Edward J. Robson ’54 has given the college $8 million to build a new on-campus hockey arena. The facility, which will be located on the west side of Nevada Avenue between Dale and Cache La Poudre streets, is part of a campus master plan the college’s Board of Trustees approved in 2015. CC’s Division I hockey team will practice in the new facility and continue to play its games in the Broadmoor World Arena.

“Ed Robson is an extraordinarily successful and generous Colorado College alumnus and former CC hockey player,” says Colorado College President Jill Tiefenthaler. “He has previously served on our Board of Trustees, established endowed scholarships for CC students, and been one of the strongest advocates for the college, its mission, and our Division I hockey program.”

The new facility, which will be named the Edward J. Robson Arena, is a $10 million project that the college will break ground on during the 2018-19 academic year. It will replace Honnen Ice Arena, the college’s current on-campus facility, and include about 900 seats. In addition to the varsity team, the new arena will serve intramurals, the college’s club teams, student life activities, and community hockey leagues.

“Athletics matter, and academics are even more important,” says Robson, an Arizona business leader and developer of communities for active adults. “There’s nothing like a Colorado College education. This new arena will give CC hockey players a high-quality ice rink, while keeping them on campus and part of the student body. Doing so will help uphold the college’s commitment to rigorous academics for athletes.”

News of Robson’s gift was met with enthusiasm by the college’s Athletics Department.

“I believe this gift and the arena it will support will be game-changing for our entire program,” says CC Head Hockey Coach Mike Haviland. “This is a great day for Colorado College and our hockey program.