- Local businesses near Hill Air Force Base will miss the economic boost of the Warriors Over the Wasatch air show after it was postponed this week.
- The show draws 250,000 daily visitors, generating $50 million in revenue statewide.
LAYTON — With the announcement of a one-year delay for the Warriors Over the Wasatch Air Show, business owners around Hill Air Force Base said they'll have to stave off their expectations for that major boost in business that they see every other year.
The Lin family, which runs Moe's Southwest Grill, off Antelope Drive, has grown used to seeing the crowds from out of state and the planes flying overhead.
"We would have tons of people, just sitting out in the lobby, just with the food, watching the planes fly overhead in the patio," manager Andy Lin said. "We always look forward to the air show every (other) year. It's one of those best times where everyone comes through the state to see all the airplanes in the air."
According to the Utah Air Show Foundation, Warriors Over the Wasatch brings in roughly 250,000 people each day. While much of the money spent passes through area restaurants and hotels, many people from out of state will extend their stay and visit the national parks and other sites around southern Utah. The estimated total spent statewide, related to the show, comes to around $50 million, according to the foundation.
A statement released by Hill Air Force Base Tuesday said the postponement of the show comes as "a direct result of the need to prioritize resources for critical, ongoing operations."
Still, if all goes as planned, business owners like the Lins know they can look forward to the crowds and the massive influx of customers in 2027.
"It kind of bums us out that the planes aren't going to be flying overhead this year," Lin said. "We love our service members, all our veterans, anyone who is at Hill Air Force Base. And truly, it's with their help (that) makes, you know, the USA what it is."
