Colorado State University Athletics
Canvas Stadium 10 Year Anniversary: Class, and Connections, Are Always in Session
7/28/2026 11:50:00 AM | Football
More than 39,000 have attended class at facility
Much of the attention has been paid to the center of the facility. The field of play at Canvas Stadium and what it meant for Colorado State as a university.
Â
A first-class stadium, admired throughout college football, one with unique spaces. One which would bring fans back to campus for the first time in more than 50 years when it opened in 2017.
Â
But the east part of Canvas Stadium was just as important in the overall goal, having it serve as a magnet to bring alumni back to campus. It was designed for every-day use, not just game days in the fall.
Â
It is there one will find the Iris and Michael Smith Alumni Center as well as nearly 60,000 square feet of dedicated academic space.
Â
Since the building opened, more than 39,000 unique students have attended a class at Canvas Stadium, and every college at the university has conducted a class there.
Â
The alumni center draws more than 27,000 visitors annually, averaging more than 1,000 guests on game days. It used to be alumni coming back for football games would go to Hughes Stadium but never step foot on campus.
Â
Now, they're checking in and staying up to date with their school.
Â
"Having the Iris and Michael Smith Alumni Center in the heart of our campus and as part of the stadium facility has definitely had a positive impact on our engagement with CSU alumni," said Kristi Bohlender, the senior associate vice president for university advancement and the executive director of the CSU alumni association. "Having a beautiful facility on our campus that our alumni can call their home has elevated their experience of staying connected with their alma mater. With the Iris and Michael Smith Alumni Center integrated in the stadium, it provides our alumni the opportunity to combine their passion for Rams football with their pride of graduating from our great institution."
Â
With more than 20,000 square feet of event and meeting space, the alumni center hosts more than 125 gatherings each year.
Â
On fall game days, fans can see the Old Main Bell, located just outside the doorway, rung into action by chosen alumni. A sign the day is ready to swing into full motion. A reminder to all they are once again home.
Â
Â
A first-class stadium, admired throughout college football, one with unique spaces. One which would bring fans back to campus for the first time in more than 50 years when it opened in 2017.
Â
But the east part of Canvas Stadium was just as important in the overall goal, having it serve as a magnet to bring alumni back to campus. It was designed for every-day use, not just game days in the fall.
Â
It is there one will find the Iris and Michael Smith Alumni Center as well as nearly 60,000 square feet of dedicated academic space.
Â
Since the building opened, more than 39,000 unique students have attended a class at Canvas Stadium, and every college at the university has conducted a class there.
Â
The alumni center draws more than 27,000 visitors annually, averaging more than 1,000 guests on game days. It used to be alumni coming back for football games would go to Hughes Stadium but never step foot on campus.
Â
Now, they're checking in and staying up to date with their school.
Â
"Having the Iris and Michael Smith Alumni Center in the heart of our campus and as part of the stadium facility has definitely had a positive impact on our engagement with CSU alumni," said Kristi Bohlender, the senior associate vice president for university advancement and the executive director of the CSU alumni association. "Having a beautiful facility on our campus that our alumni can call their home has elevated their experience of staying connected with their alma mater. With the Iris and Michael Smith Alumni Center integrated in the stadium, it provides our alumni the opportunity to combine their passion for Rams football with their pride of graduating from our great institution."
Â
With more than 20,000 square feet of event and meeting space, the alumni center hosts more than 125 gatherings each year.
Â
On fall game days, fans can see the Old Main Bell, located just outside the doorway, rung into action by chosen alumni. A sign the day is ready to swing into full motion. A reminder to all they are once again home.
Â
Tuesday, July 28
Tuesday, July 21
Friday, July 17
Tuesday, July 14