A series of community input meetings conducted by the Colorado Springs-based Colorado College has confirmed one thing: a planned new hockey arena will be both big and expensive.
In hosting various meetings with neighbors and members of the four-year school community, Colorado College has emphasized its desire to hear from those who are not a part of the official planning process.
“A key component of the design and planning process for the arena includes engaging surrounding neighborhoods and the broader community in meaningful dialogue about the project,” the college says on its project website.
A part of Colorado Spring’s ambitious City for Champions initiative, which is seeing the construction of a number of facilities designed to increase tourist revenue, the new arena will replace the existing Broadmoor World Arena, providing a permanent home to the school’s Tigers ice hockey team.
Funding for the new arena is coming from a variety of sources, but most importantly Edward J. Robson, a former Colorado College student and hockey player who is today one of the most successful developers of adult communities in the West.
Robson has donated $21 million for the construction of what is expected to ultimately be a $40 million facility.
Work will most likely begin on the new arena later this year.
By Garry Boulard
