Spectators Will Be Charged As Much As $20 For The Formerly-Free Show

Spectators wanting to watch the USAF Thunderbirds fly at the Melbourne Air & Space Show planned for October 4-5 are in for some sticker shock. The formerly free show at the Paradise Beach Park is being moved the Melbourne International Airport ... and will come with an admission fee of as much as $20.

Florida Today reports that, according to show organizer Brian Lilley, the show lost about $79,000 last year when it was held in early November. Lilley had estimated about 60,000 people would attend the show, but the actual attendance was closer to 25,000, which he blamed in part on the lack of a military jet demonstration team due to sequestration. The weather was also not ideal, he said, and the two-day show was cut to just one day.

There was also no charge to sit on the beach and watch the show, although those wanting to be near airshow center could pay $12 for "premium seating" set up on the beach.

This year, Lilley said, the show will be held at the airport. Advance tickets will be $15. Those waiting to pay at the gate will be dinged $20. He said the ticket prices are in line with other shows in the area.

The 2015 show will be held in the spring, Lilley said, to accommodate the schedule of the Navy's Blue Angels, who are slated to perform both days.

(USAF Thunderbirds pictured in file photo)

FMI: www.airandspaceshow.com