Game Day 1962 - Falcon Stadium Events

HERITAGE MINUTE

The Air Force Academy’s Falcon Stadium has played host to countless significant events since its opening in 1962. The first event was, appropriately, a football game. ----more----

Cadet and later four-star general John Lorber, Class of ’64, scored the first touchdown in the 34-0 win over in-state rival Colorado State. Navy first played here in 1966, while Army made its initial visit a year later, in 1967. Other gridiron highlights include 1985’s fourth consecutive victory over Notre Dame, a game that turned on a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown, and the 1997 win over San Diego State that marked the first overtime game in NCAA history to end on a defensive score. The stadium has hosted every Air Force Academy graduation since 1963, when President John F. Kennedy spoke and presented diplomas. That was the first of eleven Presidential visits for graduation so far. The stadium has also hosted many other events in its illustrious history. Entertainer Bob Hope filmed a television special in the stadium in 1980 that featured Diana Ross of the Supremes. More recently, the stadium played host to concerts featuring the likes of Tim McGraw, the rock band Train, and Blake Shelton. Jon Stewart emceed and Kelly Clarkson sang at the Opening Ceremonies of the Warrior Games here in 2018. In February 2020, Falcon Stadium will play host to the National Hockey League game between the Colorado Avalanche and the Los Angeles Kings.

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