Drop Zone Beach
Experienced spectators will get away from the crowd and enjoy the OC Air Show in the Drop Zone Beach at Show Center. Join them in the full experience of sight and sound at the ‘aerial 50 yard line’ and hear all the details about what you’re seeing with concert quality sound and a professional narration... View Article
Experienced spectators will get away from the crowd and enjoy the OC Air Show in the Drop Zone Beach at Show Center. Join them in the full experience of sight and sound at the ‘aerial 50 yard line’ and hear all the details about what you’re seeing with concert quality sound and a professional narration broadcast! 
Purchase Now at the Early Bird Price of $19.50
Save 35% off the $30 day-of-event price!
Children ages 6-12 are $12. Ages 5 and under are free
The Drop Zone Beach features everything you need for a hassle-free and memorable viewing experience at Show Center. Portable restrooms right on-the-beach and reserved just for the use of ticket holders. Water, soda and beer are also available for purchase in the Drop Zone Beach so you never have to leave the action and miss out on the aviation spectacle going on in front of you. You receive a complimentary program guide so you can read about all the aircraft performing in the OC Air Show.
Back for 2019! Grotto Pizza and Family Restaurants will bring that legendary taste onto the beach in the Drop Zone! For the first time, the Drop Zone will feature a local brand providing spectators with high quality food at great prices!
50 Yd line in the same place this year?
Yes!
So what hotels are at or near the drop zone?
Hey Tammie, we have a whole page devoted just to that (Where to Stay) to help you decide. These hotels are all along the boardwalk, with the ones between 14th to 18th street being closest to show center.
If we do not have access to a printer and buy our tickets ahead of time, is there a way they can be scanned electronically at the gate?
Yes, we can scan from your phone, no problem!
6 year olds need a ticke correct? Under 6 are free?
Correct – 6 and up do need a ticket!
The wheeled carts that hold chairs, umbrellas, coolers, etc. are they allowed in the drop zone?
thanks
Yes.
What is the fee to rent an umbrella in the drop zone?
last year it was about 20-25
Once I enter the drop zone can I leave and re-enter
Absolutely. We will have ticket checkers at the gate that will check for wristbands that will be provided to you when you first enter the gate. We encourage you to come and go to check out our vendors on the boardwalk!
will it be visible from 4th floor balcony on 12th street?
The show center is at 16th Street, so you can try and if you feel like your visibility is poor, come down the boardwalk.
Are umbrellas allowed on the beach at Drop Zone? Will they be available to rent?
So please verify, can your bring an umbrella in the drop zone? if no, can you rent an umbrella once you get there and if so, what are the prices?
Sorry, YES you can bring your own umbrellas. There will not be ones available for rental. Apologies for the confusion.
Yes, you are allowed to bring umbrellas, and UPDATE they WILL be available for rent. Our apologies for the last minute update.
I see that there’s a fence around the drop zone area. Does the fence prohibit you from direct access to the water?
The fence is only along the sides of the beach on land. Drop Zone patrons are allowed to enjoy the water directly in front of the Drop Zone.
A couple questions – I see some conflicting answers in the comments. One comment says the drop zone is streets 15 – 17 and others say streets 14 – 16. Which is correct? For Saturday, does a line normally form well in advance of 9am opening to get a good spot, or is getting there right before 9 sufficient? We would like to be right on the water so the kids can play in the water and we can watch them all morning until the show starts. Also, what is the maximum number of tickets you sell for the drop zone? I am trying to gauge just how packed it will be in there. Last, is pizza the only food that will be available? My stepson is Gluten Free and I just wanted to know if we would need to bring food for him or else go to a nearby restaurant. Thank you.
Hi Michelle – the Drop Zone is on the 15th to 16th side of the street, but 15th to 17th encompasses the whole show. You can see the site map here for clarification. Saturday is more hectic, but it can vary widely as to whether there is a long line right at 9 am. We do recommend getting there early if you have a preference on your spot. Finally, there are a number of different vendors as well as restaurants along the boardwalk, so your stepson should have some GF options.
Is there a padded walkway out to the beach for handicap/wheelchair access during the airshow on Jun 17 2018?
Hey Gary, yes, there should be, so long as everything gets delivered properly.
The entrances on my ticket say 14th and 15th street as they did last year,however last year we waited in line at 14th street for half an hour prior to 9am, only to have security come along and tell everyone they had to go to 15th and get in the back of that line. Many people had children and coolers and chairs,also senior citizens with the same. Can you get everyone on the same page this year?
Thanks
Hey Charles, yes, there should be three entrances to the Drop Zone area. We have to have enough security and ticketing personnel to appropriately staff each area, which may be why there was a late-minute change at last year’s show. We will make sure to inform guests of any planned changes, but you should be just fine following the directions stated on your ticket. We’re so sorry that you had a frustrating experience, but we’re happy you will be back to enjoy this year’s show!
We plan on coming to OCMD on Sunday for the airshow. Will there be beach access without buying tickets to the drop zone area?
Drop zone tickets are required for viewing at our 50-yard line from 15th through 17th street which provides the best possible view. Our show cannot guarantee views beyond that area on the various public beaches.
Which zone is the best for taking photos?
Show center is from 15th street to 17th street, so we encourage visitors to purchase a Drop Zone ticket so they can have assurance for a great view on our show’s 50-yard-line!
Do you have a date for next years air show?
June 15-16, 2019 featuring the USN Blue Angels!
Can we have water and soda in our cooler in the drop zone, also food? Thanks
Hey Diana, yes, but we do not allow alcohol. Your cooler will be subject to search at the gate.
Will the flight teams be practicing in the same show area on Friday, June 15?
Hey Linda, it depends on the flight team – some will do test flights over the airport, some will do it over the show area! If you haven’t already, follow our Facebook page because we do our best to do real-time updates on the various practice schedules and performers.
We are staying at the Quality Inn on the boardwalk – how is the view for the show there? will we be able to watch the show from our balcony?
Hey Barb – the Quality Inn is right at show center, so the view should be enjoyable, though we also encourage everyone to come down to the beach!
What is refund policy in case of cancellation.
Hi Phil, do you mean cancellation of the show, or your cancellation of your tickets? Should you require a refund due to an inability to attend, you can email us at info@air.show and we will evaluate the situation on a case-by-case basis. The show is rain or shine, and will not be canceled. Should it be moved to a different date (which is not the case this year!), your tickets are still good for the updated date of the show.
Is there a veteran’s discount
Hey Michael, there is a 35% early bird discount through tomorrow (Tuesday 5.29). Thanks for your service to our country on this Memorial Day!
How far north of the Drop Zone would the viewing be good from the boardwalk?. Like 20th st?
You can see at least part of the show from most of the boardwalk. The closer you are to 17th street the better the view.
Can you get into the drop zone st 6 30am yo put a chair or blanket out
No. The Drop Zone does not open until 9am.
What are you recommendations for parking if you are interested in the Drop Zone and only visiting OC for one day to attend the air show?
There will be various parking options in private lots and on the streets throughout the town. Ther West OC Park and Ride will also be available. All of these options are various prices.
Nice air show. Very entertaining!
To the person kindly answering the same question over & over again and, worse yet, having to restate the obvious. You have the patience of a saint! I hope your efforts are recognized and appreciated. Kudos!
Thank you, Julie. I appreciate it.
My 5 yo is in a wheelchair. Is there area where he can be wheeled or is it all sanded?
The Drop Zone is in the sand. You can always watch from the boardwalk.
I have sun shades. They are like tents cut in half. Can i bring them?
Umbrellas only.
Can I rent a umbrella there?
God bless the person answering the same questions over and over again. Read people, read. It’s all there.
Thanks, Chrissie. I appreciate it.
Are you able to access the ocean (go swimming) from inside the dropzone?
Yes.
You said chairs are not provided but are they allowed? Can we bring our own? THANKS!
Of course they’re allowed.
I just purchased tickets for the drop zone and on the ticket it says coolers are restricted and may not contain alcoholic beverages. Please verify if they are allowed.
They’re allowed, but restricted in the fact that they cannot have alcohol in them.
I am staying on 16th Street. Will I be prohibited from beach access during the Air Show, unless I buy a Drop Zone ticket?
You’ll be able to go to the beach areas not fenced off.
Can we still enter the beach at 14th and 15th street without going/paying for the drop zone? We are staying on 14th street.
No. That is where the Drop Zone is.
Where is the entrance to the drop zone?
At 15th and 14th Streets.
Will there be chairs and umbrellas available to rent in the drop zone?
Umbrellas, yes. Chairs, no.
I just want to thank you for your patience in answering the same questions over and over. People go read the questions already asked for crying out loud.
Thanks, Beth. I really appreciate that. 🙂
Will everyone who has a ticket get in the Drop Zone?
Absolutely.
Will we be able to rent umbrellas inside of the drop zone area on a first come, first serve basis or will we have to go outside of the drop zone?
They will be available for rent inside of the Drop Zone.
Yes, you are allowed to bring umbrellas, but they will not be available for rent.
That’s your post from above OC??
So I’m not sure which answer is correct ??
Hey Chris, apologies on the confusion. YES umbrellas are allowed and YES there will be a company at the Drop Zone Beach with umbrellas available to rent.
Can you buy tickets for the Drop Zone at the gate
So long as it is not sold out.
Where is the best viewing in the Drop Zone Beach? To the northern end, near 16th?
It’s right in the middle so you really cannot go wrong anywhere is the Drop Zone.
I have a father with a bad back and handicap tag. We plan on getting down there early.You know as well as I do parking is always an issue. So my questions are how close to 15th st is handicapp parking and or the parking zone you mentioned in earlier responses.
What are the smoking rules . I like a nice cigar while I’m on the beach.
There is handicapped parking throughout the town. Just as a normal beach day, it fills up rather quickly.
For info on smoking, please visit the OC website here: http://ococean.com/explore-oc/smoking-rules
Where would be the best area for viewing, outside if the Drop Zone?
The VIP Penthouse, VIP Sky Box or the Flight Line Club just north of the Drop Zone.
Is there a limit on how many people you allow in the area?
Yes.
Is it ok to lay a blanket on the beach and pack a cooler of food and non-alcoholic beverages? Our family would like to pack for a beach day enhanced with a spectacular show 🤗
That’s not a problem.
in drop zone category, can we entry in ocean
Yes.
Are children allowed on the beach?
Yes.
What about parking for Drop zone viewers? Will it be reserved?
Parking is not included with the purchase of a Drop Zone ticket. There is ample parking throughout the town as well as at the West Ocean City Park and Ride
Will there be restroom facilities in the Drop Zone? (I’ll be there with my pregnant wife and walking 5 blocks back to the hotel for rest room breaks will not be fun for her.)
There will be port-o-lets.
Hi- are umbrellas and chairs provided with Drop Zone tickets?
Umbrellas and chairs are not included with Drop Zone tickets.
If I buy tickets for Saturday and it rains, and the full show does NOT go on as scheduled, can I use my tickets for Sunday?
The show is rain or shine.
The ticket states coolers restricted. Are coolers restricted this year?
Not to be confused with Prohibited, coolers are Restricted in that they cannot contain alcohol.
IS their handicapped parking available near the drop zone?
Handicapped Parking is available through the city on street parking just as a normal beach day. We also recommend the West Ocean City Park and Ride.
can I bring in the tripod and camera with the big lens?
Sure.
What time can you enter? Earliest?
9am in the Drop Zone.
are puppies permitted into the drop zone area?
Animals are not allowed on the beach per Ocean City regulations.
Are there ever any circumstance that tickets would be refundable?
No ma’am. Tickets are non refundable and the show is rain or shine!
How long is the air show. What time to what time
Approximately 4 hours from 12 noon – 4pm.
So just to be clear. The gates open for drop zone to find a seating spot but the actual show does not begin until 12:00 noon? When you purchase tickets in advance…how do you get them? US mail or some sort of will call at site of show?
The tickets are print-at-home. The Drop Zone opens in the morning. All the services are available including music, restrooms, food, beverage, etc at opening time.
CAN YOU BRING IN CAN SODAS?
Sure.
Sure.
Are the smaller shade tents allowed in the Drop Zone?
Tent structures of any kind are not allowed. Please feel free to bring a beach umbrella.
I ordered tickets on March 13 have not received an email or my tickets although my credit card was charged and I paid it last week
Have you checked your junk folder? Give our box office a call at 877.877.7677 and they will get you squared away?
I purchased tickets in 2016 for the 2017 Drop Zone. Will these be sent to me?
You should have received them via email. If not, give our box office a call and they will get you squared away at 877.877.7677.
What time would you recommend lining up to get in to the drop zone to get a good seat?
If you’re there by 10am you should be fine.
The line for the bathrooms last year was very long. Are there going to bend more added this year?
I was there on Saturday last year and walked right into a port a potty every time with no line. Not sure which ones you were going to??
Are tents permitted in the Drop Zone area.
Tents are strictly prohibited. You can however, bring a beach umbrella.
What time does the show start? I see the 9 and 10 a.m. when things open but what time does it start and end? Thank you.
Performances will begin at 12 noon on Saturday and Sunday!
I have two small children. Will they be able to play in the water and on the beach at the time of the air show, or is it all fenced off?
Ticket holders will be allowed to enter the ocean.
Are umbrellas or chairs provided or can you bring your own?
You will need to bring your own umbrellas and chairs. There are vendors on the beach that rent umbrellas on a first come, first served basis.
What size coolers are we allowed to bring along to drop zone area?
All size coolers are allowed, just no alcohol.
OMG, u r a patient person to answer the same questions over n over but it does make ur job easy………of resident.
Thank you.
Yep you’re a saint
Once you enter drop zone, can you exit and then re-enter?
Yes. You’ll receive a wristband that will let you do just that.
Where is the drop zone?
It is located between 14th and 16th St on the Boardwalk.
Is there assigned seating or first come
First come, first served in the Drop Zone.
Can you leave chairs to reserve seating or will unattended blankets or chairs be removed?
You can leave them and not worry.
Are coolers allowed in the Drop Zone?
Yes they are, but alcohol is not allowed.
Can we buy Beer inside?
Yes, sir!
What is the fee to rent an umbrella in the drop zone?