This story originally appeared in the Dec. 2024 Checkpoints magazine.

The air was filled with anticipation on Nov. 14, 2024, as over 500 people gathered outside the U.S. Air Force Academy’s North Gate to celebrate the long-awaited opening of Hotel Polaris.

Curtis Bova, Hotel Polaris’ general manager, kicked off the celebration by welcoming guests and acknowledging the planning and hard work that made Hotel Polaris a reality.

“I can’t tell you how excited I am to have this day finally be here. It has been such an incredible journey,” Bova said. “But it’s important to realize that this journey didn’t start two and a half years ago when they broke ground. It was a journey that has spanned over 12 years, and I think it’s worthwhile to hear that from the people who made that happen.”

Bova invited several speakers to share their perspectives on Hotel Polaris and its implications for the Academy and the Colorado Springs community. Speakers included Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade,

Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation CEO Mark Hille ’97, and Dan Schnepf ’83, founder and president of Matrix Design Group, the hotel’s developer.

Mobolade addressed the decades-long collaboration between the Academy and Colorado Springs. “Thank you for being such an integral part of our city,” he said. “You make us proud every day, and we are honored to stand with you.”

Hotel Polaris is part of the TrueNorth Commons development, which will transform the Academy’s North Gate to include the future Hosmer Visitor Center and planned office and retail space. The development is a partnership between public and private stakeholders, including the city of Colorado Springs, the Association and Foundation, Blue & Silver Development Partners, and Provident Resources Group.

“I took on this monumental development task to give back to our Air Force Academy and our Colorado Springs community,” Schnepf said. “As a graduate of this fine institution, this was truly a labor of love for me.”

The partnership created a unique financing structure, which will transfer the hotel property to the Association and Foundation once construction costs are paid off.

“This magnificent hotel is also part of securing a powerful financial future for the Academy,” Hille said. “In a short number of years, the hotel will become an asset of our organization. Soon, millions of dollars of revenue annually will flow from this project to support the Academy, serve our graduates and preserve our growing heritage.”

The Academy’s reimagined front doorstep is a priority of the Association and Foundation’s Defining Our Future comprehensive fundraising campaign.

Before the gathered guests were invited into the hotel, Hille asked them to take pride and satisfaction in the Academy and Hotel Polaris. “This is your Academy. This is your hotel. I hope you enjoy,” he said.

The Aviator Rooftop Bar offers sharable appetizers and expertly crafted cocktails with panoramic views of the U.S. Air Force Academy and the Rocky Mountains. Named by Hugh ’64 and Nan Williamson, The Aviator honors the distinguished Class of 1964, including many graduates killed in action or held as prisoners of war.

Pamela’s is Hotel Polaris’ full-service restaurant. Named by Jerry Bruni ’70 in honor of his wife, Pam, it offers a variety of American regional dishes.

The Thunderbird Bar is on the lobby level, next to Pamela’s. Named by Alex ’87 and Kate Gilbert, the bar honors Squadron 27 and the Academy Class of 1987. Guests can stop by to enjoy cocktail flights and handcrafted drinks inspired by the Squadron 27 Thunderbirds.

The Grab-and-Go Café in the hotel lobby is the perfect spot for guests who need a quick coffee, tea, snack or meal.

Doolies is Hotel Polaris’ fun, casual and family-friendly eatery. Doolies serves vintage soda shop classics with ice cream and milkshakes made from Colorado Springs’ own Josh & John’s Ice Cream.

State-of-the-art flight simulators are available one level below Doolies. Hotel Polaris is the only hotel in the country that offers flight simulator experiences. The space includes a 737 Max simulator and two F-16 simulators for individual or joint missions. The simulator experiences are available to guests and the public.

Ascend Spa & Wellness overlooks the plaza. The spa offers massage therapy, facials, skincare, and an indoor/outdoor relaxation area. Private space is available for events and spa parties.

Flatiron Plaza is inspired by several USAFA spaces, notably the Terrazzo and the Air Garden. It features outdoor fireplaces, a swimming pool and bocce ball.

Standard Guest Rooms are well appointed with a blue and silver theme and Academy artwork and decor. Approximately 80% of the guest rooms have a partial or full mountain view.

Suites are available for those who need more space. Many connect to an adjoining room, encouraging multi-generational and multi-family stays for Academy events such as graduation and Parents’ Weekend.

The 9th Floor Club Lounge is available to all guests staying in a suite or on the Club Level. It offers complimentary breakfast, snacks, appetizers and beverages.

The Superintendent Suite provides an authentic, residential atmosphere with a living room, a dining room, a bar and hardwood floors. The suite has expansive views of the Academy, Davis Airfield, Falcon Stadium and the Rampart Range.

With 26,000 square feet of versatile indoor meeting space on a dedicated floor and 10,000 square feet of outdoor space, Hotel Polaris is now one of the largest conference and event spaces in Colorado Springs, second only to the Broadmoor.

The 12,000-square-foot Generations Ballroom is an elegant setting for large gatherings. Its inviting floor-to-ceiling windows fill the space with natural light. Additional conference spaces include 11,000 square feet of pre-function space, the 6,000-square-foot Constellation Ballroom, and nine meeting and board rooms. The space was built with flexibility in mind to accommodate events from conferences to weddings and special events.

Philanthropic support for Hotel Polaris accelerates the repayment of construction costs and the transfer of hotel ownership to the Association and Foundation.

To learn more about remaining donor recognition and naming opportunities, visit afacademyfoundation.org/hotelpolaris. A donor recognition wall will feature 3D airplanes for donors who make a gift of $25,000 or more. Graduate donors will be identified by a class-color-themed airplane.

AOG members can enjoy discounted hotel rates by using the code 2024AOG when booking.