The transformation is almost complete at the US Air Force Academy's Falcon Stadium. After two weeks of work, the venue is poised to host the first hockey games in its 58-year history with the 2020 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series featuring the Colorado Avalanche and the Los Angeles Kings. You can watch the game live on KOAA-TV at 6 p.m.
"Well we've been reminding ourselves, its a lot of long hours, a lot of work that goes into pulling this off," Air Force Athletic Director Nathan Pine said. "Making this represent the Academy and NHL the way it should. But we also take a lot of pride in that."
This is the first time for NHL hockey, college hockey and high school hockey at Falcon Stadium. This will also be the first outdoor varsity game for the Air Force Falcons.
2016 gave Colorado a taste of what to expect in the outdoor elements with the Stadium Series game at Coors Field. This is the 30th NHL game played outside, as well as the second NHL game played at a U.S. Service Academy.
"It's an opportunity to showcase the Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, there's just so much goodness here," Pine said. "The Stadium Series here, it only seems appropriate to have others that haven't been to Colorado Springs or Falcon Stadium, to be able to tune in around the country and see it first hand. We're looking forward to it, it's a great opportunity and hopefully a memory people take and carry with them for a long time."
Be sure to watch an exclusive 30-minute special on KOAA News5 on Feb. 15 at 9 p.m. featuring both teams after the NHL Stadium Series game between the Colorado Avalanche and the LA Kings.
Here's what's coming up at the Academy, a bonanza for hockey fans, plus what to watch on KOAA-TV:
Friday, February 14
Colorado Avalanche and Los Angeles Kings practice at Falcon Stadium
Saturday, February 15
1 to 5:30 p.m. - Free pre-game activitieswith live musical performances and an opportunity to take a photo with the Stanley Cup. Read more
6 p.m. - Colorado Avalanche vs Los Angeles Kings at Falcon Stadium. More information
9 p.m. - News5 Sports Preview Special: Colorado College vs Air Force Academy. Get an exclusive inside look at the teams, the history behind the rivalry, and how crews transformed the football field into a hockey rink.
9:30 p.m. - News5 After the Game
10 p.m. - News5 at 10 p.m.
Sunday, February 16
Air Force Academy and Colorado College practice sessions at Falcon Stadium
Monday, February 17
5:50 p.m. - Air Force Academy Falcons vs Colorado College Tigers at Falcon Stadium. Tickets are available for $25 and can be purchased online at AFtickets.com or by contacting the Air Force ticket office at (719) 472-1895. Parking is $10.
Tuesday, February 18
8 p.m. - Pine Creek HS vs Lewis Palmer HS at Falcon Stadium. Admission is free courtesy of the NHL's amateur hockey development program.
Directions to Falcon Stadium
