The Front Door is Officially Open USAFA Hosmer Visitors Center
- Christina DeSantis
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 18 hours ago
The Front Door is Officially Open
Honoring Legacy and Leadership at the Hosmer Visitors Center
May 2026
The anticipation has officially turned into history. Following months of preparation, the "Forever First" Class of 1959 gathered once again at the foot of the Rocky Mountains to witness a monumental milestone for the United States Air Force Academy: the official ribbon-cutting ceremony and opening of the General Bradley and Zita Hosmer Visitors Center.
As the Academy’s inaugural class, we have always carried a unique responsibility—defining the traditions, the Honor Code, and the standards of the Long Blue Line. Now, with this breathtaking 32,000-square-foot facility serving as the new "front door" to the Academy, our legacy is permanently etched into the first chapter of every visitor's USAFA journey.
Watch the full highlights of the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the surrounding property, and reception. Courtesy of the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation.
A Family Gathering at Hotel Polaris
The celebratory weekend kicked off just steps away from the new center at the beautiful Hotel Polaris. It was a deeply moving homecoming, featuring a wonderful representation of USAFA Class of '59ers, wives, children, and extended family members.
Generations met, stories were traded, and the enduring bond of our class family was on full display. We captured incredible moments of our classmates catching up in the hotel lobby and gathering outside the spectacular new facility.
Opening the "Front Door" to the Academy
The ribbon-cutting ceremony itself was a proud moment for everyone in attendance. Located just outside the North Gate, the center serves as an open bridge between the civilian community and the Academy, completely accessible to the public without requiring base security clearance.
Seeing the majestic "Wings in Flight" architecture in person is something none of us will soon forget. Designed by Fentress Architects, the building's sweeping, tiered aluminum-skinned roof mimics the silhouette of an aircraft—specifically inspired by the Air Force Thunderbirds and the Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk—soaring into the sky.
Inside, the heart of the center is the stunning 80-to-108-foot-tall glass atrium, providing panoramic views of the Front Range. Suspended in mid-air within the atrium is the Sabre 1 (TG-10C glider), frozen in an aerobatic loop. Lit up beautifully at night, it serves as a beacon visible all the way from Interstate 25.
Celebrating the First of the "First Class"
To have this gorgeous facility named in honor of our very own Brad Hosmer and his wife, Zita, makes this achievement incredibly personal for the Class of '59. Brad’s journey represents the pinnacle of the "Forever First" spirit:
The First Graduate: The very first cadet to officially receive his degree at our 1959 commencement.
The First Graduate Superintendent: Returning to lead our alma mater from 1991 to 1994.
The First Rhodes Scholar: Setting the academic bar for all who followed.
The center ensures that Brad’s vision—that the Academy is a crucible for forging leaders of character—will inspire the more than one million visitors expected to walk through these doors annually.
A lasting tribute to General Bradley Hosmer ’59 and Zita Hosmer,
Photo credit: USAFA Association and Foundation
Exploring the Property and State-of-the-Art Displays
Following the formal ceremony, attendees were able to tour the facility's innovative seven-gallery experience. The interactive displays beautifully trace the "47-month journey" of a cadet from Basic Cadet Training to graduation, utilizing high-tech exhibits that showcase class crests and the history of the Long Blue Line, with a prominent nod to the Class of 1959.
Guests also experienced the pedestrian "Falcon Bridge," which connects the center seamlessly to TrueNorth Commons and Hotel Polaris. The hotel features the only in-hotel flight simulators in North America (one 737 and two F-16s), allowing visitors to truly experience the "feel" of flight.
A Legacy Secured
As we look back on our final miles marched from Lowry Air Force Base to the permanent site in 1958, it is awe-inspiring to see how far the Academy has come. The Hosmer Visitors Center is not just an information hub; it is a living testament to the fact that the path our class cleared over 70 years ago remains strong, vibrant, and ready for the next generation of leaders.
Thank you to everyone who made the journey to Colorado Springs to represent the Class of '59, and to the families who continue to keep our legacy thriving.
Did you take photos or videos at the event that you’d like to share with the class? Send us an email to be added to our digital class archives!
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