Air Force Commando Critically Injured in Fall During UTSA Game
A service member fell from the Alamodome rafters during a pregame demonstration, causing a delay in the UTSA-Navy football game.
An Air Force commando sustained critical injuries after falling dozens of feet while rappelling from the Alamodome ceiling before the University of Texas-San Antonio football game on Saturday. The incident occurred during a pregame military demonstration as part of the “Salute to Armed Forces and Veterans” game against Navy.
Video footage shared on social media captured the moment the service member lost control during a fast-rope demonstration and fell to the turf below. The crowd's reaction included audible screams, and the stadium's band reportedly stopped playing.
Medical personnel immediately attended to the injured airman on the field for approximately 10 minutes. UTSA staff members formed a protective semicircle around the scene before the service member was taken away on a stretcher and transported to a local hospital in critical condition. The current condition of the airman was not immediately available.
The four service members participating in the demonstration belonged to Detachment 2 of the Air Force’s 6th Combat Training Squadron, based at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. This unit is responsible for training air combat controllers, including techniques for rappelling from helicopters at significant heights.
The Alamodome's ceiling is approximately 170 feet high. The UTSA Roadrunners have played their home games at the stadium since their inaugural season in 2011.
Following the accident, the game was delayed by about 10 minutes. Officials from UTSA and the American Conference expressed their concern for the injured service member. A university spokesperson stated, “Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the soldier who was affected, his family and his military colleagues.” The university also announced it was activating wellbeing services for its community members.
The American Conference released a statement saying it was coordinating with local authorities and member institutions to review the incident and provide support resources to those affected.