What is on the 13th Floor?

Full details will be presented as the ninth annual event draws closer, but it’s a definite that the immensely popular Atlantic City “Thunder Over The Boardwalk” air show will be returning to the “City That’s Always Turned On” on Wednesday, Aug. 17.

“I’m pleased to announce the Atlantic City Airshow is returning to the beach and Boardwalk in 2011,” said Joseph Kelly, president of the Greater Atlantic City Chamber (GACC), in a release. “This year the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Army Golden Knights have both agreed to headline the 2011 Airshow.”

Along with the Thunderbirds Golden Knights performances, past airshow demonstrations and fly-bys have included the United States Coast Guard, Navy, Marine Corps and Air National Guard, and many civilian acts. Last year’s performance by the Brazilian Smoke Squadron lifted the airshow to international status.
“The airshow has become the signature summer event for Atlantic City,” said Jeffrey Vasser, president of the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority (ACCVA), in the release. “Last year’s show attracted an estimated 650,000 people. It will be hard to top, but 2011’s Airshow is sure to be just as successful.”

The “Thunder Over The Boardwalk” airshow is a community partnership between the GAAC, the ACCVA, the 177th Fighter Wing of the N.J. Air National Guard, the South Jersey Transportation Authority, the FAA William J. Hughes Tech Center, the Atlantic City International Airport, David Schultz Airshows and the city of Atlantic City.

The Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) is the host airport for the show, and the majority of performers take off and land via ACY. Bally’s Atlantic City will again serve as host hotel sponsor. Many other sponsorship packages are available for the 2011 Atlantic City Airshow, and those interested in becoming a sponsor should contact GACC director of member events Elisa Monroe at (609) 345-4524, ext. 12.