Colorado College, in partnership with Colorado Springs’ City for Champions initiative, unveiled a proposal in late July to build the Edward J. Robson Arena as an on-campus competition arena. If approved, this new facility with 3,000 permanent seats would become the home of CC Tiger Hockey.

The arena would be comparable in size to the arenas of colleges and universities that have similar numbers of students and Division I hockey programs. The venue, proposed for the block bordered by Nevada Avenue and Cache La Poudre, Tejon, and Dale streets, would provide many firsts: For the first time since the program’s founding in 1938, the CC hockey team would be able to play games on campus. Students, coaches, staff, faculty, and local fans would be able to walk to attend practices and games. Student athletes wouldn’t have to leave campus for practice and competition, giving them more time to focus on academics. And for the first time, the entire on-campus community would be able to gather in one indoor location for games and events.

Robson Arena was originally planned to be a practice venue. Colorado College President Jill Tiefenthaler says the city’s investment through City for Champions, as well as commitments from a number of donors, has allowed the college to envision a multi-purpose, sustainable, state-of-the-art competition venue that would benefit both the college and the city (non-governmental bodies’ sporting events also would be hosted there.)

With support from donors including Ed Robson ’54, St. Louis Blues hockey player Jaden Schwartz ’14, the George Lyon family, the Glassmeyer family, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, and many others, and if the City for Champions initiative is approved, CC will have received more than $28 million in commitments toward the approximately $39 million arena.

Ground breaking for the arena, part of CC’s strategic master plan approved by the college’s Board of Trustees in 2015, is tentatively planned for December 2018.

“This a game-changer for both Colorado College and downtown Colorado Springs,” says Colorado College Director of Athletics Ken Ralph, “one of those rare circumstances where it is a win for all involved.”

“Personally, I cannot wait for our players to compete in an on-campus arena; that is what collegiate athletics is all about,” says CC Hockey Coach Mike Haviland.

Stay tuned for more information on the Robson Arena and CC’s partnership with the City for Champions initiative.