(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) graduation will be hosted on Thursday, May 29, at Falcon Stadium inside the Academy.
Gates at Falcon Stadium open at 6 a.m., guests are encouraged to come out early and watch the performance by the U.S. Air Force Academy Band, and graduation is set to begin at 9 a.m. A livestream of the graduation will also be available and will kick off at the same time graduation begins.
While the ceremony takes place early in the morning, USAFA residents and visitors should expect heavy traffic, closures, and event detours beginning Thursday, May 28. Beginning at 11 a.m. Thursday, individuals can expect the following roads to be closed until 4 p.m., and on May 29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.:
- Stadium Boulevard from Pine Drive to North Gate Boulevard
- Community Center Drive from E. Douglass Dr. to Stadium Boulevard
- Academy Drive from Lot 6 to Stadium Boulevard
- Parade Loop from SUAFA Cemetery to Stadium Boulevard
- Santa Fe Trail from Tri-intersection Bridge to Parade Loop
As for the local community, individuals can expect traffic delays on I-25 near the Academy during the day.
For those going on base, the Air Force Academy has adjusted entry protocols, and during specific times, no base pass or pre-registration will be required for U.S. citizens, however, it is a requirement for all visitors to have a U.S. government-issued ID or passport if over the age of 18. On Thursday, May 29, visitors will be able to get on base without a base pass between 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
While graduation is set for 9 a.m., in the event of severe weather, the ceremony could be rescheduled or moved to the Cadet Field House (Club Arena), and the announcement will be made the morning of the ceremony.
Those looking to see the Thunderbirds, the aerial demonstration will take place at the conclusion of the graduation ceremony, weather permitting.
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