6 days ago
Want to watch the Blue Angels practice on Thursday? Here's everything to know
It's official—Blue Angels weekend has started.
Pensacola's favorite hometown team, the Blue Angels, returned to the city's emerald-green waters with a two-hour showing on Wednesday morning. On Thursday, the team will hold its first practice for the 2025 Pensacola Beach Air Show.
Don't let the word "practice" fool you, though. Thursday's demonstration promises fans all of the same high-speed excitement and famous maneuvers fans will see during Friday and Saturday's shows.
The only thing missing will be the accompanying military and civilian performers—and the crowds.
Here's everything you need to know if you're planning to watch the Blue Angels perform on Thursday.
The Blue Angels practice show on Thursday will be the same performance fans see during Friday's dress rehearsal and the official Pensacola Beach Air Show on Saturday.
The biggest departure from Thursday's demonstration is the lack of everything else. Don't expect the same crowds, vendors or other performers.
The Blue Angels will fly at 2 p.m. on Thursday, which is the same time they'll fly on Friday and Saturday.
Thursday's practice is held at 2 p.m., giving fans some extra time to sleep in. The Casino Beach parking lot reportedly closed just after 10 a.m. last year.
The best place to watch the Blue Angels' practice will be near the show center, which is around Casino Beach. You'll be able to get clear views of the show from other spots along Pensacola Beach, too, like Quietwater Beach.
Every day at the Pensacola Beach Air Show is a full-day event, so you'll want to pack accordingly. Here are some things you shouldn't leave without:
Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen
Beach towels, chairs or anything else to sit on
Water to keep you hydrated (just remember that glass containers are prohibited on the beach)
Food or snacks (it'll be a long day)
Umbrella, tent or anything else that will provide shade
A small bag or container to keep important belongings safe and sand-free
Ear plugs
A cooler
There aren't many show-specific rules to follow at the Pensacola Beach Air Show, but there are plenty of general safety tips to follow:
Reapply sunscreen often. The general rule of thumb is to reapply it every two hours of sun exposure.
Thursday's highs will reach around 91 degrees, so drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. In general, you should aim to have around 2-4 cups of water per hour, per person.
Pick a spot along the beach with lifeguards if you plan on swimming.
Be aware of beach flags, which are generally modeled after traffic lights. Green is good, yellow flags mean surf conditions are moderate and red flags indicate dangerous conditions. Thursday's current rip current risk is low, according to the National Weather Service.
Here is a look at the 2025 Blue Angel pilots and their roles:
#1 | Cmdr. Adam Bryan | USN — Flight leader and commanding officer
#2 | Cmdr. Jack Keilty | USN — Right wing
#3 | Maj. Brandon Wilkins | USMC — Left wing
#4 | Lt. Cmdr. Wes Perkins | USN — Slot
#5 | Cmdr. Thomas Zimmerman | USN — Lead solo
#6 | Lt. Connor O'Donnell | USN — Opposing solo
There are three officers who serve as pilots for the Blue Angels' beloved support aircraft known as "Fat Albert."
Capt. Sam Petko | USMC — Lead C-130J 'Fat Albert' pilot
Capt. Isaac Becker | USMC — C-130J 'Fat Albert' pilot
Maj. Josh Horman | USMC — C-130J 'Fat Albert' pilot
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Blue Angels Pensacola Beach Air Show Thursday practice: What to know