Where to watch the Air Force Academy graduation Thunderbirds air show in Colorado Springs
The high-flying U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, also known as the Thunderbirds, will take to the skies above Colorado Springs Wednesday to celebrate the U.S. Air Force Academy’s 2022 graduating class.
The flyover will take place immediately following the graduation ceremony. Tickets are required to attend graduation, which begins at 9:30 a.m. and runs until roughly 1:15 p.m. when the Thunderbirds fly over Falcon Stadium just as the newly minted second lieutenants from the class of '22 throw their caps in the air.
Last year, the air show lasted for roughly 20 minutes to half an hour. It is visible from many areas in northern Colorado Springs.
Some businesses near the Air Force Academy will host viewing events Wednesday, and there are other areas that provide excellent views of the show.
Here are some of the places to watch the impressive aerial display from Wednesday. If you can't make it to the Springs that day, the Thunderbirds practice for the show, usually on Tuesday, the day before graduation.
The Air Force Academy did not have a time for the rehearsal as of Friday afternoon, but a public affairs officer said information would be posted on the academy's Twitter feed or Facebook page as soon as it's available.
Western Museum of Mining and Industry
The Western Museum of Mining and Industry, 225 North Gate Blvd., encourages those who want to catch the Thunderbirds to bring a blanket, chair, and sunscreen and kick back on the museum property to watch the show. Little Bears Sloppy Joes & Ice Cream Floats Food Truck will have food available for purchase. The museum charges $5 to attend, though museum members get in free. Donations raised at the event benefit the museum.
Overdrive Raceway
The indoor go-karting facility Overdrive Raceway, 196 Spectrum Loop, hosts a Thunderbird Watch Party. Festivities are expected to start about 11 a.m. and go-kart racing will begin at noon. The event will feature free burgers, drinks and prizes, as well as games and entertainment.
Church at Briargate
The Church at Briargate, 9550 Otero Ave., hosts its watch party starting at 11:30 a.m. This event will feature bounce houses and free food, and is open to the public, so “invite your neighbors and friends!” the church said in a Facebook post.
The Lodge at Flying Horse/The Steakhouse at Flying Horse
For those looking to stay in Colorado Springs before or after catching the show, The Lodge at Flying Horse, 1880 Weiskopf Point, is less than 10 minutes away from the north entrance of the Air Force Academy and, according to a Facebook post about the annual flyovers, tends to fill up quickly leading up to the academy’s graduation. The Steakhouse at Flying Horse provides great views of the show, though “seating is limited and reservations are highly recommended,” Flying Horse said on Facebook.
Northern Colorado Springs parking lots
There are several areas in northern Colorado Springs where people can park their vehicles and see the show. However, because many parking lots are privately owned, those interested in catching the show should check with individual businesses before parking in their lots.
Other potential viewing locations
Bass Pro Shops, 13012 Bass Pro Drive
Colorado Mountain Brewery, 1110 Interquest Pkwy.
Regal Interquest & RPX movie theater, 1120 Interquest Pkwy.
Drury Inn and Suite, 1170 Interquest Pkwy.
Things to do in and around Pueblo: Celebrate the Boys & Girls Club, catch a play, ride the Vialpando Vicla
The Chieftain's Zach Hillstrom can be reached at zhillstrom@gannett.com or on Twitter @ZachHillstrom
This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Where to see the Thunderbirds USAFA graduation air show
