FAQ’s
Racing Dates
COMING SOON!
Roswell New Mexico | Roswell Air Center
Tickets
Are there different ticket options for the event?
YES! We have a large selection of ways to experience the National Championship Air Races. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE!
Where can I find information and answers for general ticket questions?
Additional general ticket information can be found below:
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
I want to treat my company or clients to the best all-inclusive Air Race Experience. What tickets should I get?
The Checkered Flag Club provides the best all-inclusive experience for both individuals and groups. CFC members get parking, admission, food, and merchandise for one low price for the entire week. The next best option for week-long attendance would be combining Box Seating with food from the Chairman’s Hospitality Tent. A box holds up to 15 people, includes reserved parking, pit passes and the option to bring your own cooler of food and drinks. The Chairman’s Hospitality Tent provides a continental breakfast, hot lunch, and an open bar. If you only need tickets for a few days you can combine reserved seats, reserved parking, pit passes and Chairman’s Hospitality Tent for an almost-all inclusive package.
I had reserved seats last year; can I get more seats next to mine for my friends?
We will do our best to give you additional seats close to your previous seats, or try to re-group you in another section. If you choose to re-group in another section you will lose your next year’s right to your original seats.
Parking
Is there a map available for locations of parking, camping and RV space?
Yes, we have a detailed map available on our PARKING MAP page.
Can I park my car or RV overnight, or camp at the Races?
For more information about RV parking at the event, please visit the RV section on our Tickets page.
Planning to Attend
When are the Air Races?
Dates for the 2026 National Championship Air Races are coming soon!
What day does each class fly?
All participating classes of aircraft race Thursday through Sunday.
In between races, there are always aerobatic exhibitions, fly-bys, military, and civil aircraft demonstrations and other performances so that there is never a dull moment at the Air Races.
Please note that the schedule is always subject to change based on weather, safety, and flight operational factors.
What is the best day to attend?
Every day is an exciting day at the races. With so much to see and do, why not make plans to attend more than one day or better yet all week for the ultimate air racing experience? The most highly-attended day is Saturday. Sunday is the last day of the races, with all of the Gold races being held. However, photographers wishing to get the best crowd-free shots of their favorite planes, or others wishing to experience the Races in a less congested environment are better served to attend early in the week when the crowds are smaller.
What items are permitted to bring into the event?
The following items are permitted to bring into the venue:
- Wagon and strollers
- Service Dogs (no pets) – please note that the pavement WILL BE HOT and there will not be a lot of shade, so please plan accordingly.
- Small backpacks
- Cameras and small camera bags
- Mobility aids (scooters, wheelchairs, etc.)
- TWO sealed water bottles per guest
- Folding chairs
*Please note that ALL bags and wagons will be subject to search at security.
What items are NOT permitted to bring into the event?
The following items not allowed to be brought into the venue:
- Weapons of any kind (this includes Concealed Carry)
- Skateboards, roller skates, roller blades, heelys, bicycles, etc.
- Food and beverages (unless medically necessary)
- Coolers (this includes anything that is designed to insulate) – (unless medically necessary)
- Large backpacks
- All Pets – Except certified service animals**
- Smoking, vaping, etc.
- Fireworks
- Lighters
- Umbrellas (They can get loose in the wind and cause damage and/or injuries, along with blocking the views in the grandstands)
**Remember: DO NOT LEAVE PETS OR ANIMALS IN YOUR VEHICLE.
Can I fly my plane into the Roswell Air Center?
What travel resources are available for my trip to Roswell?
Information about lodging and details about the region can be found on our PLAN YOUR TRIP page
What accessibility options are available?
Fans can expect that the Air Races venue will be ADA compliant. There will be wheelchair accessible seating, handicap parking and a handicap shuttle. Handicap seating options will be marked as you enter the venue. For other needs/questions, please email us at info@airrace.org
What is the weather like?
,Every year is a surprise when it comes to weather. Clear skies and warm days in the 80s are what we plan and hope for, however, it may rain, be windy, get very hot or even snow! Dress in layers and be prepared for weather that can change day to day and even hour to hour. As umbrellas are not allowed, wear hats, sunscreen and protective clothing, and bring rain ponchos if rain is forecast.
At the Event
Is there a map of the venue available?
Yes, we have a detailed map available on our VENUE MAP page.
Is there a shaded area to watch the races?
There is no shaded grandstand or box seating from which you can watch the races. The best relief from the sun is a good hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water. The vendor areas have a few shaded tents to provide brief breaks from the sun and enjoy lunch. The Checkered Flag Club and Chairman’s Hospitality Tent also provide seating in the shade for members to use while enjoying a drink or a meal.
What is there for my kids to do?
The National Championship Air Races is a fun event for the entire family. Kids will enjoy getting up close and personal with the race planes, the Drone Zone where they can fly and learn more about Drones, the NVBAA-GRADD STEM Education Discovery zone equipped with flight simulators, a 3D printing display area, an aviation and rocket picture booth, and more. They can climb into a real military cargo plane, watch the air show performers, and shop for kid-sized merchandise at the vendor booths. Parents, please take into consideration whether your infants and toddlers will be bothered by the loud noise from the planes.
What’s the schedule?
Who is flying? What kind of aircraft are they flying?
Miscellaneous
Will there be live coverage of the Air Races?
The National Championship Air Races livestream will be available on Facebook Live, YouTube and on airrace.org.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes, the National Championship Air Races is a 501(c)3 non-profit.
May I volunteer at the races?
Volunteers are always needed to help with security, parking, merchandise sales, hospitality, logistics and flight line operations. Volunteers are required to work a minimum of 16 hours/two days during the event.
You may fill out an application here. Limited opportunities exist for non-profit groups wishing to “volunteer” the services of their members in exchange for some form of compensation. Please contact us well in advance of Race Week for further information.
I’m a vendor/exhibitor who needs to reach out. Who should I contact?
Contact forms are available by clicking here.
General Event Information
Contact information for ticketing (EventSprout):
https://www.eventsprout.com/segments/
email: support@eventsprout.zendesk.com
phone: 912-470-5773
AGES DEFINED
Free – 2 yrs. & under (must sit on a lap if in an area that includes seating)
Juniors are ages 3 – 12
Adults are ages 13+
AWARDS BANQUET
Sunday night catered dinner (Location To be determined closer to the event), available for purchase online at a later date. Limited Seating!
BEST DAY TO ATTEND
Every day is a great day, but if you are looking for a smaller crowd come earlier in the week (Wednesday or Thursday). Racing of all classes is held every day, with Sunday consisting primarily of championship final races. Performers typically practice Wednesday or Thursday and perform Thursday or Friday through Sunday.
BOX SEATS
(Private Season, Public Season or Public Daily boxes are available)
PRIVATE SEASON– Minimum of 10 people, max of 15. Season boxes are located in Row A, B or C just off the flight line; include pit passes, two cooler passes (coolers are delivered to your private box seat), Season Parking and a Box Sign hung on your box seat area (additional signs are available for $40 ea. by pre-show order only). Please provide or confirm your sign wording by emailing tickets@airrace.org.
PUBLIC SEASON OR PUBLIC DAILY - Minimum of 1 person, max of 15, each seat sold separately within each box, any number of days in Rows B or C just off the flight line; include pit passes, and parking.
COOLERS
Two Cooler passes are included in PRIVATE SEASON Box Seat holder packages only. Additional cooler passes can be purchased by Private Season Box Seat holders at $100 per cooler through the RARA office. Please send your detailed request to tickets@airrace.org. If your cooler is over 50 Qts. You must pay an additional $100 to the RARA office.
BOX SEAT SIGNS
One box seat sign is included in PRIVATE SEASON Box Seat holder packages only. Each sign is hung on your PRIVATE box. Additional box seat signs can be purchased by PRIVATE SEASON Box Seat holders at $40 per sign through the RARA office. Please provide or confirm your sign wording by emailing tickets@airrace.org.
PARKING
1-3 box seat tickets receive 1 parking pass, 4-6 tickets receive 2 parking passes, 7-9 tickets receive 3 parking passes, 10-12 tickets receive 4 parking passes, and 13-15 tickets receive 5 parking passes.
ALL PRIVATE PREMIUM BOX SEAT TICKETS PURCHASED BEFORE AUG 1ST, WILL BE MAILED TO PURCHASERS CLOSER TO THE EVENT. IF PURCHASED AFTER AUG 1ST, PLEASE PICK UP TICKETS AT THE WILL CALL BOOTH. YOU WILL RECEIVE A RECEIPT UPON YOUR ONLINE PURCHASE WITHIN YOUR EMAIL CONFIRMATION FROM NOREPLY@EVENTSPROUT.COM. PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM FOLDER IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE RECEIPT.
ALL PUBLIC PREMIUM BOX HOLDERS WILL RECEIVE THEIR EVENT TICKETS AND PARKING VIA CONFIRMATION EMAIL FROM NOREPLY@EVENTSPROUT.COM.
CHAIRMAN’S HOSPITALITY TENT
Thursday – Sunday only, opens at 10 am, Event admission is not included; Children should be 12 yrs. or older to enter the CHT and all ages 3+ require a purchased ticket.
CHECKERED FLAG CLUB
Season or Daily (Wednesday – Sunday); Tickets include admission, pit passes, private grandstand seating, parking, Continental breakfast, catered lunch, and a Saturday dinner with special guest speakers. Children should be 12 yrs. or older to enter the CFC and all ages 3+ require a purchased ticket.
New Season Checkered Flag Club Members will receive a Jacket. Returning Checkered Flag Club Members will receive a Polo Shirt (Wed-Sun), along with CFC hat, pin, poster and program.
DIRECTIONS/LOCATION
The National Championship Air Races are held at the Roswell Air Center (ROW), 1 South Jerry Circle, Roswell, NM 88201.
DISCOUNTS
Military, are discounted 10% when using the promo code MIL25 during the purchase process. Discounts are valid on General Admission, Reserved Grandstand, Pit Passes, and Air Race Parking. Military Appreciation Day is Friday, Sept 12; all current and former military service members show your ID at the Ticket Sales Trailer for your FREE General Admission ticket (one per valid ID. A valid CAC or USID card is required to be presented upon event entry along with your air show tickets.)
EVENT DAYS/HOURS
Monday – Tuesday:
Aircraft qualifications. Pit passes will be available for purchase at the Main Ticket Booth only.
Wednesday - Sunday:
Gates open at 7 :30 am and close at 6:30 pm
Show starts at 8 am and ends at approximately 4:30 pm (5 pm on Sunday)
Will-Call and Ticket Booth Hours begin at 7:00 am, and will close around the beginning of the last race at approximately 3:00 pm.
GOLF CART RENTALS
To be announced at a later time
MERCHANDISE
Merchandise can be purchased online at shop.airrace.org or at the event, at any of the NCAR official merchandise stores.
PARKING
- Checkered Flag Club and Box Seating (Daily or Season), include Orange Lot parking
- Air Race Parking can only be purchased in advance through EventSprout
- For Handicap parking access, please purchase an Air Race Parking pass and follow the signs to the special lot when you arrive.
- There will be a Rideshare Drop Off Location at the corner of Mathis & Earl Cummings for those without a parking pass/transportation.
RV Parking
Season (Mon - Mon) Dry camping with available water and sewage trucks , for a charge; early arrival and late departure by a few days is acceptable. RV Reservations are available for purchase through EventSprout. The Northernmost RV park is about 3/4 mile from the gate, the southernmost is about 1/2 mile from the gate. We expect to have some shuttle availability. There will be portable toilets in the RV areas.
Q. Do I need Air Race Parking in addition to my RV Pass?
A. Only buy Air Race Parking if you plan to drive out of the RV Lot to park in a different lot. You cannot park a motorhome or trailer in Air Race Parking. The Northernmost RV park is about 3/4 mile from the gate, the southernmost is about 1/2 mile from the gate. We expect to have some shuttle availability..
Q. Do I need a car pass in the RV Lot?
A. No. A Car Pass for the RV Lot is included with your RV Space purchase. Please note that your vehicle must fit in the space (20'x50') with your RV or Trailer and is non-transferrable.
Q. Is there re-entry allowed throughout the week for my RV/Trailer?
A. Yes, but we strongly suggest you only do so prior to 7:30 am or after 5:30 pm as traffic during the day will make it very difficult.
PIT PASSES & WRISTBANDS
Pit passes must be exchanged for a pit wristband (whether Daily or Season) at the Pit Booths (located at the Pit Pass entrance) in order to make entry into the Pit Area.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
- Animals, unless a service animal
- Umbrellas
- More than 1 bottle of water
- Food
- Electric bicycles, one-wheels, ETC. are not allowed, only electric scooters for handicap use are permitted
- Chairs are prohibited in the pit area
RACE/PERFORMER SCHEDULE
Posted on our website in late August and is subject to change due to weather, safety and/or flight operation factors. You may reference the prior year’s event schedule for reference at https://airrace.org/air-races-planning-schedule/.
SCHOOL FIELD TRIPS
All local schools are eligible for free field trips (guardians must purchase admission tickets). Call Reza with the STEM Education Discovery Program at 702.879.9100.
SHADE LOCATIONS
- Founder’s Club
- Checkered Flag Club
- Chairman’s Hospitality Tent
- Food vendor areas offer a few shaded areas for temporary relief
SHUTTLE
Limited Shuttles will be available on the weekends from Air Race Parking lots, details will follow at a later date
SMOKE/WEATHER
We have no control over wildfires or weather, nor can we foresee if either will ground a race. We will monitor and adjust based on current conditions during the event.
VENDORS/EXHIBITORS
Call Ardie Carrick, RARA’s Vendor/Exhibitor Coordinator at the RARA office, 775.972.6663 ext. 110.
VOLUNTEERING
Applications can be found online at airrace.org/About/Volunteer. As a volunteer, we request that you commit to a minimum of 16 hours during the event. Some form of compensation may be available for non-profit groups/service organizations who provide a larger group of volunteers.
WHAT TO WEAR
The weather can vary from very low temperatures in the morning to high temperatures in the afternoon, with potential precipitation and wind in the afternoon. We recommend that you wear layers, a hat, and sunscreen, & drink lots of water!
WHEELCHAIR SEATING
Reserved Grandstand Seating available for purchase - new in 2025; these are assigned seats!
General Admission ticketed Wheelchair Locations will be in the General Seating area on or close to the flightline
Contact Information
www.airrace.org/tickets
Email: tickets@airrace.org,
Phone: 775-972-6663