Colorado State University Athletics
Gift Puts Rams Closer to New Playing Surface
4/18/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 18, 2006
Colorado State University's football team will have a state-of-the art synthetic playing field at Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium in 2006, thanks to an additional gift to the original stadium project by benefactor Pat Stryker.
A year ago, the initial phase of the stadium expansion and renovation was completed, but the installation of a new synthetic playing surface was delayed by material price increases.
Stryker doesn't want that to be the case in 2006. Her Bohemian Foundation has made an additional gift of $1.2 million to allow Colorado State to move closer to completing the initial elements of the project, including a new playing surface as well as the construction of additional bathrooms and concessions stands on the north concourse. Construction to install the new "Field Turf" playing surface began Monday morning at the stadium. The project will be completed by early August.
The goal is to have the field replacement and the additions of bathrooms and concession stands completed by the 2006 season if additional funds can be secured. Individuals wishing to support the project can contact Mike LaPlante, Assistant Athletic Director for Development, 970-491-1665.
"Pat has been the ultimate benefactor to Colorado State Athletics. We could not ask for a more gracious supporter. She is truly committed to helping us improve our student-athletes experience while they are at Colorado State University. We are especially proud to have her show her confidence in our program by making such a tremendous investment," said Interim Director of Athletics Christine Susemihl.
In the spring of 2004, the Bohemian Foundation made a $15.2 million gift to the University to fund the renovation of Hughes Stadium, which included the addition of more than 4,000 permanent seats in the north end zone, two new scoreboards and a new video board, 12 new luxury suites, an expanded premium club seating area, and renovated press box.
Last November, athletic department officials began a campaign to complete the renovation after Stryker agreed to match all gifts on a two-to-one. The Bohemian Foundation gift of $1.2 million represents her commitment to the match. Thus far, the athletic department has raised an additional $250,000 towards the $600,000 needed to meet Pat's match and complete all aspects of the project.
"I'm not sure what more can be said about how important Pat Stryker is to our program. We are honored to have her support and I feel lucky to be able to call her a great friend," said Rams' Coach Sonny Lubick.
