have the opportunity to see anywhere else, live entertainment and more. Many retired military attend as well so it’s an opportunity to meet Tuskeegee Airmen and decorated pilots form WWII, for example.
Is it an opportunity to see aircraft and military equipment that your tax dollars afford? Sure. Since you technically bought them, I think it makes sense to be able to see them. It makes sense to see the men and women who defend this country and its itnerests and offer them the honor they deserve for putting their lives on the line. In addition, those who take to the skies are often those who will also fly commercial aircraft in the future.
So, don’t just look up… attend. It’s not just a military thing and it’s not all in the air. Support your community, the men and women who risk their lives on your behalf, the future of aviation and those who are far less fortunate than you. You may just end up having the time of your life.