CSU to Build a Women’s Sports Complex
As someone who just managed to actively engage in the Women’s World Cup (Yes, I have a low bar, don’t judge me) and who played soccer throughout her idyllic youth, I am proud to announce that Colorado State University is COMMITTING to the women’s soccer bandwagon. Go team. But by that, I mean that the university is officially going to be building a women’s athletic complex, one that will give the women’s soccer and softball programs a place to play in style.
According to a press release from CSU, the envisioned building process is set to cost $6.3-$6.5 million, but for now, the university has approved a $300,000 budget to examine design options and general plans for the program. We do know that the complex will be housed on the Western end of campus by Moby Arena, in place of where the university’s soccer field is now. As far as what the project would mean to CSU as a whole, it’s a big step to give both the women’s soccer and softball teams a home of their own, as they both have less-than-ideal living situations. For instance, for the past 6 years the soccer team has lived as the sports vagabond on campus, drifting between three different playing sites with no place to call its own. Meanwhile, the softball team has been using a facility that hasn’t gotten any updates for 25 years. So, yes, we could say it’s definitely about time to make some updates.
CSU’s athletic director, Joe Parker, said he was excited to “focus a lot of resources and planning… to make sure these two sports get what [he] would deem best-of-class facilities.” And the school certainly seems ready to do so—within budget, of course. The $300,000 is set to come from an extension of a $5.07 student fee that’s collected each semester. The fee was originally set to expire last year after paying for the construction on Moby Arena, but the student fee board approved a fee extension just last year. Even though students may groan about the extended payment (and I know they will, because complaining is a way of life while in college), the initial money spent will validate the other costs for the complex, allowing for further development of the entire project. Parker and his peers have said that some requirements of the new facility will include permanent fan seating, a large, welcoming gateway to the complex, a restroom and concession area, a team meeting space for both sports, and lighting for both fields. They especially want the complex to have a strong CSU vibe, and act as another pillar of the student community to help bring new students and athletes to campus.
We’ll be able to see renderings of the complex soon, but there aren’t yet any solid building dates. Regardless, we’ll soon be able to add this new project to CSU’s eternal state of construction, and I’ll be proud to still only occasionally show up to games – but this time, in a lovely new facility.
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