The National Championship Air Races feature six racing classes, a large display of static aircraft, and several military and civil flight demonstrations. Held annually, just north of Reno, the air races are an institution for northern Nevada and aviation enthusiasts from around the world.

For one week, the high desert north of Reno becomes home to hundreds of aircraft, pilots, and their crews. More than 150,000 spectators have attended the Reno air show over the past 10 years. The National Championship Air Races carry on the tradition of the Cleveland Air Races of the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. In 1964, Bill Stead organized an air race near Reno, Nevada, and the Reno National Championship Air Races were born— and they’re still going strong!

All six classes of aircraft race every day Wednesday through Sunday.  In between races, spectators can catch aerobatic exhibitions, fly-bys, military and civil aircraft demonstrations, and other performances —never a dull moment at the air races.

Some of the entertainment includes:

• A Blue Angels flight demonstration shows off choreographed, high-performance maneuvers.
• Wings of Blue USAF Academy Jump Team display their expert parachuting and jumping skills.
• Jim Peitz performs an aerobatic routine in a Beechcraft F33C Bonanza.
• Military Displays include awe-inspiring military aircraft from around the world.  

What you need to know:

Tickets

• A general admission ticket allows you to enter Reno Stead Field through the public access gates and gives you access to all of the public areas of the site except the reserved and sponsored areas.
• Chairman’s Hospitality Tent, Checkered Flag Club, and Corporate Chalets all have their own admission criteria.
• A reserved grandstand ticket or a box seat ticket permits your entry into Reno Stead Field and allows access to all of the areas open to general admission ticket holders, plus a numbered seat in the reserved grandstands.

Please note that all grandstand seating is backless metal benches. Bring a cushion or stadium chair in the grandstands— the total width of your chair must not be over 15 inches in the reserved grandstands.

Accommodations

Hotels and RV Parks often sell out early for the Reno Air Races, to guarantee accommodations, reserve your room or RV lot space before it’s too late! Stay at Grand Sierra Resort and enjoy complimentary shuttle service to the Air Races.

Wheelchair accessibility

An area in front of the General Admission grandstands is reserved for a wheel chaired person and one companion.

Children

All children over two years of age must have their own ticket. Juniors discounts are available in the reserved grandstands. Box seating offers more seating space so a lap child of 2 years or younger will not be required to have a ticket.

Whether you’re interested in military planes, air shows, or just having a good time, make plans to attend the Reno Air Races today!