Features
CSU Unveils New Stadium
Colorado State University played its first football home game of 2017 truly “at home” with the debut of a $220 million on-campus stadium Aug. 26 in Fort Collins.
AP Photo/David Zalubowsk – CSU Stadium
Colorado State University unveils Sonny Lubick Field at CSU Stadium, a 41,000-seat, $220 million, on-campus stadium that replaces the old Hughes Stadium.
Sonny Lubick Field at CSU Stadium replaced the old Hughes Stadium and CSU officials convinced Oregon State University to juggle its schedule so the new building could get some prime time television real estate during “Week Zero” – what would have been a bye week before most college programs kick off their seasons.
The new, 41,000-seat stadium features a basketball court-sized video board, and CSU Stadium benefits from a F&B upgrade as well. And the horseshoe-shaped building looks custom-designed to accommodate concerts.
However, the first such show will be at least two years down the road. As part of the university’s agreement with the City of Fort Collins in order to build the stadium, CSU agreed to not have major ticketed events – defined as those with anticipated attendance of more than 12,000 – for at least two years after construction was completed.
Concerts – or any major ticketed event – would be limited to one in the third year, two in the fourth year and no more than three in the fifth year after stadium completion.
AEG Presents Rocky Mountains CEO Chuck Morris has more than one reason to have an eye on the stadium as a potential future concert venue.
“My nephew Zack Morris is a student at Colorado State,” Chuck told Pollstar. “So, of course I’d be interested in it. I would be, even if he wasn’t. It’s going to be a couple of years before anyone can book someone there. But it will be a great place to do a show or two a year.”
The stadium is a multi-purpose facility with space for campus events, year-round hospitality for smaller gatherings and functions as well as additional office and training space. It’s also available for rent to outside groups.
Those details probably were of little concern to fans after CSU Stadium’s public unveiling – the hometown Rams celebrated with a 58-27 victory over the Beavers.