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

Air Force football fans were the first to experience Falcon Stadium’s new eastside building during Parents’ Weekend Aug. 31. After years of planning and fundraising, the Air Force Academy welcomed members of the Long Blue Line, families of cadets and other Academy supporters to usher in a new era of fan comfort and experiences.

The new facility is named the Kucera Legacy Center in honor of Jack ’78 and Vianne Kucera, who have long been supporters of the role of athletics in the Academy’s mission of developing leaders of character. The Air Force Academy community celebrated the official ribbon cutting for the Kucera Legacy Center on Sept. 6.

A standout on the Falcon football team during his four years at the Academy, Jack Kucera has put service before self, generously supporting the USAFA mission through sustained participation, volunteerism and giving. He credits USAFA for providing the foundation for the success he has enjoyed in his life and career. Jack and Vianne Kucera believe the center will impact the Academy far beyond the competitions that play out at the stadium.

“People are always surprised when I say this amazing project is not about football,” says Jack Kucera, a 2019 USAFA Distinguished Graduate and an Air Force Academy Foundation board director. “This project was built to support the Air Force Academy’s constant efforts to attract and develop the best and brightest as our future leaders — the leaders our Air Force and Space Force require. The enhanced revenue from this versatile, multiuse facility will support all 27 USAFA intercollegiate athletic programs. The broad impact is what this project is about at its core, and it’s why Vianne and I have enthusiastically supported it.”

The Kucera Legacy Center offers the public not only an upgraded fan experience but also an improved first impression of the iconic stadium and the Academy. 

The new entrance highlights the heritage of the Academy and athletics while offering experiences befitting a 21st-century event venue. An improved game day experience — including 850 new premium seats within the East Club, an array of high-quality concession options, increased restroom capacity, an Air Force team shop and expanded concourse areas — will keep fans returning for future contests. These enhancements will also boost recruitment of high-caliber and service-minded athletes who can take all USAFA athletics to new heights.

In addition to improved experiences at sporting events, Falcon Stadium now boasts another premium venue to host functions year-round in the Kucera Legacy Center. From class reunions and retirement celebrations to corporate and civic functions, the facility will offer many options for Academy and community events. 

“We are appreciative of Jack and Vianne Kucera’s leadership, vision and incredible support of the Academy,” says Nathan Pine, USAFA director of athletics. “The Kucera Legacy Center is a fitting recognition to honor their generous philanthropy. Falcon Stadium serves as the Academy’s front porch to many and has been significantly upgraded thanks in large part to the Kucera family.”

The Kuceras believe all cadets and visitors deserve an improved stadium experience. 

“Being raised in an Air Force family, I have always taken great pride in the military and the opportunities presented to us along the way,” says Vianne Kucera. “The cadets deserve so much for the sacrifices they are making for all of us and our freedom. We hope this new facility will dramatically improve experiences at Falcon Stadium and allow for numerous other opportunities in addition to game days.”

Falcon Stadium opened in 1962 and was built with private support. As part of the Defining Our Future campaign, the Foundation and the Air Force Academy Athletic Corporation partnered to modernize the facility. The Foundation has raised $32 million of a $35 million goal of philanthropic support toward the $90 million Phase 3 of upgrades. In addition to the Kucera Legacy Center, this phase includes modifications to the tunnel leading to the field to enhance access for concerts and other larger events. 

“This modernization promises to impact the entire Academy. Jack and Vianne’s love for the Academy and its role in developing leaders is evident in all they do for the cadets and graduates,” says Mark Hille ’97, CEO of the Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation. “Their support as the lead donors to the Falcon Stadium modernization will inspire thousands of others to attend events and learn more about the Academy’s rich heritage. I am filled with gratitude for their vision and generosity.”

Defining Our Future is in the final year of a seven-year campaign to raise private support for programs and projects across all USAFA mission elements — academic, military and athletics. While the federal government and the U.S. Air Force provide adequate funding for the Academy’s core needs, private support from donors is required to enhance the educational and leadership opportunities necessary to fully develop future U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force officers.

Gen. David Allvin ’86, chief of staff of the Air Force, officially approved the Kucera Legacy Center’s name in June.