Air Force Academy reopens to the public KRDO COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO)-- Monday morning, the Air Force Academy opened its gates to the public for the first time in 17 months. According to officials, roughly one million people visit the Air Force Academy a year. “We’re excited to welcome the community back to the United States Air Force Academy,” said Lt. Gen. Richard Clark, Superintendent. Inside the Air Force Academy Visitors Center, there are many exhibits, including the history of the Academy, what it’s like to be a cadet, and other special exhibits. The Academy is currently working on an exhibit for the first graduating class of women, which was in 1980. The celebration was pushed back to 2021 because of COVID-19.