Experience U.S. Air Force Academy graduation in style
YOUR BASECAMP TO USAFA GRADUATION
Celebrate this momentous occasion for your most loved one at Hotel Polaris. Brimming with activations, celebrations and activities, Hotel Polaris is your basecamp to 2025 USAFA graduation. Located just seconds from the North Entrance Gate, Hotel Polaris gives you unapparelled access to diverse dining options on-site, plush guestrooms, state-of-the-art flight simulators and more.
Book Now or call (844) 851-3325 to book your stay
THE THUNDERBIRD AIRSHOW
Take flight at Hotel Polaris for the most exciting airshow in Colorado. Whether avid aviation fan or local, we invite you to make Hotel Polaris your basecamp for the 2025 Thunderbird Show. Watch as six F-16 U.S. Air Force Pilots soar across the sky displaying formation flying and solo routines. Hotel Polaris is the closest viewing area outside of the United States Air Force Stadium. Attendees can expect outdoor seating on the plaza, food and drink offerings for an additional fee and unforgettable excitement as the Thunderbirds roar across the skies. Those looking for the best views in a refined ambience, we invite you to book our USAFA Graduation Thunderbird Flight Show at The Aviator. The closest spot to the action, The Aviator offers sweeping views the front range and delicious bites to match while observing The Thunderbirds soar across the sky.
Commissioning ceremonies
Commissioning Ceremonies will occur on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Each ceremony will last approximately two hours and will take place in Generations and Constellations ballrooms. Higher-ranking squadrons will have priority in selecting their preferred time and location. Additionally, USAFA will host ceremonies with the location and time determined by the squadron’s rank.
Family Portraits
Local photographer, Katie Corrine, will be on-site and avialble for photography sessions on May 28.
Event Calendar
Graduation is a special time for your cadet and family, and we want to make a memorable one with several events and activations to enjoy together.
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5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | General Manager Reception
To kick off Graduation week, guests are invited to join us on at the Plaza for frozen treats, snacks and libations. Enjoy the sunset over the Rocky Mountains while enjoying the company of loved ones.
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | General Manager Reception
To kick off Graduation week, guests are invited to join us on at the Plaza for frozen treats, snacks and libations. Enjoy the sunset over the Rocky Mountains while enjoying the company of loved ones.
7:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. | USAFA Graduation Brunch at Pamela’s
Celebrate the graduate in your life with a special menu from Pamela’s. Featuring a breakfast buffet sure to leave all guests satisfied. You can reserve your table here.
11:00 a.m. | Visit The Aviator
Offering sweeping views of the Air Force Academy, The Aviator is nothing short of spectacular. Enjoy food, drink and great company from the elevated comforts of the patio or indoor seating at The Aviator. Book your reservation today here and enjoy the best views in Colorado Springs.
Photo Booth | Afternoon
Snap a picture and create memories in our branded Hotel Polaris photo booth.
12:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Commissioning Ceremonies
Each ceremony will last approximately two hours and will take place in Generations and Constellations ballrooms. Higher-ranking squadrons will have priority in selecting their preferred time and location. Additionally, USAFA will host ceremonies with the location and time determined by the squadron’s rank.
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | USAFA Graduation Dinner
Celebrate your grad in style at Pamela’s with a specialty menu inspired by Colorado. Book your reservation here.
7:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. | USAFA Graduation Brunch
Grab a bite and celebrate the graduate in your life with a special menu from Pamela’s. Featuring a breakfast buffet sure to leave all guests satisfied. You can reserve your table here.
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Thunderbird Flight Show at The Aviator
The closest spot to the action - The Aviator at Hotel Polaris awaits. Watch The Thunderbird Flight Show soar across the sky from the best viewing location in Colorado Springs. The Aviator overlooks the United States Air Force base and the picturesque Colorado Rocky Mountains. Sit back, relax and enjoy the excitement of the Thunderbirds while enjoying cocktails, a special menu and a unique ambience to celebrate the United States Air Force Academy graduates. Book your table here.
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Thunderbird Flight Show at Flatiron Plaza
Watch as the Thunderbirds take flight from our Plaza. Offering sweeping 360 views of the show, Hotel Polaris is the closet location to watch the show outside of the base. Reserve your complimentary seat here with a-la-carte food and beverage offerings for purchase.
Crud Tournament at Doolies | Afternoon
Join us for our inaugural Crud Tournament at Hotel Polaris. All are welcome to join this fast-paced game which is a time honored tradition in the military.
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | General Manager Reception
Join us at Doolies outdoor deck for ice cream, light bites and libations. Dogs are welcome!
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | USAFA Graduation Dinner
Celebrate your grad in style at Pamela’s with a specialty menu inspired by Colorado. Book your reservation here.
Hotel Polaris is conveniently located in the up-and-coming north side of Colorado Springs.
Nearby Attractions Include:
- iFly
- Overdrive raceway
- Topgolf
- Ford Amphitheatre
- AirCity360
