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March Air Reserve Base Tickets
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About March Air Reserve Base
March Air Reserve Base in Riverside, CA hosts major public events such as the SoCal Air Show, formerly known as Thunder Over the Empire and March Field Air Fest. With no fixed indoor seating, events unfold on open paved areas and grass fields, accommodating hundreds of thousands of spectators. The 2025 SoCal Air Show drew around 400,000 attendees over two days, making it a premier aviation event in Southern California. We’ve got you covered with seating guidance, parking details, transportation tips, and trusted affiliate hotel and dining options to help you plan a smooth, stress-free experience.
Note: Access to the base is through gates with security screening. Always confirm event specifics for dates, gate addresses, and any vendor-arranged experiences when you buy your tickets.
Seating is generally general admission on open paved areas, with attendees encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs for comfort. VIP seating options are available through select vendors. Parking is included with on-site parking for most events; VIP parking or experiences may be available via vendor arrangements. There is no dedicated public transit to the air show; plan to drive or arrange a ride-share to Cactus Gate (363 Graeber St) or Riverside Gate (625 Riverside Dr) for base access. If you’re staying nearby, there are convenient lodging options both on-base and in the surrounding area.
We’ve highlighted recommended hotels and dining options below. For the best experience, consider securing your tickets and associated packages through our trusted partners. We’ll help you find seats, parking, and comfortable stays just a short drive from the base.
Good to know
Seating, Parking & Venue Information
- Venue type: active military installation (March Air Reserve Base) that hosts public events such as the SoCal Air Show; formerly known as March Field Air Fest/Thunder Over the Empire.
- Capacity/attendance: no fixed seating capacity for a base event; the 2025 Southern California Air Show drew about 400,000 spectators over two days.
- Location/address: March Air Reserve Base, Riverside, CA 92518; gate addresses for events include Cactus Gate at 363 Graeber St and Riverside Gate at 625 Riverside Dr.
- Seating: general admission on open paved areas; attendees may bring blankets or lawn chairs; VIP seating options are available for purchase.
- Parking: on-site parking included with the event; free general admission; VIP parking/experiences available via vendor arrangements.
- Transit/public transport: no dedicated public transit to the air show; base access through gates with security screening.
- Nearby hotels: on-base lodging (March Inn) and nearby hotels such as Hampton Inn Riverside March Air Reserve Base and Home2 Suites by Hilton Riverside March Air Reserve Base.
- Notable events hosted: the Southern California Air Show (SoCal Air Show) featuring U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds; historically known as Thunder Over the Empire and March Field Air Fest; 2025 show occurred April 12–13, 2025.