The Be Bold Colorado State University campaign has officially kicked off.  The campaign is not only for those who are already supportive of the University’s desire to build a new stadium, but also for those who need more information to understand the reasoning behind it.  I should disclose that being a business that stands to directly benefit from a new stadium, I am in support of a new stadium.  If this was not the case however, I would still be very much in support of building a new stadium for several reasons.

To understand collegiate athletics you simply need to study the haves and the have nots.  What you find is those instituitions that have embraced the business aspects of collegiate sports have remained consistently competitive and as a result, those institutions have thrived across the board.  As is the case with so many businesses in this day and age, older models of operation are no longer effective.  You must be constantly studying and modeling those in front to remain competitive.  If you choose the status quo you will fall behind to those on the move.

CSU was in a great position to leverage the momentum created by Sonny Lubick 10 years ago, electing to stay with the status quo allowed others (Utah, BYU, TCU) committed to growing their athletic businesses to surpass Colorado State.  As a result those schools have thrived and have access to opportunities that CSU does not.  With the momentum of a successful football program now gone, the task of playing catch up is daunting.  The quality of leadership it would take to turn the tide, and allow CSU to become relevant again simply would not be attracted to this situation, or would it?  Enter Jack Graham.

There just aren’t many people with the resume of success, experience, connections, resources and the love and loyalty to the institution that would take on this challenge.  The community is fortunate that someone who posesses all of these qualities, and has demonstrated the desire and energy to see it through has appeared on the scene.  The only thing needed is to insure that the planning process is detailed and that all due diligence is done.  Tony Frank has demonstrated excellent leadership to this point in his tenure and seems to be effectively managing that process to this point.

The committee Tony Frank has put in place is stocked with successful business people, and community leaders who are giving up tremendous amounts of their time to see that a wise recommendation is made.  Great effort is in process to complete feasibility studies and to listen to and address community concerns.  With the people in place and the work being done I trust that the right decision will be reached.

It is my hope that a new stadium will be on the horizon, if it is not it is my hope that those opposed will follow through with their interest in saving Hughes Stadium.  The status quo must change, and that means embracing and supporting the athletic programs along with the rest of the University.  Since Hughes Stadium was built, the growth of our community is not reflected in increased attendance at the football games.  We must “Be Bold,” and embrace success for CSU athletics as a symbol of pride for our great community going forward.

You can get more information on the campaign by going to this website: Be Bold CSU

Show your support with great merchandise available here:  Be Bold Merchandise

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