Game Procedures Changed to Better Accommodate Fans
9/19/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 19, 2003
The Academy is announcing changes to its access procedures for fans attending Falcon football games.
Effective with this week's home game with Wyoming, access to Falcon Stadium parking will be permitted beginning at 8 a.m., or four hours prior to the Noon kickoff. This is one hour earlier than the time used for previous games. Access inside Falcon Stadium will begin at 9:30 a.m., or 2 ? hours before kickoff. Fans who wish to tailgate are welcome and encouraged to do so prior to each game and for three hours following the conclusion of the game. Department of Defense ID-cardholders and those they sponsor may tailgate beyond the three-hour limit.
Access to the public areas of the base (Cadet Chapel, Visitor Center, Cadet Field House, athletic fields, north campus overlooks) will also being at 8 a.m. on game days. The Visitor Center opens at 9 a.m. Visitors not planning to attend football games must use the Academy's North Gate (at Exit 156B on I-25) in order to avoid stadium traffic.
These changes are being made in response to complaints that Academy officials have received from fans in recent weeks.
"We understand the recent frustration over access to public events, including Falcon football games, and are working hard to resolve the issues expressed by our friends and neighbors," said Lt. Gen. John Rosa, Academy Superintendent. "The extremely difficult challenge the Academy faces is balancing the need for public access, while maintaining the necessary degree of protection for the public, military members, and resources of the base. We know we can do better. We want our fans and supporters to enjoy their Academy, and we will take every measure possible to ensure their visit is enjoyable and safe."
"We value our close relationship with Colorado Springs and all of the local communities, relationships that go back nearly 50 years," said Rosa. "The Academy deeply appreciations the continued and dedicated support of the fans of Falcon football, and pledges to continue to work very hard to find the right balance between public access to the installation and the security requirements that no one can ignore."
