Clarification: A previous version of this Our View stated CSU President Tony Frank will request a two-month extension of the fundraising deadline for the stadium. Frank will request the extension to explore four different options for the stadium moving forward, including reevaluating the current stadium plan.
While most of us know of Tony Frank, his beard and the undeniable power it holds on this campus, he does not actually hold the keys to the University and is not able to make big decisions on his own. Frank reports to the Board of Governors (BOG), a 15-member group, nine of which are appointed by the governor of Colorado. This group votes on all the major decisions for Colorado State University.
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On Thursday, Frank will present his proposal to continue fundraising for the on-campus stadium. He has not reached the $110 million goal, and will request a two-month extension to consider four different options for the stadium. A discussion about the stadium is scheduled to take place from 3:30-7 p.m. and there will be a public comment section for students, faculty, staff and community members to come and discuss their questions, concerns and opinions about the stadium. This public comment section will take place from 4-6 p.m. in the Grey Rock Room on the second floor of the Lory Student Center.
We encourage anyone with opinions about the stadium to attend this meeting. Regardless of the decision the BOG makes, it is important for them to hear from us about why we support the project or not. If construction does take place, it will impact the campus community and the larger community of Fort Collins for years to come, not to mention the positive and negative repercussions of developing campus space for a stadium.
Some have aired concerns about the additional noise and parking issues an on-campus stadium would present, as well as the demolition of the University greenhouses. Others argue it will bring more out-of-state students to campus and provide additional classroom space, while also being home to the other athletic teams. These are just a sample of the multiple contentions that have been brought to the attention of the administration.
This discussion started over a year ago and it is culminating at this meeting. This is our chance to air our grievance or support for this project. We might not get another one.
