Location: the new visitor center is located on 52 acres of leased property just outside of the USAFA’s north gate.

Plan Goals: the proposed lease includes an agreement between the Air Force and Blue and Silver, LLC, to construct a new facility to replace the existing Barry Goldwater Air Force Academy Visitor Center. The new center will increase the visibility and accessibility for the local community and tourists to the Academy. The development proposal also includes hotels, office and retail space, an indoor skydiving facility, and a Santa Fe Trailhead Center as part of the City for Champions initiative in Colorado Springs.

Current Status:

On October 28, 2015,the United States Air Force Academy signed a cooperation agreement with the Colorado Springs Urban Renewal Authority.

On February 26, 2019, the Colorado Springs City Council agreed to annex nearly 200 acres, including the visitor center project site. The annexation means the center could get $13 million in states sales tax rebates over 25 years through the City for Champions initiative,

The Air Force is in negotiations with a privately owned company to begin development on approximately 57 acres by the Academy’s North Gate.  The proposed lease includes an agreement between the Air Force and Blue and Silver, LLC to construct a new visitor’s center. 

The new center will increase the visibility and accessibility for the local community and tourists to the Academy.  The development proposal also includes a Santa Fe Trailhead Center as part of the City for Champions initiative in Colorado Springs. ​

The new Visitor Center is completed and opened to the public in May 2026.