SJC Airport Celebrates National Aviation Week with Prizes, Games in Terminals

Third annual event features prizes valued up to $500
 

San José, Calif. – Beginning Monday, August 19, San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) will be teeming with fun and games for its third annual National Aviation Week celebration. This year’s three weeklong festivities center around the Airport’s 75th anniversary. Passengers will have the opportunity to win prizes featuring SJC’s adorable baby chicken merchandise created in honor of the Airport’s first passengers from its inaugural flight in 1949: 2,550 baby chickens. The planespotter photo contest is back by popular demand, in addition to a new in-terminal prize giveaway.

Passengers are invited to search for clues throughout SJC's terminals for a chance to win one of three prizes: a grand prize valued at $500, a second prize valued at $250 and a third prize valued at $100 (details below).

“San José Mineta International Airport has been an integral part of Bay Area aviation for over 75 years,” said San José Mayor Matt Mahan. “It’s exciting to see SJC celebrate National Aviation Week with engaging and interactive games for passengers to enjoy during their travels to and from the Bay Area’s most reliable, convenient airport.”

“In celebration of National Aviation Week, we are reminded of the rich history the San José Mineta International Airport has had the last 75 years and the incredible workforce who continue to provide passengers with a simple and convenient travel environment,” said San José City Manager Jennifer Maguire. “I look forward to seeing travelers enjoy the fun festivities planned at SJC.”

“We are excited to engage SJC travelers through games and prizes featuring our beloved chicken mascots to mark National Aviation Week,” said SJC Director of Aviation Mookie Patel. “We introduced the baby chicken characters in February of this year to mark SJC’s 75th anniversary. They have quickly become part of the Airport’s identity, hugely popular with travelers and staff alike. We know that our passengers are going to love these chicken-inspired games and prizes.”

Originally established as National Aviation Day by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in honor of aviation pioneer Orville Wright’s birthday, it has been celebrated on and during the week of August 19 since its inception in 1939.

NEW this year – Bonus Baby Chicken Clue for a Prize
This year’s scavenger hunt features a bonus baby chicken clue featuring aviator chick, “Ernie”— namesake of Ernie Renzel, the former San José mayor who was instrumental in the airport’s creation. Find one of three Drop Water machines in the Airport, snap a photo with the clue there and follow the directions on the sign to redeem your very own Ernie + friends stickers!

How to Play – Scavenger Hunt
Check flysanjose.com/aviation for instructions and 10 clues that lead to QR codes throughout the terminals. After you find and scan each code, enter for a chance to win an SJC prize pack (one grand prize valued at $500, and two other prizes valued at $250 and $100). Find all 10 clues, enter up to 10 times!

Scavenger Hunt Prizes

• One grand prize valued at $500: Includes a three-day SJC parking voucher, two Club SJC passes, SJC apparel, 75-year baby chicken swag and more.
• One prize valued at $250: Includes a two-day SJC parking voucher, SJC apparel, 75-year baby chicken swag and more.
• One prize valued at $100: Includes a 2-day SJC parking voucher, SJC apparel, 75-year baby chicken swag and more.

Planespotter Picture Sweepstakes
This one is for all the avgeeks out there. To participate, airplane enthusiasts are invited to post a favorite photo they’ve captured on Instagram using #SpottedAtSJC and #SJCPlanespotterPictureSweepstakes. Three winners will be selected to receive an SJC Prize Pack. More details can be found at flysanjose.com/planespotter.

Scavenger Hunt and Sweepstakes rules are featured on SJC’s website.