EL TORO AIR SHOW : STORMING the Base

About 500,000 people are expected each day at the air show, most arriving by car, creating traffic jams to rival the spetacle in the sky.

TIPS AND INFORMATION:

DAYS: Saturday and Sunday

TIME: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

GATES OPEN: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. May close earlier if parking lots fill (but pedestrians and bicyclists will be allowed in). No exit between 3 and 4 p.m. due to Blue Angels flight.

PARKING: Free. You will be directed to appropriate lots. Lots fill fast, so arrive early. Be prepared for a long walk to show area.

SEATING: No bleachers, seating only on the scrub and concrete in show area. Bring lawn chairs and thick blankets.

WEATHER PROTECTION: Brimmed hats and sunscreen are recommended to protect against sunburn. Blankets and jackets offer comfort against wind. In case of heavy rain, the show will be canceled.

BICYCLES: Allowed, but must be locked to fences in areas just inside gates.

FOOD AND DRINK: Drinking water is available. Food, soft drinks and beer will be sold at concession stands throughout show area. Proceeds benefit military family-aid agencies.

RESTROOMS: Portable facilities available, some wheelchair-accessible.

ADMISSION: Free.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Allowed. Use ASA 100 or 200 film for a sunny day and a fast shutter speed for quick-moving planes. Zoom lens, 70-millimeter to 200-millimeter, will bring the action closer. Bring lots of film, batteries. Film is for sale.

HANDICAPPED: Entry allowed through any open gate (with state sticker or plate). Special parking and restrooms available. The Friday dress rehearsal show is open to the disabled and senior citizens. Contact (714) 726-2100 for more information.

LOST AND FOUND: Near base of control tower.

PROGRAMS: Available at the base, $3. Program includes Blue Angels pull-out poster, schedule of events, map of display area.

BANNED ITEMS: Skateboards, roller-skates, roller-blades, coolers, pets (guide-dogs excepted).

VISUAL AIDS: Sunglasses will cut sun’s glare. Binoculars will bring the action closer.

SOUVENIRS: T-shirts, hats, pins, Desert Storm memorabilia all available. Proceeds benefit morale, welfare and relief agencies.

Outbound Traffic

Flow will be strictly directed, so choose your lane carefully. Avoid Culver for access to interstate 5--construction makes entry difficult. Gate 3 exits to I-5 via Alton.

TAKING THE BUS

The Orange County Transit Dristic will run express shuttles from three centers. Service begins at 8:30 a.m., buses leaving as filled, with the last bus departing at 11:30 a.m. Fare is $1.80 each way. Transfers accepted for half-fare, also given for return connections. Dollar bills taken but change not given. Buses return immediately after show, last bus leaving at 5:30 p.m. Center parking: Santa Ana has no designated areas; Irvine has 200 spaces; Laguna Hills, use Park-and-Ride area. Those parking on streets or in private lots should check for tow-away signs. Call 636-RIDE for more information.

Researched by DANNY SULLIVAN / Los Angeles Times