With the Super Bowl just 10 days away, both Vegas and the NFL are pulling out all the stops for the spectacular event. The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squad “The Thunderbirds” is set to grace the skies over the Allegiant stadium. Renowned for their participation in airshows and sporting events nationwide, the Thunderbirds are gearing up for a thrilling flyover at the highly anticipated final.
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The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will be performing the flyover at this year’s Super Bowl.
They’ll be coming from Nellis Air Force Base — only 15 miles down the road in Las Vegas.
But people in attendance won’t be able to see the flyover because Allegiant Stadium has a roof. pic.twitter.com/LTgQe7Zpph
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) February 2, 2024
Coming in from Nellis Air Force Base, the Thunderbirds are set to soar over the stadium in their F-16 Fighting Falcons for the Super Bowl. However, 65k fans inside the stadium won’t have the opportunity to witness the jaw-dropping performances and formations due to the stadium roof. The flyover is scheduled to occur during the national anthem marking The Thunderbirds’ return to the SB for the first time since 2019.
The estimated cost of the flyover is around $80k, which includes fuel, maintenance, etc. The funding is sourced from the military budget, with the added benefit of providing training opportunities to the pilots. The announcement has sparked mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a great way to uphold tradition, while others consider it as a misuse of taxpayers’ money. Fans said,
What a waste of money.
— Chris Majchrzak (@chrismyshack) February 2, 2024
A fan wrote,
What is this obsession with fly overs??? Seriously..its so lame and 1993…isnt there anything else they can spent that money on? Maybe by making tickets more available for average Joe?? ♀️
— Erik Eijgenstein (@erikeijgenstein) February 2, 2024
Another chimed in,
Flyover for a roofed stadium doesn’t makes sense. Just save the taxpayers money and drive a tank onto the field.
— Soccer Thoughts (@_SoccerThoughts) February 2, 2024
Someone quipped,
Tax dollars at work lol
— Old Tinder Swindler (@AgedTinder) February 2, 2024
A fan commented,
Dumb ass shit. Waste of $$
— Dicky Pendulum (@Archduke_Saucin) February 2, 2024
However, many fans are excited about the flyover and feel this is one of the best sports traditions out there. Even Joe Pompliano himself expressed his support for the event. He said,
I understand some of the complaints about using taxpayer money to do stadium flyovers.
But if there was ever a time to do a flyover, it would be a 15-mile flight for a game that 100 million people watch.
It’s a recruiting tool, and the pilots need training hours anyway.
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) February 2, 2024
A fan stated,
This ranks in some of the least ways we have wasted our taxpayer money in the last 4 years. Use mine. Flyovers are one of the greatest traditions in sports.
— Pablo Columbus (@PaulColumbus) February 2, 2024
Someone wrote,
Pretty dang cool but kinda bummer for the in person fans.
I’m sure they’ll be able to hear the roar though.
— Rawk (@Rawk_FI) February 2, 2024
Others said,
Love the Thunderbirds! Hopefully they’ll show it at least on the big screen and the fans will hear the roar overhead.
— Sidedish (@5idedish) February 2, 2024
The tradition of flyover dates back to nearly half a century ago as a way to appreciate the country’s armed forces.
US Airforce Fly Overs Are An Inseparable Part of Super Bowls
The United States Air Force Thunderbirds will be performing a flyover during the SB in Vegas, thereby continuing the tradition that started way back in 1968 by the then NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle, who was a World War 2 veteran
It has since become an integral part of the Super Bowl and the events related to it. Over the years, many different and advanced aircraft have been used, highlighting the military advancement and might of the US Air Force. However, the purpose of flyover goes beyond entertainment, awe, and grandeur. It serves a greater and higher purpose. It focuses on developing appreciation for the people serving the country.
As per Katie Spencer, a reservist, and sports outreach program manager for the Department of the Air Force, the purpose of this event is to motivate the upcoming generation to join the forces and serve their country. It acts as an outreach program, just more thrilling and captivating. She said,
“We do these flyovers to recruit that next generation … and we want that little boy or girl in the stands to look up and see these massive pieces of iron flying over and hear the jet noise and feel it in their soul and want to grow up and be part of the world’s greatest air force.” as per Reserve + National Guard Magazine,
The NFL has garnered a reputation for supporting the nation’s heroes and their families. The league’s Salute to Service represents the NFL’s unconditional and steadfast dedication to honor, help and connect with the nation’s service members, veterans, and their families. It has partnered with the Bob Woodruff Foundation (BWF), Pat Tillman Foundation (PTF), Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), United Service Organizations (USO), and Wounded Warrior Project to turn that commitment into reality and has raised over $66m for services as per NFL.
The US Armed Forces are the greatest force in the world and there is nothing more American than the NFL this partnership will be further strengthened when the Thunderbirds take over the skies over the Allegiant Stadium as it hosts the Super Bowl between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers.
