February 12, 2018. Louisville, KY. – 68 days and counting to this year’s Thunder Over Louisville – the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Opening Ceremonies. The Festival announced the theme of this year’s show and named the event’s sponsors at their headquarters this morning. This year’s theme – “A Disco Thunder” – will celebrate disco music and the fireworks soundtrack will be filled with the top hits of that era. Horseshoe Southern Indiana, LG&E, Meijer, UPS and Valero return as Presenting Sponsors of the day-long event set for Saturday, April 21.

“The continued generosity of these sponsors is a real gift to the community,” said Mike Berry, Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO. “Thunder Over Louisville is a massive undertaking and because of their commitment we are able to continue producing the air and fireworks show fans have come to expect and anticipate all year long.”

This is the 28th consecutive year that UPS has been a presenting sponsor of Thunder Over Louisville. Horseshoe Southern Indiana has been a presenting sponsor for 19 consecutive years; LG&E and Meijer have both been Thunder sponsors for the past 12 years in a row; and this is the fifth year for Valero.

In addition to the five presenting sponsors, Ford Motor Company returns as sponsor of Ford’s Thunder on the Ground. Thunder Over Louisville’s 2018 Official Broadcast Partners are WLKY TV and SummitMedia’s 106.9 PLAY. The Galt House is the Official Hotel of the event.

The Festival is also planning for another packed air show in 2018, which could include additional military aircraft participation. The show will feature the USAF A-10 Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team, the USAF Heritage Flight, the U.S. Army Golden Knights, the KC Flight Formation Team (new to Thunder), and Younkin Airshows. Additional details on the 2018 Thunder Air Show will be released closer to the show date.

THUNDER ROOFTOP PARTY: For Thunder fans who want a front row seat to the show, tickets for the Thunder Over Louisville VIP Rooftop Party go on sale today. The party features a VIP tent with the best view of the show, catered meals, open bar and private amenities. Individual tickets are $150 and special group opportunities are available for parties of 20 or more. Tickets can be purchased at ThunderOverLouisville.org or by calling (502) 584-FEST.