The Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy is awarded to the winner of the three-way rivalry between Army, Navy, and Air Force. While Army and Navy typically play on a neutral site, the Army-Air Force matchup alternates between West Point and Colorado Springs, so if you want to see this matchup be sure to attend the game at Michie Stadium on the first Saturday of November. Air Force have won the trophy a record 20 times and will hope to win it again this season.
When Air Force and Colorado State meet the victor walks away with the Ram-Falcon Trophy. The trophy dated back to 1980 and was created by former Colorado State ROTC commander Shelly Godkin. Air Force leads the all-time series between these Colorado-based schools 32-20-1 and will look to continue their winning ways when these two teams meet next.
This trophy named after General Lawrence S. Kuter, who was the first head of the Pacific Air Forces Command, is awarded to the winner when Air Force plays Hawaii. These two teams only meet periodically, so you don’t want to miss it when these two rivals square off.
Falcons Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
The tailgating atmosphere in Colorado Springs on Air Force game days is much more relaxed than what you’d find at a lot of schools. The students at Air Force, or rather cadets, are required to march on the field at the game meaning that alcohol is a big no-no for them pregame. Cadets do though enjoy carousing and grilling a few burgers and hotdogs before the game.
You will, however, find that the alumni take the opportunity to tailgate to their fullest at Air Force games. The alumni tailgate spreads at Air Force go far beyond your traditional hotdogs and burgers.Here you’ll find that a lot of tailgaters like to put on themed tailgates that vary from week to week. The themes often match the opponents such as when playing Navy Air Force fans may provide a seafood feast.
There is also a great deal of camaraderie between the alumni and students as service in the Air Force creates a strong family like bond. You’ll have a great time tailgating at Air Force as you’ll find great food and a friendly atmosphere that is welcoming to everyone.
The official Air Force Falcons tailgate in which all of the cooking is done for you. At $25 per person, this is the perfect opportunity to eat and drink as much as you would like without any of the set up.
At an Air Force tailgate, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view of the Colorado landscape. You can Pikes Peak and the Cheyenne Mountains from various tailgate spots, so enjoy the beautiful scenery surrounding you.
Reserved Tailgating LotsIf you want to throw a large pregame party then you should reserve a tailgate spot in one of the reserved tailgate lots (Lots 1, 2A, 3, 4, and 5). Make sure to reserve your spot early as they fill up quickly!
Regular Parking LotsThe parking lots at Falcon Stadium allow plenty of space for you to hold a tailgate of your own if you’re planning to have a small group of fewer than 10 people. If you’re looking to setup a small tailgate for yourself and a few friends, then the regular parking spots should be okay, and you can save yourself some money by not renting a tailgate spot.
Falcons Stadium Guide
In Game
Air Force has the highest percentage student attendance of any school in the FBS as the cadets here are required to go to each and every game. This requirement not only means that the stands are always full, but it also ensures that the loudest and most raucous portion of the stadium will always be out in full force to support the Falcons.
You’ll know before the game even starts that you are witnessing something special at Air Force. The pregame traditions here alone are worth the price of admissions, as you’ll see flyovers, parachuters, and the cadets running to the stands. These pregame festivities really get the crowd pumped up and ready to cheer on the Falcons.
Once the game starts, the raucous pregame environment carries over, as the fans are on their feet and cheering for the Falcons all throughout the game. The support from the cadets is particularly strong as football games are a chance for them to really let loose and enjoy themselves. You’ll have a great time cheering along with Air Force fans as they root on the Falcons to victory.
The crowd really gets up for games against fellow military academies, so if you want to attend the biggest games of the year, then you’ll want to be in attendance when Air Force takes on Army and Navy.
As you catch breaks in the action, you can look beyond the stands at a breathtaking view of the Colorado landscape. Pikes Peak and Cheyenne Mountain can be seen from the varying points of the stadium, so take a minute to enjoy the beauty around you.
All throughout Falcon Stadium you’ll be able to find plaques and other displays honoring great Air Force players, teams, and coaches of the past. Check out these plaques for a chance to learn a lot about Air Force’s outstanding football tradition.
Truly one of the most unique pregame rituals in all of collegiate athletics. F-15 soars over Falcon Stadium as the crowd watches in awe. A hair-raising moment, to say the least.
Before every game, Air Force cadets line up into their squadrons formation all around the field. They hold this formation until after the national anthem when they all sprint at full speed into the stands.
At halftime of each home game a falcon is released and can be seen soaring high above Falcon Stadium. This offers the fans a great experience and wonderful sight.
After every score, the freshman cadets run down from the stands and into the end zone to do push-ups. The cadets do as many push-ups as the team has points scored.
One-half of the stadium chants “Air” and the other chants “Force” which makes up the favorite chant of this fanbase.
Air!
Force!
Air!
Force!
Air!
Force!
The U.S. Air Force
(Chorus I) OFF we go into the wild blue yonder, Climbing high into the sun Here they come zooming to meet our thunder At ’em boys, Give ‘er the gun! Down we dive, spouting our flames from under Off with one helluva roar! We live in fame or go down in flames. Hey! Nothing can stop the U.S. Air Force!
(Chorus II) Minds of men fashioned a crate of thunder Sent it high into the blue Hands of men blasted the world a-sunder How they lived God only knew! Souls of men dreaming of skies to conquer Gave us wings, ever to soar! With scouts before And bombers galore. Nothing can stop the U.S. Air Force! (Verse) or the (Third Verse) Here’s a toast to the host Of those who love the vastness of the sky, To a friend we send a message of his brother men who fly. We drink to those who gave their all of old Then down we roar to score the rainbow’s pot of gold. A toast to the host of men we boast, the U.S. Air Force!
(Chorus III) Off we go into the wild sky yonder, Keep the wings level and true If you’d live to be a grey-haired wonder Keep the nose out of the blue! Flying men, guarding the nation’s border, we’ll be there followed by more! In echelon we carry on, Hey! Nothing’ll stop the Air Force! Nothing’ll stop the U.S. Air Force!
Falcon Fight
Fly you Falcons down the field; Tear the enemy asunder! Bare your talons, make them yield; Give them all your thunder! Spread your strong wings wide and high; Fight for victory! Never say die, keep flying high For the Air Force Academy!
AFA Alma Mater
After the game, Air Force players gather to sing the Air Force Alma Mater. The tradition is a great way for the team to show how much the United States and Air Force means to them and is quite the sight to behold for anyone in attendance.
Here’s a toast to the host Of those who love the vastness of the sky, To a friend we send a message of his brother men who fly. We drink to those who gave their all of old, Then down we roar to score the rainbow’s pot of gold. A toast to the host of men we boast, the U.S. Air Force!
Here’s a toast to the host Of those who love the vastness of the sky, To a friend we send a message of his brother men who fly. We drink to those who gave their all of old, Then down we roar to score the rainbow’s pot of gold. A toast to the host of men we boast, the U.S. Air Force
U.S. Air Force Blue
They took the blue from the skies And a pretty girl’s eyes And a touch of Old Glory’s hue, And gave it to the men who proudly wear The U. S. Air Force Blue, The U. S. Air Force Blue. Oh they are men with a dream On America’s team They’re a rugged and ready crew, And you can bet your boots The world looks up To U. S. Air Force Blue, To U. S. Air Force Blue. They know where they’re going, They set their course, The sky’s no limit in the Air Force. They took the blue from the skies And a pretty girl’s eyes And a touch of Old Glory’s hue, And gave it to the men who proudly wear The U. S. Air Force Blue. And you can wear it too, The U. S. Air Force Blue.
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