The space needs analysis (IV.A) identified a shortage of at least 134,000 assignable
square feet of indoor space for athletics programs. The primary project to address this
shortage is a new fieldhouse, and a number of other projects are also proposed to
upgrade or add facilities:
•
Balch Fieldhouse Renovation: Renovations of the existing Balch Fieldhouse
would include upgrades or replacement of the pressbox, gates and plazas, and
concession facilities.
•
Dal Ward Athletic Center Expansion for Women’s Sports: An expansion of the
Dal Ward complex would provide additional training, office, and student athlete
support areas at the northeast corner of the stadium. Also planned are additional
stadium seats in this area to replace those that were removed due to unstable soil.
•
Fieldhouse and Parking Structure: An indoor practice facility, primarily for
football, is envisioned north of Franklin Field, adjoining the stadium complex. About
400 to 600 structured parking spaces are planned to be included. Uses now in
Carlson Gymnasium and Balch Fieldhouse may be relocated to the new
fieldhouse. Relocation of Facilities Management grounds and recycling operations
on the new fieldhouse site will be necessary as part of the project. An alternative
site for the fieldhouse could be north of Boulder Creek, near the football practice
fields.
•
Performance Facility for Soccer and Lacrosse: This is seen as a replacement
facility for the current uses at Prentup Field. Replacement of this field is likely as
the East Campus is developed for academic uses over the next 10 years.
Replacement fields could be developed north of Boulder Creek or at CU-Boulder
South.
•
Track and Field Facility: This is planned as a replacement for Potts Field.
Relocation and replacement of existing track and field facilities is likely as the East
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Campus is developed for academic uses over the next 10 years. Replacement
fields could be developed north of Boulder Creek or at CU-Boulder South.
•
Other Outdoor Fields and Courts: Substantial improvements to existing outdoor
facilities, and some new construction, will be necessary in order to remain
competitive in the Pac-12 Conference and the NCAA as a whole. Depending upon
which sports are added, additional facilities and land will be required. CU-Boulder
South is the most likely site for significant new outdoor practice facilities.
•
Indoor Tennis Facility: This may be developed in cooperation with Recreation
Services. A site or sites have not been chosen. Development of this facility in
conjunction with the proposed new fieldhouse could be considered to share
various support facilities required for each.
Location, timing, square footage, and cost estimates for these proposed capital
improvements are detailed in the building plan (V.A). Most of these athletics capital
projects are not related to the projected student growth, with the notable exception of
the additional stadium seats (northeast corner) which may be desired to help
accommodate the student body at stadium functions.
