Update: Air Force Thunderbirds release practice, performance schedule for Academy graduation
(U.S. Air Force photo/Jack Braden)
Staff report, May 20, 2019
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – The Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team is scheduled to conclude the Air Force Academy’s Class of 2019 graduation ceremony with a 30-minute performance above the Academy, May 30.
The performance is expected to begin between 2-2:30 p.m., just after the hat toss.
The Thunderbirds will arrive in Colorado Springs May 27 and fly over the Academy around 11:30 a.m. for a site survey.
The team will practice their full performance over the Academy’s Falcon Stadium from 10:30 – 11:45 Tuesday, May 28.
As mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration, the Santa Fe Trail and roads under the show area will be closed during practice and graduation day performance.
The following roads will be closed 8:30 a.m.-noon, May 28; and 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m., May 30:
- Stadium Boulevard – from Tri-intersection Bridge to Parade Loop
- Community Center Drive – from Stadium Boulevard to E. Douglass Drive
- Academy Drive – from Stadium Drive to the Falcon Club
- The Santa Fe Trail from Tri-intersection Bridge to Parade Loop
These times are subject to change.
The general public is reminded not to stop along Interstate 25 to watch the performances. During the May 28 practice, Falcon Stadium and Falcon Stadium parking lots will be closed to the public.
Visit www.afthunderbirds.com and www.usafa.edu/about/traditions/graduation for more information.