Blue Angels Shock NFL Crowd with Unexpected Flyover: What Really Happened featuring George Dom

Military flyovers add a unique touch to pre-game ceremonies at major sporting events, but an in-game flyover is a rare spectacle. On October 12, 1997, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron surprised attendees at Candlestick Park in San Francisco during the Rams vs. 49ers game in Week 7 of the NFL season.

During their annual Fleet Week Air Show visit to the city, the idea for the mid-game flyover originated with Lead Solo Lt. Ryan Scholl. On the Thursday before the game, Lt. Scholl approached Flight Leader Cdr. George Dom, seeking approval. Cdr. Dom, instead of dismissing the idea, instructed Lt. Scholl to obtain clearance from both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the San Francisco 49ers.

To Cdr. Dom's surprise on the morning of October 12th, all necessary permissions were granted. Following the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration over San Francisco Bay, airspace above the stadium was cleared, allowing the iconic Delta Formation to soar over the game during the 3rd quarter.
The live broadcast on Fox Sports captured the animated reaction of renowned broadcasters John Madden and Pat Summerall in the booth. Madden, known for his fear of flying, added an extra layer of excitement to the unexpected flyover.

In the weeks that followed, Cdr. Dom extended a personal invitation to both broadcasters for a ride in one of the Team's jets, which was declined. However, the following year, Fox Sports sent a production crew to NAS El Centro, the Blue Angels' winter home base. They filmed a skit with the Team, featured on the "All Madden Team" television special aired just before the Super Bowl. At the conclusion of the broadcast, John Madden honored the Blue Angels as the MVP of the All Madden Team.

Produced by Ryan Nothhaft

Visual Resources

Fox Sports
National Archives
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