The University of Colorado Athletic Department is rolling out a new fundraising push, and it comes with a clear mission: give women’s and Olympic sports a bigger boost. The initiative, called Elevate Colorado, is aimed at facility upgrades and additional support for 12 programs.
At Prentup Field, the plan calls for a new permanent grandstand and a digital video board to improve the home-field environment for the Buffs’ soccer and lacrosse teams. Lacrosse is also slated to get a new locker room at Prentup. Elsewhere, the ski team’s locker room and wax room will be renovated, while both the men’s and women’s golf programs will receive a dedicated practice area at Colorado National Golf Club, their home course.
“Elevate Colorado is the first major fundraising initiative at CU that directly supports women’s and Olympic sports to this scale, which illustrates our commitment to those essential programs,” said Fernando Lovo, Director of Athletics. “This initiative will provide our student-athletes the resources they need to continue to compete at the highest levels in college athletics while providing the support these programs so richly deserve.”
The effort also reaches beyond bricks and mortar. Seven more programs will receive support for their excellence funds: tennis, volleyball, women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, and men’s and women’s track & field. That backing is meant to give coaches more room to recruit and keep top student-athletes while also helping with operational needs.
“We are thankful for our Buff Club members who contribute financially to Colorado Athletics, and we are excited to bring this initiative to Buff Nation in support of these deserving programs,” said Derek Steinbach, Deputy Athletic Director for Philanthropy and Strategic Initiatives who leads the Buff Club. “Women’s and Olympic sports have such a rich tradition here and Elevate Colorado ensures we’re maintaining that legacy while building towards the future. I urge all Buff Club members and Buffs fans to consider participating in this pivotal fundraising effort.”
Colorado has set a target of more than $10 million for the campaign, and construction on the facility projects is scheduled to start once the money is in place.
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