BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La.-- -- Barksdale Air Force Base will host the Defenders of Liberty Air Show, March 25-26.
Gates will open at 9:00 a.m. with the show scheduled from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on both days. Event admission as well as parking is free, however, overnight parking will not be permitted.
Visitors can expect performances from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, Red Bull Aviation, Rob Holland, Kevin Coleman, Aftershock Jet Fire Truck, Randy Ball, and many more. There will also be fly overs by B-1B Lancers, B-2 Spirits and B-52H Stratofortresses.
“I know that the community, leadership and our Airmen at all levels are extremely excited,” said Maj. Branden Yarrington, 2nd Operations Support Squadron director of staff and airshow director. “One of the great aspects about military air shows is that the public gets a chance to see our hardworking Airmen and our impressive equipment in action.”
Food and drinks will be available for purchase during the show. Upon entry, attendees will be subject to search for any unauthorized items.
Permitted items include: diaper bags and small purses (not to exceed one cubic foot), strollers, wheelchairs, and electric scooters (for handicapped/elderly), small cameras (without bags), lawn chairs. and camera bags and cases.
Prohibited items include: weapons (i.e., guns, knives, pepper spray), illegal drugs, outside alcoholic beverages, glass bottles, pets (excluding service animals), sports equipment (i.e. roller skates, bicycles, skateboards), drones, large hand carried items (i.e. tote bags, backpacks, coolers), laser pointers, tobacco products and electronic cigarettes (unless in designated areas).
For updates, follow Defenders of Liberty Air Show on Facebook and Instagram. For additional information, visit defendersoflibertyairshow.com.
FAQS:
Is there a cost?
No. Admission and parking are both free.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Food and drinks will be available for purchase at the show. Patrons may bring an empty water bottle to the show as free water stations will be available. Otherwise, outside food and drinks are not permitted.
Will there be any food or souvenirs available?
Yes. There will be concessions at the air show for food, drinks, and souvenirs.
I have small children. Can I bring a stroller, wagon and/or diaper bag?
Yes. Strollers, wagons and diaper bags not exceeding one cubic foot are permitted but will be searched at the security checkpoint.
Where can I find a schedule for the air show?
A finalized schedule is in the works. Please continue to check the air show website for updates as the event nears.
Will other seating be available if I do not bring a chair?
No. The only additional seating available is the reserved seating in which patrons can purchase tickets at https://defendersoflibertyairshow.com/reserved-seating
Where should I park and what gate should I use to access the base?
Patrons will enter through the West (Shreveport) and North (Bossier) gates and will be directed to the designated parking areas.
Can I bring my camera?
Yes. Patrons can bring cameras, lenses with cases and camera bags. All bags and camera gear are subject to search at the security checkpoint.
Can I bring a blanket and umbrella?
Yes, both are permitted.
Can I bring hand portable radios and Bluetooth speakers?
No, neither are permitted at the air show.
Can I leave and re-enter the air show?
Yes. Guests may come and go as they please but should be mindful that re-entry may be difficult with traffic and lines getting through the security checkpoints.
Is tailgating allowed?
No. Guests are not allowed to stay in or around vehicles during the show.
Is smoking allowed?
Yes, but only in the designated smoking area.
Will restroom facilities be easily accessible?
Yes. Portable restrooms will be located across the flight line.
Should I bring hearing protection?
It is highly encouraged that you bring hearing protection – especially for children. Aircraft will be taking off, landing, and performing, which will be extremely loud.
When will the Blue Angels be performing?
The Blue Angels will perform their demonstrations both Saturday and Sunday.
What happens if it rains?
Weather-related notifications will be announced at the show and on the air show social media sites (Facebook and Instagram). Unless an air show cancellation announcement is made, expect the show to continue as many aerial acts can still perform in low cloud conditions. There will also be indoor activities available.
How much will reserved seating cost and where can I purchase tickets?
Those interested in reserved seating can purchase seats at the link below:
https://defendersoflibertyairshow.com/reserved-seating
I'm interested in having an informational booth or being a vendor for the air show. Who do I contact?
Potential vendors may contact Teresa Campbell with the 2nd Force Support Squadron at 318-456-2451 or email at Teresa.campbell.4@us.af.mil.
I don’t see the answer to my question. Where can I go for additional information?
For more information on the air show, visit the air show website at defendersoflibertyairshow.com and our social media accounts at @DefendersofLibertyAirShow (Instagram/Facebook). If you don’t see the information you’re looking for now, continue to check back as the air show team puts out additional information as the event gets closer.