Final preparation under way for air show

Friday, Nov. 14, 2003 | 8:27 a.m.

Nellis Air Force Base personnel were up early this morning finishing preparations for this weekend's air show, expected to draw more than 250,000 to the base.

Aviation Nation 2003 is scheduled to run from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and will include performances by several aerial demonstration teams including the Thunderbirds. The FA-22 Raptor is scheduled to be among about 100 aircraft parked on the tarmac at Nellis for spectators to view.

Admission to the event is free, and free parking will be available at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. For a $2 fee spectators will be bused round-trip from the speedway to the runway at Nellis where the show will take place.

A handicap parking area will be available at Nellis' I Street Gate on Nellis Boulevard between Cheyenne Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard.

Those not wanting to worry about parking can take one of two Citizens Area Transit Buses that will be running exclusively from the Downtown Transportation Center to the speedway from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at a cost of $1.25 each way.

All spectators will be subject to search and will be required to pass through metal detectors at the speedway. Cameras will be searched, so film should not be loaded until after entering Nellis.

Prohibited items include tote bags, backpacks, briefcases, duffle bags, large camera bags, coolers, cans, bottles, pets except guide dogs, nail clippers, knives, firearms, scissors, pepper spray, mace, fireworks, large lounger lawn chairs, chairs stored in carrying cases or bags, bicycles, scooters, skateboards and in-line skates.

Approved items include small purses, fanny packs, cameras, camcorders, small camera bags, diaper bags, baby strollers, small lawn chairs, wheelchairs and water in clear plastic containers.

Food and beverage will be sold at the show.