Academy’s Hosmer Visitor Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade, from left, Colorado Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Bradley Hosmer, Zita Hosmer, Jerry Bruni, Pam Bruni, Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, and Sam Schnepf cut the ribbon during the Hosmer Visitor Center ribbon cutting, May 15, 2026, at the U.S. Air Force Academy. The ceremony marked the official opening of the 34,000-square-foot center designed to showcase the cadet experience and Academy heritage. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Trevor Cokley)

By Jeff Troth
U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – The U.S. Air Force Academy officially opened the Gen. Bradley and Zita Hosmer Visitor Center on May 15, 2026, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind was joined by distinguished visitors to speak about what the new center means for the Academy, Colorado and Colorado Springs. Those in attendance for the ribbon-cutting ceremony included academy staff, community leaders, representatives from the U.S. Air Force Academy Association and Foundation, alumni, members of the Class of 1959 and individuals involved in the development and design of the facility.

“Our visitor center is a great depiction of what we do here at the United States Air Force Academy. Our visitors are going to see how we forge warfighters to win, to excel in complex air, space and cyber environments,” said Lt. Gen. Bauernfeind. “How we inspire leaders of character and quality who are developed to make the hard right over the easy wrong. How we are motivating critical thinkers to adapt and solve wicked hard problems that our services are facing on today’s and tomorrow’s battlefields.”

Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Bradley Hosmer speaks about his pride in seeing current cadets continue the Long Blue Line established by the Class of 1959 during the Hosmer Visitor Center ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 15, 2026, at the U.S. Air Force Academy. The remarks reflected on the connection between past and present Academy classes. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Trevor Cokley)

Hosmer reflects on Academy connection and public access

The Hosmer Visitor Center is an interactive facility that offers a comprehensive view of cadet life. This facility moves away from traditional visitor center displays in favor of interactive, digital experiences. It is designed to welcome graduates, families, and the public while serving as a powerful recruitment tool for the next generation of Air Force and Space Force leaders. The facility is named in honor of Lt. Gen. Hosmer, the Academy’s first cadet to commission and the first graduate to serve as superintendent, and his wife, Zita.

“When the Academy became a closed military compound after 9/11, we lost contact with the public and losing that contact is not a good thing for the Academy or the public,” said Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Bradley Hosmer. “The opening of this visitor center is a window that gives the casual passerby a look, a glance and we hope a bit of curiosity which will stimulate those interested in service. We (Hosmer and the 56,000 Academy graduates) believe that this academy is a national asset to the country, because it graduates officers who understand the foundation of the profession of arms, and at the same time have the skills necessary to prevail in the Air Force and Space Force of the future.”

During his time in the Air Force, Hosmer was a fighter pilot with more than 4,000 flight hours. Just as his career took off from the Academy, the visitor center that bears his name is designed to resemble an aircraft taking flight. Its four roof sections, each one rising higher than the previous, symbolize how each year at the Academy brings cadets closer to their dreams of becoming Air Force or Space Force officers.

An attendee studies cadet rank at the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Hosmer Visitor Center following the Hosmer Visitor Center ribbon cutting May 15, 2026. Interactive exhibits throughout the center introduce visitors to cadet life, such as rank structure, training and Academy traditions. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Trevor Cokley)

Cadet journey brought to life through immersive

But, before their military careers take off, each cadet takes a 47-month journey at the Academy. Visitors to the center get a consolidated glimpse into cadet life as they walk through seven immersive galleries transitioning from the initial moments of cadet basic training through the challenges of cadet life, including academics, athletics, and military leadership. High points of the galleries include interactive aptitude exhibits matching visitors with potential career fields and a glass atrium featuring an inverted TG-10 glider suspended above towering tetrahedrons.

“Projects like these do not happen by accident. They happen because people dare to believe in a vision bigger than themselves, and they stay committed to bring the vision to life,” said Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Morbalade. “This remarkable visitor center stands as a physical symbol, a reminder of what is possible when vision, partnership, persistence and belief come together.”

U.S. Air Force Academy alumni and their families tour the Hosmer Visitor Center following the Hosmer Visitor Center ribbon cutting May 15, 2026. The new facility features immersive exhibits that highlight cadet life, Academy traditions and the 47-month journey from basic cadet to commissioning. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Trevor Cokley)

A gateway for visitors worldwide

Located just outside the North Gate and open to the public, the 34,000-square-foot center is ready to welcome both local Colorado residents and visitors from around the world. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

The center’s opening coincides with the 250th anniversary of the United States, underscoring the Academy’s enduring role as a living symbol of American ideals, service and leadership—past, present and future.  

See more photos of the Hosmer Visitor Center ribbon cutting ceremony on Flickr.