Make the most of Parents’ Weekend 2022
Parents greet their cadet for the first time since In-processing Day during a previous Parents’ Weekend at the U.S. Air Force Academy. (U.S. Air Force photo/Trevor Cokley)
By Staff Sgt. Seth Stang
Taking place over Labor Day Weekend, September 2 to 5, Parents’ Weekend 2022 offers plenty of activities for parents, families and guests. This guide and helpful tips ensure families enjoy the weekend and make the most of their annual visit.
Friday, September 2
Friday includes a variety of activities designed to orient families to their cadet’s life in the military. Activities include a tour of the Multi-Domain Laboratory, question and answer session with Academy leadership, a parade at Stillman Field, squadron barbeques and opportunities for families to visit their cadets’ dormitories.
Visitors can expect golf carts transiting the Terrazzo and honor ramp to assist with transportation on Friday. Specially equipped shuttle vans will transport disabled guests and wheelchair users from the accessible parking area (north of the parade field) to the cadet area and Stillman Field for the parade.
More information is available for guests with disabilities.
Saturday, September 3
On Saturday families are welcome to attend a home football game. The Academy’s Falcons play the University of Northern Iowa at Falcon Stadium. Guests require tickets, which can be purchased online or by calling (719) 472-1895 Cadets must attend the game and sit with the Cadet Wing though they do not need to purchase tickets.
For the 2022-23 season, Air Force Athletics introduced a clear bag policy that limits bags brought into sporting events. The policy helps provide a safe environment for the public and significantly expedites fan entry into all athletics venues.
Family members can accompany their cadets to their squadron tailgating event before the game begins. This is an opportunity to meet their cadets’ squad mates and other families.
Falcon football team members enter the field during a game at Falcon Stadium. (U.S. Air Force photo)
Sunday, September 4
After the Saturday football game, the Commandant releases the cadets for the weekend and they must return on Monday evening. When planning their Sunday, families should keep in mind that cadets are restricted to a 50-mile travel radius during Parents’ Weekend.
If family members want to see more of the campus, on Sunday cadets can provide a Basic Cadet Training (BCT) Orientation Tour at Jacks Valley. Jacks Valley, a 3,300-acre training complex, is where the cadets spend the second part of BCT. To get an inside look at the action during BCT, view the culminating video on the Academy Facebook page.
Helpful tips
It is important for families to keep in mind the size and elevation of the Academy when planning their trip. Bring comfortable walking shoes and plenty of water. Bringing a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and plenty of layers in case the weather turns.
Several locations will be open throughout the weekend including the Association of Graduates gift shop, located inside Doolittle Hall, and the Barry Goldwater Visitors Center.
Be sure to check out the full schedule of events.
For Parents’ Weekend 2022 questions, contact the Parent Liaison team:
e-mail: usafa.parent.liaison@afacademy.af.edu
phone: (719) 333-3828
toll free: (877) 268-3383
Cadets and their families attend squadron picnics during a previous Parents’ Weekend. (U.S. Air Force photo/Joshua Armstrong)