Nearly half a million pack AC for airshow

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Organizers of the Visit Atlantic City Airshow announced Aug. 21 that the annual event held last week drew 485,000 people to Atlantic City as it celebrated its 20^th anniversary in the resort town.

While that number is a tick down from last year’s record of 550,000, organizers – the Greater Atlantic City Chamber, Visit Atlantic City and David Schultz Airshows – say that the show remains the world’s premier midweek beachfront airshow. Additionally, this year’s Practice Day, held on Aug. 15 – one day before show day – saw the largest estimated attendance to date, between 150,000 and 200,000 spectators.

Such events underscore the economic diversification and unique experience offerings that officials and local stakeholders are aiming for in Atlantic City.

Michael Chait, Greater Atlantic City Chamber president and director of the Visit Atlantic City Airshow, said it is extraordinary to draw that many fans to the Atlantic City beaches and boardwalk – even despite some challenges and delays due to changing weather conditions on show day.

“What is even more remarkable is that this year saw an unprecedented number of watercraft in the ocean and back bays, which provided a unique and enjoyable perspective to witness the awe-inspiring aerobatics and maneuvers from the water,” said Chait in a statement. “As we conclude our 20^th anniversary year and look to the future, we celebrate another successful Airshow in Atlantic City and are excited for all that is to come!”

High-flying action

Click here to see a slideshow of some airshow fan favorites, including the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, shown here.

“The 2023 Visit Atlantic City Airshow was once again a major success. This free, signature event continues to be the most important event of the year for us in Atlantic City,” said Larry Seig, president and CEO of Visit Atlantic City. “The economic boost the Airshow brings to the destination is incredible and our casinos and businesses truly look forward to this week. We’re thrilled to continue our partnership and premier sponsor title in 2024.”

Chait noted that the event is a community partnership between the Greater Atlantic City Chamber; Visit Atlantic City; the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority; the City of Atlantic City; the 177^th Fighter Wing of the N.J. Air National Guard; South Jersey Transportation Authority; FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center; Atlantic City International Airport; the U.S. Coast Guard; David Schultz Airshows; and the New Jersey State Police.

“Furthermore, a special note of appreciation to the Casino Association of New Jersey for their generous, world-class hospitality in housing all of this year’s performers,” said Chait. “To all of our community, military and law enforcement partners – your support, passion and assistance is critical to the success of our Airshow, and we thank you all, for we could not do this without you. Finally, we’d like to recognize and thank all of the Airshow’s spectators and fans that continue to support our performers and attend the event each year.”