Red Bull Air Race World Championship to Buzz San Diego Bay

Tuesday, 10 March 2009

Start your engines and start looking for a great place to view San Diego Bay -- the Big Bay. The Red Bull Air Race World Championship will be buzzing into San Diego on Saturday, May 9, and Sunday, May 10. This will be the third straight season the show will thrill the crowds.

There will be two main ticketed viewing areas - in the Embarcadero Marina Park North and Embarcadero Marina South. Visit RedBullAirRace.com for ticket purchase information.

The planes are considered the fastest, lightest and most agile planes made and the pilots can push their aircraft to 250 miles per hour, withstanding forces of up to 12 Gs.

The races, which take place over San Diego Bay, are unique in that they take place in propeller airplanes flying through a slalom course, marked by giant pylons, or "air gates." The Red Bull Air Race came from an idea to merge flying with motor racing elements.

The Port of San Diego is proud to work in partnership with the City of San Diego, the San Diego International Sports Council and Red Bull to make this event possible.

Public Transportation

There are many opportunities for fans to use public transportation to get to the Air Races.  The MTS Trolley is the easiest way to access the event.  There will be Special Event Trolley service running from Qualcomm Stadium via Mission Valley, Old Town and the Santa Fe Depot. Parking at Qualcomm is free and abundant. Once you are at the Convention Center station, cross Harbor Drive and take the footpath found between the Convention Center and the Marriott Hotel.

Purchase your $5 Day Pass at trolley station ticket machines or when boarding an MTS Bus. MTS Family Weekends promotion allows two children, ages 12 and under, to ride free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. Fans attending both dates can purchase a two-day pass for only $9. Day passes are good for unlimited rides on the Trolley and most MTS bus routes. Go to SDMTS.com for additional details.

Taxis are plentiful in downtown and at most local hotels and are another good way to get to the Red Bull Races.

 

Take a look at images from the past two races, which took place in May 2008 and September 2007.

Watch highlights from last year’s event, courtesy Red Bull Air Races.

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