Preparations are continuing in advance of the 2025 California Capital Airshow at Mather this weekend.

Crews are busy building scaffolding for seating and setting up tents and temporary buildings along Mather’s taxiway Alpha. This year’s layout is designed so that the general admission entrance is near the show center, giving spectators a view of the show as they first walk through the gates, officials said.

One new addition this year is a large two story structure where spectators can view the airshow from an upper deck enclosed in clear plexiglass.

Some premium venue tickets have already sold out, according to an email sent to airshow insiders. 

“This year’s ticket sales have smashed all previous records,” the announcement said. “With the return of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, we expect ticket sales to significantly accelerate as the show approaches.”

Ticket prices listed on the website start at $50 each for general admission. Children 15 and under are free. Mather Club tickets range from $65 to $100, The Hanger tickets are between $70 and $175, Flight Line Club offerings are from $95 to $225, and First Class tickets start at $225 up to $700. The Capital Club tickets are sold out, according to the website.

The City of Rancho Cordova is a presenting sponsor this year, and a social media announcement by the airshow says there is an area planned to feature Rancho Cordova’s “rich military heritage” during the event. An image posted with the announcement shows a WWII era B-25 Mitchell parked near an arch with an Army Air Force logo and lettering reminiscent of Mather’s past. 

Other sponsors include Sacramento County and SMUD, according to the airshow website.

A tentative schedule released to airshow insiders says the opening ceremony is scheduled for 12 noon with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels slated for  3 p.m. 

Static displays are planned to include vintage WWII era aircraft along with modern military and civilian aircraft.