1) How much do tickets cost?
Advance tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for Youth (age 5-17 years). Tickets at the door will be $25 for Adults; the Youth price will remain the same. Ticket price is good for all-day admission – guests are welcome to tour during the day, leave, and come back in the evening for fireworks.
2) Are there any discounts on ticket purchases?
Save $5 on each Adult ticket by purchasing them in advance. (Admission at the door is $25 for Adults and $10 for Youth.) Members are admitted free.
We have a great membership program that provides free admission to both this year’s and next year’s event, plus all our Patriotic Events, and museum admission through the end of next July – it’s only $75 for the “Family & Friends” level.
3) What time should I be there?
The gates open at 10:00am. Ship tours are available from 10:00am to 8:00pm. Children’s games will be available from 1:00pm-8:00pm. Live music on the Flight Deck starts at 3:00pm and goes until 9:00pm. The doors will remain open for arrivals until 9:00pm. Most people start their visit around 3:00pm.
4) How late does the evening go?
The event ends after the fireworks are finished -- approximately 9:45pm.
5) Does the ship go anywhere?
No. The engines do not function and the ship remains permanently tied to the pier.
6) How should I dress?
We encourage guests to dress in layers. It’s warm during the day but can get chilly on the Flight Deck at night.
7) How is the seating arranged? Is there any Reserved seating?
All seating on the Flight Deck is available on a first-come basis. You are welcome to bring your own portable folding chair or a blanket.
8) Are food and beverages included in the ticket price?
No, but a great selection of food can be purchased for a nominal charge at one of the food concessions. Participating restaurants may include Jose’s Cantina (Mexican), Joe’s Grill (hamburgers and hotdogs), and Great American Barbecue.
9) Am I allowed to bring food & drinks?
Food and beverages will be available for purchase on the ship. Outside food and coolers may not be brought on board the ship.
10) Is there a bar? How much do drinks cost?
There will be a cash bar on both decks selling a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Beverage prices range from $1.50 for sodas to $5.00 for beer or wine.
11) Am I allowed to bring a folding chair?
Small folding chairs with carrying strap are acceptable.
12) Is there an ATM machine onboard?
There is no cash machine onboard the ship, so please be prepared. Food and beverage concessions do not accept credit cards, and the Ship’s Store and Ticket Desk accept credit cards for purchases only.
13) Is there plenty of parking? How much does it cost?
There is plenty of FREE parking across the street from the pier.
14) Are people under 21 years old allowed?
This is a family event and children are definitely welcome. There are special activities planned for children, including carnival games and bounce house.
15) How many people usually attend this event?
The attendance averages over 3,000 guests throughout the day. It’s a big ship and there is plenty to do.
16) Is this a safe and secure event?
We have plenty of security personnel to provide a comfortable, reassuring and safe evening for everyone aboard.
17) What activities will be on the ship?
In addition to ship tours, we will have plenty of interactive games. We’ll have a fun zone on the Hangar Deck with carnival games and table games. On the Flight Deck, we will have a bounce houseand other inflatable games. Don’t miss a chance to ride the flight simulator through a jet fighter mission.
18) What can you tell me about the bands?
We have three bands scheduled to entertain guests on the Flight Deck starting at 3:00pm. The music line-up includes Bay Area favorites: The Amigos (latin rock), Tempest (Celtic folk rock), and Eddie and the Boppers (50’s and 60’s). Additional entertainment may include traditional sea chanties and big band standards.
19) When will tickets be available?
Tickets can be purchased now. We will start mailing tickets the week of June 15. Orders received after 1:00pm on Friday, June 26, will be placed in Will Call.
20) Will tickets be available at the door?
If the event is not sold out, the ticket price will be $25 for Adults and $10 for Youth (5-17 years). We have an awesome membership program that provides free admission to this year’s event, next year’s Fourth of July party, and museum admission through the end of next July – it’s only $75 for the “Family & Friends” level.
21) How can I order tickets?
Tickets can be ordered by calling the USS Hornet Museum at (510) 521-8448 ext 282 on weekdays between 10:00am and 4:00pm or by calling the Ship’s Store at (510) 521-8448 x 245 during the weekend. For your convenience, on-line orders can be placed anytime: http://usshornet.stores.yahoo.net/
22) How do I get to the ship?
Directions will be mailed with the tickets. Directions can also be accessed on our website at: http://www.uss-hornet.org/visitor_info/get_there.html For MapQuest users, our address is 707 W Hornet Ave, Pier 3 Alameda 94501
23) Are there hotels in the area that you can recommend?
Alameda Hotels
Hawthorn Suites 1628 Webster St (510) 522-1000
Coral Reef Motel 400 Park St (510) 521-2330
Marina Village Inn 1151 Pacific Marina (510) 523-9450
Oakland Hotels
Waterfront Plaza Hotel, (800) 729-3638
Homewood Suites, (510) 637-7402
Executive Inn, Oakland Embarcadero, (510) 536-6633
24) When will the next dance be? Who will be playing?
July 25 – Splashdown 2009 (it’s not a dance but Buzz Aldrin will be here!)
Saturday, September 12 – Glenn Miller Orchestra
Saturday, October 31 – Monster Bash
Thursday, December 31 – New Year’s Eve Extravaganza
