Air Force breaks ground on Falcon Stadium East Club
1/24/2023 1:25:00 PM | Football
U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado – The Air Force Academy officially broke ground today (Jan. 24) on the Falcon Stadium East Club modernization with a ceremony at the construction site.
After nearly six decades of football and lacrosse games, graduations, concerts and various events, the renovations coming to Falcon Stadium will help transform the facility into a state-of-the-art, world-class venue.
The Falcon Stadium modernization is a fundraising priority within the Defining Our Future comprehensive campaign publicly launched in September 2021. The Air Force Academy Foundation and the Air Force Academy Athletic Corporation have partnered to achieve the fundraising goals for the stadium as part of the athletics component of the campaign.
"This is a historic day for the U.S. Air Force Academy as we significantly invest and improve Falcon Stadium for the next generation," Air Force Director of Athletics Nathan Pine said. "Falcon Stadium is the front porch for introducing many new Air Force families as well as others in the state and local community to the Academy at football games, lacrosse games and of course graduation - the centerpiece in the culmination of our cadets' four-year journey at the U.S. Air Force Academy each spring. I am thankful for Jack and Vianne Kucera for their vision and generosity to take a leadership role in making this project a reality."
"For Vianne and me, investing in our nation's future means investing in United States Air Force Academy cadets – future leaders of character for our Air Force and Space Force," Jack Kucera ('78), chairman, Air Force Academy Foundation board of directors, said. "As an athlete when I attended the Academy, I feel strongly that what I learned on the field at Falcon Stadium helped me develop as a leader and team player. I developed resilience and tenacity. That's the essence of Air Force Academy athletics, and it's why athletics is a mission element at our Academy. We hope others will join with us in supporting Falcon Stadium's long-overdue modernization to reflect the excellence of our Academy and its mission."
The investment required for the initial phase of the Falcon Stadium modernization project totals $90 million. Philanthropic support through the Air Force Academy Foundation will provide $35 million as part of the campaign and the remaining $55 million investment will be financed by Air Force Academy Athletic Corporation revenue. The Foundation is working toward raising $15 million to complete the donor-funded portion of the initial phase.
The new East Club will provide Falcon fans an unmatched setting to enjoy Air Force football, lacrosse and special events. The East Club will enhance the existing east concourse and will feature 1,200 premium seats and a state-of-the-art club level experience. The project includes a modern and efficient entrance, a heritage plaza, open-air hospitality decks, enhanced food and beverage options, updated restrooms, new merchandise area and a ticket office.
"There have been some great improvements at Falcon Stadium since I played here just a few short years ago, but nothing like this. The East Club project is by far the biggest improvement to date and will be a great step in modernizing our home field," said U.S. Air Force Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Richard Clark. "I am pleased to see how the partnerships with our supporting organizations make this possible. So, thank you to the Foundation and AFAAC for their roles in leading this effort. Thank you to Jack and Vianne Kucera for their investment in the stadium and our Academy's future."
"The Air Force Academy Foundation and Association of Graduates are proud to partner with the Air Force Academy Athletic Corporation on the modernization of Falcon Stadium," Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Gould ('76), CEO, Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation said. "Together, we have long-aspired to upgrade what is in many ways our Academy's front porch. We envision a venue that reflects the excellence of Air Force athletics, USAFA and the Long Blue Line. That's why this is a great day for our Academy. We thank all who have helped make it possible."
In addition to the Kuceras, several donors have made significant donations to the modernization, including the Chapman Foundation, the El Pomar Foundation, Brion Applegate ('76), Erik Davis ('95) and two anonymous graduate donors.
While the federal government and the U.S. Air Force provide adequate funding for the Academy's core needs, private support from donors is required to enhance the educational and leadership opportunities necessary to fully develop future officers for the Air Force and Space Force. Falcon Stadium, as a prime venue for Air Force athletics and a physical representation of the athletics mission element, is donor-funded and its modernization requires private support.
The $270 million Defining Our Future comprehensive campaign focuses on raising private philanthropy in support of the USAFA mission and boosting engagement, pride and participation among graduates and families. The modernization of Falcon Stadium is a signature priority of the campaign, enabling the Air Force Academy Foundation, Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Athletic Corporation to work collaboratively to raise private support for and interest in the project.
Athletics is one of the three elements of USAFA's enduring mission to develop leaders of character for the Air Force and Space Force. Athletics provide opportunities for cadets to build physical strength and mental toughness throughout their four-year Academy experience. Athletics also provides cadets with opportunities to develop their agility and resiliency through competition, overcoming adversity and teamwork. All of these opportunities nurture the future officers and warfighters the Air Force and Space Force require.
For information on East Club premium seating, visit Falcon Athletic Fund. To learn more about philanthropic opportunities.
Falcon Stadium
Falcon Stadium celebrated 60 years during the 2022 season. Situated at 6,621 feet above sea level at the base of the Rampart Range of the Rocky Mountains, the donor-funded stadium opened in 1962 as the home of the Falcons. Eight U.S. presidents, starting with John F. Kennedy, have delivered graduation addresses there.
Since its opening, Falcon Stadium has undergone several significant upgrades. In 1991, the Academy installed skyboxes and remodeled the press box. Renovations in the 1990s and 2000s to improve the fan experience increased food and beverage vendors and the additional space brought its capacity to the current 46,692 (down from 52,480). Permanent lights were installed in 2002. Going into the 2016 season, new scoreboards were installed, then in 2018 the turf was replaced and the home locker room renovated. Private contributions funded most of these improvements.
After nearly six decades of football and lacrosse games, graduations, concerts and various events, the renovations coming to Falcon Stadium will help transform the facility into a state-of-the-art, world-class venue.
The Falcon Stadium modernization is a fundraising priority within the Defining Our Future comprehensive campaign publicly launched in September 2021. The Air Force Academy Foundation and the Air Force Academy Athletic Corporation have partnered to achieve the fundraising goals for the stadium as part of the athletics component of the campaign.
"This is a historic day for the U.S. Air Force Academy as we significantly invest and improve Falcon Stadium for the next generation," Air Force Director of Athletics Nathan Pine said. "Falcon Stadium is the front porch for introducing many new Air Force families as well as others in the state and local community to the Academy at football games, lacrosse games and of course graduation - the centerpiece in the culmination of our cadets' four-year journey at the U.S. Air Force Academy each spring. I am thankful for Jack and Vianne Kucera for their vision and generosity to take a leadership role in making this project a reality."
"For Vianne and me, investing in our nation's future means investing in United States Air Force Academy cadets – future leaders of character for our Air Force and Space Force," Jack Kucera ('78), chairman, Air Force Academy Foundation board of directors, said. "As an athlete when I attended the Academy, I feel strongly that what I learned on the field at Falcon Stadium helped me develop as a leader and team player. I developed resilience and tenacity. That's the essence of Air Force Academy athletics, and it's why athletics is a mission element at our Academy. We hope others will join with us in supporting Falcon Stadium's long-overdue modernization to reflect the excellence of our Academy and its mission."
The investment required for the initial phase of the Falcon Stadium modernization project totals $90 million. Philanthropic support through the Air Force Academy Foundation will provide $35 million as part of the campaign and the remaining $55 million investment will be financed by Air Force Academy Athletic Corporation revenue. The Foundation is working toward raising $15 million to complete the donor-funded portion of the initial phase.
The new East Club will provide Falcon fans an unmatched setting to enjoy Air Force football, lacrosse and special events. The East Club will enhance the existing east concourse and will feature 1,200 premium seats and a state-of-the-art club level experience. The project includes a modern and efficient entrance, a heritage plaza, open-air hospitality decks, enhanced food and beverage options, updated restrooms, new merchandise area and a ticket office.
"There have been some great improvements at Falcon Stadium since I played here just a few short years ago, but nothing like this. The East Club project is by far the biggest improvement to date and will be a great step in modernizing our home field," said U.S. Air Force Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Richard Clark. "I am pleased to see how the partnerships with our supporting organizations make this possible. So, thank you to the Foundation and AFAAC for their roles in leading this effort. Thank you to Jack and Vianne Kucera for their investment in the stadium and our Academy's future."
"The Air Force Academy Foundation and Association of Graduates are proud to partner with the Air Force Academy Athletic Corporation on the modernization of Falcon Stadium," Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Gould ('76), CEO, Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation said. "Together, we have long-aspired to upgrade what is in many ways our Academy's front porch. We envision a venue that reflects the excellence of Air Force athletics, USAFA and the Long Blue Line. That's why this is a great day for our Academy. We thank all who have helped make it possible."
In addition to the Kuceras, several donors have made significant donations to the modernization, including the Chapman Foundation, the El Pomar Foundation, Brion Applegate ('76), Erik Davis ('95) and two anonymous graduate donors.
While the federal government and the U.S. Air Force provide adequate funding for the Academy's core needs, private support from donors is required to enhance the educational and leadership opportunities necessary to fully develop future officers for the Air Force and Space Force. Falcon Stadium, as a prime venue for Air Force athletics and a physical representation of the athletics mission element, is donor-funded and its modernization requires private support.
The $270 million Defining Our Future comprehensive campaign focuses on raising private philanthropy in support of the USAFA mission and boosting engagement, pride and participation among graduates and families. The modernization of Falcon Stadium is a signature priority of the campaign, enabling the Air Force Academy Foundation, Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Athletic Corporation to work collaboratively to raise private support for and interest in the project.
Athletics is one of the three elements of USAFA's enduring mission to develop leaders of character for the Air Force and Space Force. Athletics provide opportunities for cadets to build physical strength and mental toughness throughout their four-year Academy experience. Athletics also provides cadets with opportunities to develop their agility and resiliency through competition, overcoming adversity and teamwork. All of these opportunities nurture the future officers and warfighters the Air Force and Space Force require.
For information on East Club premium seating, visit Falcon Athletic Fund. To learn more about philanthropic opportunities.
Falcon Stadium
Falcon Stadium celebrated 60 years during the 2022 season. Situated at 6,621 feet above sea level at the base of the Rampart Range of the Rocky Mountains, the donor-funded stadium opened in 1962 as the home of the Falcons. Eight U.S. presidents, starting with John F. Kennedy, have delivered graduation addresses there.
Since its opening, Falcon Stadium has undergone several significant upgrades. In 1991, the Academy installed skyboxes and remodeled the press box. Renovations in the 1990s and 2000s to improve the fan experience increased food and beverage vendors and the additional space brought its capacity to the current 46,692 (down from 52,480). Permanent lights were installed in 2002. Going into the 2016 season, new scoreboards were installed, then in 2018 the turf was replaced and the home locker room renovated. Private contributions funded most of these improvements.