Tuesday, March 3, 2026–10:20 a.m.
-News Release-
The Chuters Parachute Team will descend from above, carrying the U.S. flag during the national anthem for the Rome Emperors’ home opener. (Wings Over North Georgia)
The Rome Emperors are proud to announce a special partnership with the Wings Over North Georgia Air Show (WONG) for Opening Night of the 2026 season on Thursday, April 2, at AdventHealth Stadium.
The Emperors will take on the Asheville Tourists at 6:45 PM, with gates opening at 6:00 PM. As part of the evening’s festivities, fans will witness special pregame activities featuring performers from the 2026 Spring Edition of the WONG Air Show.
The Spring Edition of WONG takes place April 3-4 at Russell Regional Airport and features the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron. The Thunderbirds, as they are colloquially known, are assigned to the 57th Wing and are based at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Established in 1953, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are the third-oldest formal flying aerobatic squadron in the world.
The Chuters Parachute Team will descend from above, carrying the U.S. flag during the national anthem. Immediately following the skydiving demonstration, the Outlaw L-39 Jet Team will conduct a flyover. Thunderbird #2, Maj Josh Burress, the left-wing pilot, will throw the ceremonial first pitch. Many of the performers, including members of the U.S. Air Thunderbirds, will be introduced during opening activities.
Fans in attendance will also have the opportunity to meet and take photos with members of the Thunderbirds, along with the civilian performers participating in the air show taking place April 3-4. This one-of-a-kind experience will give fans an up-close experience with one of the most elite military demonstration teams in the world.
Opening Night will mark the first time an Emperor’s game has ever featured participation by the Thunderbirds, making this a historic night at AdventHealth Stadium that fans will not want to miss.
The Thunderbirds serve as the headliners for WONG 2026 and will perform in their six-signature red, white, and blue F-16 Falcons. They are internationally known for their hard-charging demonstration of precision formation flying, pushing their F-16 Fighting Falcons to the limit. Known as “America’s Ambassadors in Blue,” the Thunderbirds have traveled throughout the world performing before millions of spectators.
Tickets for Opening Night for the Emperors are available now at https://www.milb.com/rome/tickets/single-game-tickets.
Tickets for the WONG Air Show are available at https://www.wingsovernorthgeorgia.com/guest-information/ticket-options. Tickets must be purchased online and in advance as no tickets will be sold on the day of the air show performances. For additional show information, follow the air show’s Facebook page or visit the Wings Over North Georgia website at https://www.WingsOverNorthGeorgia.com.
