Sept. 15, 2009

FORT COLLINS, Colo. -- Like a proud parent, the Colorado State athletic department will formally introduce the public to its new fraternal twins Friday.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony, to dedicate CSU’s new $13 million Indoor Practice Facility and $7 million Academic and Training Center, will take place Friday at 1 p.m., near the Academic and Training Center.

Following the ceremony, free public tours will be available of both buildings. ESPN Radio 870, KJMP-AM, will broadcast from the event.

Colorado State first announced plans for the new buildings, a $20 million leap toward a vivid future, in April 2009. The buildings represent CSU’s largest commitment toward athletic facilities in four decades, since the construction of Hughes Stadium and Moby Arena.

"These buildings show that Colorado State is unmistakably serious about achieving its stretch goals," Director of Athletics Paul Kowalczyk said, referring to the university’s established aims of playing in BCS football games, consistent men’s and women’s NCAA basketball tournament berths, and winning the Director’s Cup competition. "These buildings, combined with the recent renovations at our football stadium, put us where we need to be in terms of offering quality, state-of-the-art facilities to our coaches and student-athletes, those who are here now and those who are thinking about coming here. There has never been a better time to be a Ram."

The process began in October 2006, when Kowalczyk and associate athletic director Doug Max made the new buildings a priority within the athletic department's long-term plans. But without the help of the CSU administration and the Board of Governors, the university would not have reached this point.

Quality architectural and construction partners
Designed by Aller-Lingle Architects P.C., and RATIO Architects, Inc., the facilities were built by Saunders Construction, Inc. Aller-Lingle, a local firm instrumental in several campus projects, including recent Hughes Stadium renovations, served as the lead architect on both new buildings. The firm sought the assistance of Indianapolis-based RATIO because of its recent experience in the design of similar venues at BCS universities such as Illinois, Oregon, West Virginia and Indiana. Saunders has played a significant role in the construction of several prominent Colorado projects, including the Paul D. Bowlen Memorial Broncos Centre.

Indoor Practice Facility at a glance

• Cost: $13 million.
• 66,267 square feet, including 48,125 dedicated to the football portion and 8,827 to the basketball/volleyball area.
• 65 feet at its tallest point.
• Contains a 70-yard synthetic-turf football field (including one end zone).
• Features a four-lane, 70-meter track and a unique shoe-changing room adjacent to the football field.
• Gymnasium easily encloses a regulation basketball court and two half courts.
• Volleyball configuration can accommodate two full-length courts.
• Has flexibility to allow the softball team to set up batting cages on the football field.
• Will provide shelter for any student-athlete in each of the Rams' 16 varsity sports.
• Includes training room, equipment storage, lobby and trophy display case, and restrooms.
• Uses an innovative air circulation system.
• Located east of the Moby Pool and north of the Student Recreation Center.

Academic and Training Center at a glance

• Cost: $7 million.
• 17,000 square feet.
• Training portion includes a state-of-the-art weight room, strength and conditioning offices, a nutrition center and restrooms.
• The Anderson Academic Center features five private tutorial rooms and a large study areas.
• Also includes a computer lab with 30 workstations, more workspace and offices for CSU's academic staff.
• Located southeast of the McGraw Athletic Center.

Raising construction funds
The university recognizes that enhanced facilities are critical to attracting national-caliber student-athletes to Fort Collins. Construction of these buildings will create an environment that promotes growth and excellence. And though that construction comes at a steep cost, Colorado State is committed to raising those funds to turn this vision into authentic symbols of the university's pride.

While Colorado State is supporting the construction through bonded funds, the athletics department continues a campaign to raise $20 million.

Fort Collins natives and CSU graduates Brett and Danette Anderson launched the fundraising campaign with a pacesetting gift. In November 2008, the family gave $1.5 million to assist with the construction of the academic and training center. To recognize the gift, the academic portion of the new building will be named the Anderson Academic Center.

There are several other naming opportunities available. Those interested in naming opportunities should contact the office of development at 970/491-4666.

Quotes
"The academic and training center will allow our student-athletes to meet their potential both academically and athletically." -Tim Miles, head men's basketball coach

"The indoor practice facility will not only provide our team the opportunity to practice in a state-of-the-art facility, but will also enhance our ability to attract the best student-athletes to CSU. It will secure our place among the elite volleyball programs in the country." - Tom Hilbert, head volleyball coach

"I've been a student-athlete and an assistant coach at Colorado State, and I can testify that this already was a special place to make valuable memories during such an important part of a young person's life. These facilities will make that experience even better." - Steve Fairchild, head football coach

"A new facility will reflect the support provided by the university and our supporters for academic and athletic success." - Mekana Barnes, All-American, volleyball

"I researched athletics facilities in the Mountain West Conference during an internship with the President's office. CSU's new facility will place us at the top of indoor facilities in the MWC. The impact on our entire program will be tremendous." - 1,000-yard rusher Kyle Bell, football