Since opening in 1962, the Air Force Academy’s Falcon Stadium has hosted countless significant events. Fittingly, the first was a football game.

Cadet John Lorber, Class of ’64 — who would later become a four-star general — scored the first touchdown in a 34-0 win over in-state rival Colorado State. Navy first played at Falcon Stadium in 1966, followed by Army in 1967.

Gridiron highlights include the 1985 win over Notre Dame, the Falcons’ fourth straight victory over the Irish, which was sealed by a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown. In 1997, Air Force defeated San Diego State in the first NCAA football game to end in overtime on a defensive score.

Since 1963, the stadium has hosted every Air Force Academy graduation, beginning with a ceremony featuring President John F. Kennedy, who delivered the commencement address and presented diplomas. That marked the first of 11 presidential visits for graduation to date.

Falcon Stadium has welcomed more than football and presidents. In 1980, entertainer Bob Hope filmed a television special there featuring Diana Ross of the Supremes. More recently, the venue has hosted concerts by Tim McGraw, Train and Blake Shelton. In 2018, Jon Stewart emceed and Kelly Clarkson performed during the opening ceremonies of the Warrior Games.

In February 2020, Falcon Stadium hosted an NHL Stadium Series game between the Colorado Avalanche and the Los Angeles Kings.