Falcons Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Troy Calhoun

Team Mascot: The Bird

Year Opened: 1990

Capacity: 46692

City / State: Colorado Springs / Colorado

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy

Rival Team: Army Black Knights, Navy Midshipmen

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.

Ram-Falcon Trophy

Rival Team: Colorado State University

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.

Kuter Trophy

Rival Team: Hawaii Warriors

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.

Traditions

Falcon Pride Club Tailgating

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.

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Pikes Peak and Cheyenne Mountains

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.

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Where to tailgate

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.

Things to check out

Pikes Peak and Cheyenne Mountains

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.

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Team Plaques

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.

Fly Over

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.

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Squadron Formations

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.

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Halftime Falcon

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.

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Touchdown Pushups

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.

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Fight Songs

  1. Air! Force! Chant

    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!

  2. 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!

  3. 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!

  4. 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

  5. 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.

Falcons Bars & Restaurants

  1. Guthries Bar & Grill

    Guthries Bar and Grill

    Great bar with awesome food and drinks!

    1410 Kelly Johnson Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80920, USA

    719-260-8486

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $

  2. The Brass Tap

    The Brass Tap beer

    The Brass Tap brings "craft beer experience" to a whole new level.

    13271 Bass Pro Dr #110, Colorado Springs, CO 80921, USA

    813-226-2333

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  3. Falcon’s Bar & Grill

    Falcons Bar and Grill wine

    Dine amongst splashing fountains and lush greenery at Falcon’s Bar & Grill. Our family friendly, fun sport’s bar features an all American menu with daily Happy Hour Specials.

    8110 Academy Blvd N, Colorado Springs, CO 80920, USA

    719-598-3434

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  4. Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar – Briargate

    Bad Daddys Burger Bar Briargate fries

    Bad Daddy's is the place for chef-inspired burgers, giant chopped salads, and craft beer.

    1765 Briargate Pkwy #803, Colorado Springs, CO 80920, USA

    970-667-4978

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. Overtime Sports Bar and Grill

    Overtime Sports Bar and Grill

    Family owned and operated in beautiful northern Colorado Springs, Overtime has a reputation for our festive family atmosphere, playfulness and Chicago Style menu items.

    2809 Dublin Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, USA

    719-531-6032

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  6. Buffalo Wild Wings

    Buffalo Wild Wings chicken

    Since 1982, Buffalo Wild Wings (or B-Dubs as our friends call us) has been the ultimate place to watch the game, have a cold beer and eat some great food.

    7425 Academy Blvd N, Colorado Springs, CO 80920, USA

    763-551-9464

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  7. Back East Bar and Grill

    Back East Bar and Grill

    Friendly staff, great craft brews, delicious American fare, and the best regulars anyone could hope for!

    9475 Briar Village Point, Colorado Springs, CO 80920, USA

    719-264-6161

    Bar website

    pizza - sportsbar - $$

  8. Cleats Bar & Grill

    Cleats Bar

    Great drink specials, live bands on Friday and Saturday night and the friendliest barstaff in town! All the games all year long are on all the time! Can't beat it!

    6624 Delmonico Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80919, USA

    719-548-8267

    Bar website

    pizza - sportsbar - $

  9. Saltgrass Steak House

    Saltgrass Steak House

    Saltgrass Steak House proudly serves Certified Angus Beef steaks – the finest in the world.

    1405 Jamboree Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80920, USA

    719-594-5367

    Bar website

    - $$

  10. Costa Vida

    Costa Vida

    We serve amazing Mexican-inspired fresh food that offers a quick escape to the coast.

    122 Tracker Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80921, USA

    719-481-6782

    Bar website

    mexican - $

  11. Crave Real Burgers

    Crave Real Burgers fries

    Crave is a chef-driven, gourmet burger joint serving up creative and supremely-tasty burgers, sandwiches, and handcrafted shakes.

    7465 Academy Blvd N, Colorado Springs, CO 80920, USA

    719-264-7919

    Bar website

    american - $$

  12. El Padrino Mexicano

    El Padrino Mexicano

    El Padrinos has been serving delicious Mexican food to the people of Colorado.

    13425 Voyager Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80921, USA

    719-487-3200

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  13. Cheddar’s Casual Cafe

    Cheddars Casual Cafe

    Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen serves made-from-scratch goodness: Quality ingredients, prepared fresh in our kitchen. It’s the right way, not the easy way.

    1140 Interquest Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80921, USA

    972-409-0300

    Bar website

    american - $$

  14. Duca’s Neapolitan Pizza

    Ducas Neapolitan Pizza

    Take a trip back in time to an Italian village where pizzas are created from dough, fresh mozzarella cheese, and baked in an original Stefano Ferrara Neapolitan handmade brick wood-fired oven.

    12229 Voyager Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80921, USA

    719-487-3200

    Bar website

    american - pizza - $$