Skydive City will offer discounted tandem skydives ($173) in honor of the invention that changed the sport forever. Schedule your tandem in advance at www.skydivecity.com and pay the deposit. The discounted rate will be charged upon arrival. Walk-ins are also accepted.

Forty years ago to the day, on Jan. 15, 1983, Ricky Meadows and Ted Strong jumped with the first ever dedicated tandem system—where you’re attached to an experienced skydiving instructor for your jump. It was a revolution for the industry and the sport because tandem skydiving made the thrilling experience far more accessible to a wider range of people. Today, approximately 500,000 people each year spread their wings and try skydiving for the first time, according to the United States Parachute Association (USPA).

In addition to taking a jump, attendees can enjoy socializing with skydiving hall-of-famers and industry leaders. Several notable guests will be in attendance, including Bill Morrissey (one of the fathers of tandem skydiving), Bill Booth (inventor and entrepreneur in the skydiving equipment manufacturing industry), Myrt Strong (Ted Strong’s first wife), and Gloria Mabry (wife of one of the non-sanctioned jumps in the early 70s). A special jump will occur with three different tandem manufacturers at 3:33 p.m., followed by a short ceremony.

Located about 30 miles northeast of Tampa, Zephyrhills Municipal Airport is home to Skydive City, one of the most well-known skydiving centers in the sports community. The center trains every level of skydiver, from beginners to seasoned veterans, and supports all types of skydiving activity. The center performs 70,000 jumps annually by divers from 80 countries and all 50 states. Learn more at www.skydivecity.com.