Pop music sensation Bruno Mars will bring his first major headline tour in nearly a decade to Colorado Springs. The acclaimed artist is set to perform at Falcon Stadium at the U.S. Air Force Academy on September 26, marking one of the largest concert events the venue has ever hosted. This stop is part of a newly announced worldwide stadium tour.
Key Takeaways
- Bruno Mars is performing at Falcon Stadium on September 26.
- This is his first major headline tour in nearly a decade.
- The U.S. Air Force Academy made significant stadium renovations to host such events.
- Concert revenue will directly benefit cadet athletes and academy programs.
- Tickets go on presale January 14, with general sale on January 15.
Falcon Stadium Upgrades Pave the Way for Major Events
Officials at Air Force Academy Athletics have confirmed that securing an artist of Bruno Mars' caliber has been a long-term goal. Years of planning and significant upgrades to Falcon Stadium made this event possible. These improvements aim to transform the venue into a hub for major entertainment.
Nick Kiger, chief program officer for Air Force Athletics, expressed the institution's longstanding desire to host more large-scale events. "We've had a desire for a while to start bringing more major events to Falcon Stadium," Kiger stated. He emphasized that the stadium renovations were a crucial step towards this goal, enabling the return of big-time events, including concerts.
Recent Renovations Enhance Fan Experience
The most recent phase of renovations concluded last year, focusing heavily on the stadium's east side. These upgrades introduced several modern amenities designed to improve the experience for attendees.
Stadium Renovation Highlights
- Brand new east club
- Premium seating options
- Rooftop decks
- New built-in concessions
- Updated restrooms
Beyond the visible improvements, a critical, less apparent upgrade involved the stadium's infrastructure. Workers redid the main tunnel to accommodate large semi-trucks, a necessity for transporting stage equipment for major concerts. "We were strategic in doing that in hopes that we would be able to bring events like this concert to Falcon Stadium," Kiger explained.
Concert Details and Public Access
Falcon Stadium typically has a seating capacity of just over 39,000 people. For the Bruno Mars concert, organizers plan a different seating arrangement. Some existing seats will be removed to make space for the stage, and additional floor seating will be introduced. This configuration aims to optimize the concert experience for attendees.
Public Event Access
Despite being located at the U.S. Air Force Academy, the concert is a public event. Many people hold misconceptions about access to the Academy. However, officials confirm that the venue is open to the public, and they are excited to welcome everyone for this performance.
Ticket pricing has not been finalized yet. However, officials assure that a range of ticket options will be available to suit different budgets. This approach aims to make the event accessible to a broad audience.
Economic Impact and Community Benefits
The revenue generated from the Bruno Mars concert will directly benefit the U.S. Air Force Academy. Air Force Academy Athletics confirmed that all proceeds will be reinvested into the institution's programs, particularly supporting cadet athletes and other cadets across the academy.
"All of the money that we bring in goes back to our cadet athletes and to cadets across the academy," Nick Kiger noted. "Everything goes back into our programs."
For residents of Colorado Springs, this concert represents a significant cultural event. It offers a rare chance to see a major international artist without the need to travel to Denver, which is typically the hub for such large-scale shows. This brings a premium entertainment experience closer to home.
Planning for a Smooth Concert Experience
Academy officials acknowledge that large events at Falcon Stadium can present traffic challenges. They strongly encourage concertgoers to plan ahead to ensure a smooth arrival and departure. Recommendations include carpooling and arriving early to minimize congestion.
Tickets for the concert will be available in two phases:
- Presale: Begins Wednesday, January 14, at 12 p.m. local time. Fans must sign up at BrunoMars.com by Monday, January 12, at 10 a.m. P.T. to participate.
- General Onsale: Starts Thursday, January 15, at noon local time for all remaining tickets.
This event promises to be a memorable night for music fans in Colorado Springs and beyond, showcasing the Air Force Academy's commitment to both its cadets and the wider community.