Graduation tickets now available Published May 16, 2011 U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs U.S.AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Approximately 600 free, reserved-seat tickets for the Academy's Class of 2011 Graduation Ceremony on May 25, at 10 a.m., are currently available through the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce and the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce. The secretary of the Air Force, Michael B. Donley, will be the guest speaker. Tickets must be picked up in person between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Chamber offices at 6 S. Tejon Street, Suite 700, in Colorado Springs, and between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Tri-Lakes Chamber offices at 300 E. Highway 105, in Monument. A maximum of four tickets per person are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Chamber cannot mail tickets or accept telephone reservations, and there will be no will-call. Lost tickets cannot be replaced. Falcon Stadium gates open at 8 a.m. on graduation day and ticket holders are encouraged to arrive no later than 8:30 a.m. Stringent security measures will be in effect and stadium security staff will check tickets, IDs, and hand-carried items and will require attendees to be scanned by airport-style metal detectors. No boxes, alcohol, weapons, firecrackers, backpacks, large handbags, coolers, thermoses, beverage containers of any sort or similar items will be allowed in the stadium. Food and drink are prohibited with the exception of clear, unopened water bottles and medically necessary items with a doctor's order. Refreshments will be available from vendors throughout the stadium. Cameras, video cameras and binoculars are permitted; however, please be prepared to remove camera lenses for security inspection at the stadium gates. Diaper bags will be allowed when a child is present - no strollers please. Standard sized umbrellas are allowed; you may be asked to present them for inspection at the gates. Once the ceremony begins at 10 a.m., no one is allowed to leave the stadium until after the end of the Thunderbirds' performance at about 1 p.m. To ensure compliance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations, no one will be allowed in parked cars or driving or walking within the performance area. No tailgating parties are permitted before the graduation ceremony nor after the Thunderbirds' demonstration. RVs or vans may be parked in the parking lots, but no open fires or charcoal/wood grills are permitted. The Air Force Academy graduation ceremony is conducted in an outdoor stadium and extensive walking and stair climbing may be necessary. Handicapped and wheelchair seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis and is accessible from stadium gates 3 and 4. Note that there are no elevators in the stadium and no indoor seating. Guests should be prepared for any kind of weather. Medical staff will be available for individuals who may experience illness or other medical emergencies. General public ticket holders are not allowed to attend the graduation ceremony if it is moved indoors because of dangerous weather or heightened security. Uniform for the Graduation Ceremony for military is service dress with flight or service cap. For more information on the Academy Graduation visit the website, or call the graduation hotline at 719-333-4723.