Thunder Over The Heartland 2024 - Topeka, Kansas

[n33d4sp33d_85]

Here’s the website for this year’s show.

https://thunderovertheheartland.com/

[Adam]

Here are some more details. I'll quote the relevant parts for us avgeeks below. The last paragraph is especially good!
http://thisisflight.net/2024/02/29/tope ... 24-return/

This year’s edition will be held at Topeka Regional Airport in Kansas on Friday 11th-Sunday 13th October, headlined by the USAF Thunderbirds. The Friday and Saturday shows will start in the afternoon, running until after dark and concluding with pyrotechic air displays, a “wall of fire” and choreographed firework show. Sunday’s event will be a more conventional daytime show.

Airshow director Luke Carrico promised that Thunder Over the Heartland would be “unlike any airshow this part of the world has seen before”.

He added: “Our event is entirely about the guest experience. Incredible flying performances will be combined with architectural lighting, and best-in-class hospitality to make this a next-generation aerial event.”

The organisers have travelled extensively and taken inspiration from some of the most innovative airshows in the world – particularly the popular Antidotum Airshow in Leszno, Poland. The two events will exchange information, ideas and best practices. The team also attended the recent European Airshow Council Convention in Brussels, with the aim of attracting international participation in future years.

The airshow in Topeka will also be bringing its own new ideas to the table, such as a concert-style sound system and architectural uplighting for static display aircraft, bringing the static display to life after dark and transforming the entire showground into an immersive, three-dimensional light show.

Additionally, Thunder Over the Heartland will be adding a ‘Spotter Pack’ – an enthusiast-centric hospitality package that includes the three show days as well as arrivals and practices on Thursday 10th October. Among the proposed facilities are a photo pit with raised platforms offering clear views of the aerobatic box and hot ramp, a covered area with seating and charging facilities, private toilets, early access to the showground on the public days and night time engine runs on the Friday and Saturday.

[CultOfTheWyvern]

Here are some more details. I'll quote the relevant parts for us avgeeks below. The last paragraph is especially good!
http://thisisflight.net/2024/02/29/tope ... 24-return/

It really is great to see so many shows starting to think outside the box, and the statement about focusing on the overall customer experience (plus the catering to enthusiasts bit!), rather than just selling out to the VIPs, is very encouraging. I'll be keeping an eye on this one for sure.

[Dan Gagnon]

Love the idea of the "Spotters Pack" that includes Thursday practice and arrivals! Arrival days are usually some of the best parts of the airshow weekend.

I would love to see more shows follow in this direction with including Thursday as part of a package vs just being able to access it only if you have media.

[n33d4sp33d_85]

Per 2024 ICAS Calendar
- Titan Aerobatic Team
- Brian Correll
https://airshows.aero/Page/AirShowsCalendar

[n33d4sp33d_85]

Latest Additions
- USAF KC-135 Stratotanker Flybys
- Vaerus Jet Sales' DC-3
- Team FastTrax

https://thunderovertheheartland.com/att ... erformers/

[n33d4sp33d_85]

Get an exciting preview of the air show weekend by mingling with the Thunderbirds and watching a parchute drop into Evergy Plaza!

KICKOFF PARTY INFORMATION
Thursday, October 10, 6pm – Evergy Plaza
Meet the Thunderbirds
Mingle with the Air Show Performers
Get a preview of the weekend’s festivities with a parachute jump into Evergy Plaza!
Food Trucks
Live Music

https://thunderovertheheartland.com/att ... off-party/

[Adam]

Tickets are now on sale.

The ticket prices increase through several price bands as they start to sell out. The cheapest band has already gone, so don't leave it too long!

https://www.eventsprout.com/event/2024-toth

[n33d4sp33d_85]

Latest Addition: Mark Peterson [Mustang High Flight Airshows] and his Alpha Jet
https://www.mustanghighflight.com/

[n33d4sp33d_85]

Luke Carrico will be this year’s airshow announcer.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/wzSjiYVfPmyqaVw5/?