🎓 USAFA Graduation 2025 & Thunderbirds Flyover: What to Know & Where to Watch in Colorado Springs

Photo credit: Eric Strom 2024.

To see all of the Academy photos, go to Eric's Academy page here: https://stromphoto.smugmug.com/Colorado/Air-Force-Academy

The U.S. Air Force Academy's Class of 2025 is set to graduate on Thursday, May 29, with the iconic Thunderbirds soaring overhead to celebrate. Whether you're attending the ceremony or seeking the best vantage points in Colorado Springs, here's your comprehensive guide.

🎉 Graduation Ceremony Details

• Date & Time: Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.

• Location: Falcon Stadium, USAFA

• Gates Open: 6:00 a.m.

• Commencement Speaker: Secretary of the Air Force Troy E. Meink

• Tickets: 3,000 free tickets are available to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Pick them up at:

  • Visit Colorado Springs office (515 S. Cascade Ave.)

  • Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce (166 Second St., Monument)
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Note: If the ceremony moves indoors due to weather, these tickets won't be valid.Springsmag Colorado Springs+1KOAA News 5+1

✈️ Thunderbirds Flyover Schedule

• Arrival & Survey Flight: Tuesday, May 27, between 12:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

• Practice Sessions: Wednesday, May 28

  • Hat Toss Flyover Practice: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

  • Air Show Practice: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

• Graduation Day Performance: Thursday, May 29, between 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m., immediately following the hat toss
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📍 Top Viewing Spots in Colorado Springs

If you can't attend the ceremony, here are some prime locations to witness the Thunderbirds in action:

1. Hotel Polaris

Located near the Academy, Hotel Polaris offers reserved seating on the Flat Iron Plaza for the flyover. Enjoy a lunch buffet and aviation-themed cocktails.

• Reservations: thehotelpolaris.com
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2. Western Museum of Mining and Industry

Bring a blanket and enjoy the show from across I-25. Admission is $5 per car.

• Address: 225 North Gate Blvd.
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3. Red Leg Brewing Company

A veteran-owned brewery hosting a watch party from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Bring chairs and enjoy craft beers with a view.

• Address: 2323 Garden of the Gods Road
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4. Phil Long Music Hall at Bourbon Brothers

Enjoy live music and the flyover from the Northgate patio between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
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5. Scheels

Join a family-friendly event with food, games, and entertainment starting at 11:00 a.m.

• Address: 1226 Interquest Pkwy.
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🚧 Road Closures & Safety Tips

Be aware of the following road closures on Wednesday, May 28, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Thursday, May 29, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.:

• Stadium Boulevard: Pine Drive to North Gate Boulevard

• Community Center Drive: East Douglass Drive to Stadium Boulevard

• Academy Drive: Lot 6 to Stadium Boulevard

• Parade Loop: USAFA Cemetery to Stadium Boulevard

• Santa Fe Trail: Tri-intersection Bridge to Parade Loop
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Safety Reminder: Do not stop along I-25 or other roads to watch the flyover. It's both dangerous and illegal.Springsmag Colorado Springs+4CBS News+4https://www.kktv.com+4

🌦️ Weather Alert

The forecast for Thursday, May 29, indicates potential thunderstorms in the afternoon. If the ceremony moves indoors due to weather, public tickets will not be honored.Springsmag Colorado Springs+1KOAA News 5+1

🎥 Can't Attend? Watch Online

The graduation ceremony will be livestreamed at usafa.edu/graduation.Springsmag Colorado Springs

Congratulations to the USAFA Class of 2025! For more local insights or real estate inquiries in Colorado Springs, feel free to reach out.

Note: For the most current information, always refer to official USAFA communications and local news outlets.