Video Story
Watch VideoCSU-Pueblo prepares for football and more students
Story By: David Ortiviz
Source: KOAA
Some major construction projects are underway at and around CSU-Pueblo as the university gears up for its new football program in the fall 2008. It's part of the university's plan to boost student enrollment, which so far appears to be on track to break the university's old records.
There's a buzz around CSU-Pueblo and it's not just from these trucks building a new football stadium. "People are really excited, they're looking forward to games and having the football atmosphere around campus," said Tony Carson, a student at CSU-Pueblo. Carson was recruited to play racket ball last semester. He says a lot of students are talking about the new sports like women's track, wrestling, and football being added to the university. "I think CSU-Pueblo has a really good program and I think that they're going to be an up and coming school for all sports. I think they're really starting to take it seriously," said Carson.
CSU-Pueblo is also getting a major face lift with the addition of a new $10 million student recreation center; a $12 million renovation for Massari Arena; construction on the new $13.5 million football stadium; and lastly a private developer, wants to turn 193 acres of land, just east of the university, into a new housing and retail, and entertainment development.
"We haven't been able to provide that fun student experience, that full student package of what a college experience will be. And that's what this will allow us to do. So not only will it attract more students to come it will make them want to stay with us too," said Joanne Ballard, Finance and Administration manager at CSU-Pueblo.
CSU-Pueblo averages about 600 new freshmen each year. But so far for the next fall, university leaders say there are two and half times as many applicants. "Right now we have the highest number of applicants in the history in our institution for our next year's freshman class," said Russ Meyer, CSU-Pueblo provost.
The university is also planning to build a new dorm with 250 beds by the fall, and up to 500 more beds in the coming semesters.
