Pilots from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will soar through the skies above Home of Heroes during the Pueblo Wings of Pride Air Show on September 27 and 28, 2025.
The Thunderbirds demonstration team performs its routines in six F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, spaced just feet apart. Their presence at the Pueblo Wings of Pride Air Show was confirmed at a press conference Aug. 13 at Pueblo Memorial Airport – the selected venue for the upcoming air show.
“The airport is absolutely ideally located for an air show because it’s a little bit away from the city,” said retired U.S. Air Force Major General Brian Bishop. “It has a large ramp area that allows us to accommodate multiple static displays, different types of performers and other things that we can show there.”
It has been 16 years since Pueblo Memorial Airport last hosted an air show. The Pueblo Wings of Pride Air Show will be the first local air show to feature the Thunderbirds. Information on additional performances, ground entertainment and static aircraft displays will be announced.
Tickets for the show will be available in early October 2024. Prices vary as there are general admission tickets and tickets for VIP experiences. More information will be posted on the Pueblo Wings of Pride Air Show website, pueblowingsofpride.com.
“For the average person, the pricing of air shows across the United States is such that they can come, have a really amazing family experience and be part of the energy of the air show,” Bishop said.
What you should know about the US Air Force Thunderbirds
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds have been around almost as long as the Air Force itself. They were founded in May 1953 as the official demonstration team of the U.S. Air Force. The Thunderbirds have eight officers who serve as pilots. The officers are led by their commander, Lt. Col. Nathan Malafa.
Other officers currently serving as Thunderbird pilots include Maj. Zachary Taylor, Maj. Tyler Clark, Maj. Jake Impellizzeri, Maj. Eric Tise, Maj. Jeffrey Downie, Lt. Col. Taylor Wight and Maj. Bryce Turner. Over 120 other enlisted personnel provide services ranging from aircraft maintenance to medical care to the Thunderbirds.
According to the U.S. Air Force website, the Thunderbirds performed at Super Bowl LVIII, the Daytona 500, the Indianapolis 500, and the U.S. Air Force Academy graduation ceremony, among others, in 2024.
“We know there is a great interest in air shows in our community, and our strong military background as a Home of Heroes puts us in a unique position to host this exciting event,” said Brian McCain, Chief of Staff for the City of Pueblo.
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Pueblo Chieftain reporter James Bartolo can be reached at [email protected]. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com
