Free admission to U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum for first responders
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic museum is honoring first responders on January 16th and 17th by offering them free admission to the museum.
The museum opened its doors in July, right in the middle of the pandemic. Museum officials say it hasn't been easy, but they know no one would be able to come through these doors at all had it not been for the tireless sacrifice of our first responders.
“Thank you. That’s the number one thing," said Tommy Schield, Director of Marketing and Communications. "Thank you for all you do to keep our community safe.”
Officials with the museum said they wanted to give back because apart from being a museum of champions, they’re a community museum first.
“We live in Olympic City U.S.A., and the community rallied around us, so we like to do various programming events thanking different groups,” said Schield.
Construction on the museum took eight years and cost around $91 million.
Museum officials said the turn-out has surpassed what they expected amid the pandemic. In addition to our first responders, they have a lot of people to thank for that.
“Last weekend we welcomed in kids who were wearing their sports jerseys as a youth sports initiative," said Schield. "This weekend we’re honoring first responders, next weekend we’re working with the Pikes Peak Library District for all members who have their cards.”
Museum officials said they still have one big thank you left to give to our front-line healthcare workers.
The museum was originally going to honor them on a weekend last November, but because of the spike in Covid-19 cases, it got pushed back. They hope to celebrate them within the next few months.
“We’re trying to find the right time because we definitely want to give thanks to them as well,” said Schield. "They are running so thin, it's the least we can do."
If you're a first responder, including law enforcement, fire fighters, or emergency medical personnel, make sure you bring your I.D. or badge for free admission.
Doors open January 16th and 17th at 1 a.m.
