I went on a pre-event tour of the Red Bull Air Race 2016 venue

Meeting at the Entrance

We arrived at the entrance of Area A. The six selected Red Bull Friends, along with two representatives from Red Bull Japan, entered together. Some familiar faces from the Tropical Party were there, making it easy to feel at home. The staff were incredibly polite and approachable, which only enhanced Red Bull’s already great impression.

First, we received our event passes, along with some special gifts—two Air Race 2016 cans, a limited-edition Air Race plush toy, and passes for the following days. What an exciting start! (●´ω｀●)

Area A

After entering, we were guided to Area A. It’s essentially a sandy beach, wide and open, with planes soaring right before our eyes—an entirely different experience from just hearing them in the distance.

I was curious to see how many people would gather here for the qualifiers and finals in the coming days.

At this point, I realized how different the experience was compared to watching it on TV. Being my first Air Race, I was already getting hyped! We spent some time enjoying the test flights before moving on.

Deluxe Seat Area

Next, we moved to the Deluxe Seat Area. I knew it had chairs for comfortable viewing, but I didn’t expect such a massive number of seats! Apparently, they increased the seating capacity compared to last year. Though the price was a hefty 50,000 yen for two days, it was already sold out.

Sitting in one of the seats, I could immediately tell how comfortable they were. If you ever attend an Air Race, I highly recommend these seats. They offer a much better experience compared to standing or sitting on the beach. The reclining function and headrests make them perfect for a relaxed viewing experience.

It would be even better if they had drink holders—I’d love to enjoy a beer or a Red Bull while watching!

Sky Lounge Area

Now, onto the premium Sky Lounge Area. This is a luxurious space where guests can enjoy drinks and meals in an indoor setting. The ticket price? A whopping 250,000 yen! It’s a rare experience to watch the Air Race from here.

Inside, the spacious lounge was still being set up. While it wasn’t in perfect condition yet, I hope these photos give you a sense of the atmosphere.

The dining area was also being prepared.

Rows of tables and chairs, air conditioning, and floor-to-ceiling glass walls provided an incredibly comfortable and open space.

A DJ booth was set up, suggesting a party-like vibe during the event. I also spotted a Red Bull fridge with built-in speakers—something I’ve always wanted! Red Bull's fridges come in so many stylish designs.

Stepping outside, we found numerous sofas arranged for guests.

The ambiance was fantastic (*´艸｀*). There were also tables and chairs set up facing the beach.

From the sofa area, we had a great view of the beach. However, there was no escape from the strong sunlight!

Suddenly, someone unknown to us began guiding the tour, mixing humor into the commentary. It turned out he was the event’s executive committee chairman! He was cracking jokes with us while maintaining a formal demeanor when speaking with VIPs—an interesting contrast. His impromptu explanations made the tour even more enjoyable (*´ｪ`*).

Media Center

We were given access to the Media Center, an area reserved for press members.

Inside, there were spacious workstations and resting areas, with food and drinks already stocked.

On the left side, there was a large press conference space, ready to be filled with journalists and photographers.

Control Tower

The Control Tower wasn’t originally on the tour plan, but thanks to the event chairman’s influence, we got the opportunity to visit. Unfortunately, a rehearsal was in progress, so we couldn’t go inside.

Still, getting this close was already a rare privilege. The chairman’s casual but confident approach was impressive. Here, we parted ways with him.

FORB Area

Next, we toured the FORB Area, where Red Bull Friends would be watching the race. FORB stands for "Friends of Red Bull," a special invitation-only area. The atmosphere was amazing (●´ω｀●).

A wooden deck was built, surrounded by pristine white sand. There were booths offering Red Bull and cocktails, as well as a large screen in the back.

In front of the beach, sofas and small tables were set up, creating the perfect spot to enjoy the Air Race.

Here, we were served chilled Red Bull—absolutely perfect! (ｕ_ｕ*)
At FORB, drinks like Red Bull and cocktails were unlimited, while food was available with meal tickets. Water and beer were 500 yen each, but as an energy drink fanatic, I was more than satisfied! ((o(´∀｀)o))

Public Viewing Area

A large screen was set up in the Public Viewing Area, surrounded by numerous chairs and food stalls. It was bound to get crowded.

Several DJ cars and an FMX stage were also in place, promising a lively event.

Hangar

Unexpectedly, we got to visit the hangar! A short drive from the Makuhari venue to Urayasu gave us a chance to rest before arriving.

A signing event was taking place, with friendly pilots interacting with fans.

A Fulfilling Tour

This three-hour tour was packed with experiences beyond expectations. I even met Red Bull staff who were familiar with my work as an energy drink enthusiast.

Seeing the behind-the-scenes efforts of this massive international event was eye-opening. Huge thanks to Red Bull for organizing this, and to all the passionate Red Bull Friends who joined!

We even received a media kit, packed with information about the Air Race. Looking forward to sharing more from the FORB Area during the qualifiers and finals!