FAQs

Expect heavy traffic and traffic delays.
All vehicles accessing the installation are subject to inspection. All guests will go through a security check prior to entering the event area. All hand carried items will be inspected. No back packs/coolers or large hand carried items will be allowed in the venue area.

For Your Safety
Please come early, pay careful attention to all signs and announcements, and be patient. These procedures are in place to ensure the safety of those attending the North Island Open House.

General Information
Permitted / Prohibited Items
Tickets & Seating
Ship Visits
Performances
Transportation & Parking
Directions
Business Opportunities
Additional Questions

General Information

When is the 100th Anniversary Parade of Flight and North Island Open House?
The 100th Anniversary Parade of Flight and North Island Open House will take place February 12, 2011. Base gates open at 8am. The event venue and ship tours begin at 9am. The Parade of Flight will begin at 1pm and will continue for three hours.

How much is admission to the 100th Anniversary Parade of Flight and North Island Open House?
Admission, parking and blanket seating are FREE. “Blanket seating” means an open paved area where attendees can stand or sit on their own blankets or lawn chairs. Grandstand seating is available with paid admission.

What if it rains?
The show goes on, rain or shine.

Will an ATM (Automated Teller Machine) be available?
There will be ATMs available.

What about hotels or restaurants in the area?
Regulations do not permit Naval Air Station North Island to recommend or endorse a particular hotel or motel. However, Coronado, with its Naval heritage and modern amenities, is a major travel destination. There are many hotels and restaurants in Coronado with varying price ranges. You’ll find a multitude of activities, shops and beaches to visit as well. Please visit www.coronadovisitorcenter.com or the Coronado Chamber of Commerce for information and special offers.

Permitted/Prohibited Items

Are wagons (i.e. Radio Flyer) allowed?
Yes.

Are folding/beach chairs allowed?
Yes.

Are tents or awnings, pop-ups or shade canopies allowed?
No. Only hand-held umbrellas are allowed; however, if umbrellas are used in the seating area, they cannot block the view of other guests.

Are coolers allowed into the event?
No. Essential carry-alls (baby bags, etc.) and all other packages and bags will be carefully inspected to ensure everyone’s safety. Glass containers are not allowed and will be confiscated.

Will outside food be allowed?
No.

Will alcoholic beverages be allowed?
You may not bring alcoholic beverages into the event. Beer will be available for purchase from event vendors.

Will pets be allowed?
No, only service animals with documentation.

Will bikes, skateboards, rollerblades, skates, or kick or electric scooters be allowed?
No. Bikes may be secured outside the event gates.

Will Segway scooters be allowed?
Segway riders will be allowed on base and they will be expected to follow the same rules as a bike rider. However, Segways, bikes and scooters will not be allowed in the static display area.

Are there any restrictions on bringing weapons to this event?
Yes. Weapons including pocket knives, multi-tools, replica/toy weapons or pepper spray are not allowed and will be confiscated.

Are peace officers (police, sheriff’s deputies, etc.) allowed to carry weapons?
If they are in uniform, yes. If they are in plain or civilian clothes, no.

Tickets & Seating

How can I get grandstand seating tickets?
Attendees can purchase grandstand seating tickets at the event for $5 a person. Due to limited grandstand seating, we recommend you arrive early.

There are two grandstand locations. One is by the Jagermeister stage, by the venue entrance, for the Parade of Flight (1 pm-4 pm) and concert (starting at 4 pm). The other location is strictly for the Parade of Flight and is further east inside the venue facing the bay.

Is there wheelchair access to seating areas?
Wheelchairs can access seating areas. Special wheelchair seating in the grandstands is available, with paid admission, but limited to first-come, first-served. Grandstand seating is not reserved, so first-level seating cannot be guaranteed.

Is there stroller parking available in the grandstands area?
Stroller parking is available in a designated area behind the grandstands. Strollers are not permitted in the grandstand seating area.

Can I watch from my boat in San Diego Bay?
A safety zone will be enforced on San Diego Bay from noon to 4:00 pm. Boaters will be able to view the festivities from the perimeter of the safety zone. For more information, visit the United States Coast Guard’s information on the event by clicking here.

Ship Visits

What time are the ship visits?
The USS Peleliu and USS Pinckney will be open to the public from 9am – 4pm. The USS Stennis will be open from 9 am – 12 pm. The last shuttle bus from the USS Stennis will be departing from the Open House event venue at 11 am.

Are there any requirements for me to visit one of the ships?
For your safety, all guests interested in visiting the ships must wear closed toe/low heeled shoes, be eight years or older, be able bodied and capable of climbing up to three stories of steep stairs and must be a United States citizen.

Performances

What is the performance schedule?
The Parade of Flight begins at 1 pm. Because of many last-minute changes in performers and schedules, exact times are not available. There will be continuous aerial excitement from the start of the show until the show closes, as well as static displays, vendor booths and exhibits.

Transportation & Parking

Are there any vehicle restrictions entering the base?
All drivers entering the base must have current vehicle registration, proof of vehicle insurance and a valid photo identification card. If driving a rental car, valid driver’s license, proof of insurance & car rental agreement will be required. Seat belts are required while driving on base. The California Vehicle Code is enforced on the installation. All vehicles and individuals are subject to search. Vehicles must adhere to the base speed limit of 25 mph. Hands-free devices are required during cell phone use while driving on base. Due to military force protection, vehicles with foreign plates will not be allowed to enter the base.

Is there public transportation to the event?
The 901 bus line does stop at the NAS North Island Transit Center, right outside the main base gate. The bus does not enter the base. Also, due to heavy traffic, taxi fares could be extremely expensive.

How do I know where to park?
When you arrive at NAS North Island, security personnel will direct you to available parking lots.

Will there be RV/travel trailer parking?
RV/travel trailers are allowed onto the air station; however, no overnight parking or tailgating is allowed.

Is disabled parking available?
Yes, disabled parking is available. Disabled parking is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Can I fly my own plane into NAS North Island?
No. Only pre-approved static display and performer aircraft are allowed to fly into NAS North Island for the show.

Directions

How do I get to NAS North Island?
NAS North Island is located on the west end of Coronado. From the I-5, exit CA-75/Coronado Bay Bridge, continue onto 3rd Street and enter the base. From Imperial Beach, take CA-75 North through Coronado on Orange Avenue, left on 3rd Street and enter the base. For more detailed directions, please visit the directions and parking page.

Business Opportunities

I would like to have my business represented at the Open House. Who do I contact?
We can customize vendor, sponsorship or advertising opportunities to fulfill your business goals. Please contact Irene Wells (irene.wells@navy.mil) at 619-556-7464 or Abegail Bañaga (abegail.banaga1@navy.mil) at 619-556-9413.