New Colorado State athletic director Jack Graham has been on the job for about a week and he is already thinking big. Graham envisions an on-campus stadium and wants to raise at least $100 million from public and private funds for the project. The idea for this project is to be more than just a football stadium and that it would not be a long-term project but something that he would want to see begin right away:
"I have a strong preference that this is more than just a football stadium," Graham said Monday. "That it's a gathering place and a social experience and, even when football games aren't being played, that students can be at the stadium on plazas looking into the field and having a cup of coffee and studying some really nice landscaping.
"It's not just a steel box of a place, but it's actually an enhancement to the footprint and the architecture of the university. It should not be a detraction; it should very much be an enhancement."
The project was first discussed during a team meeting when Graham addressed the players about the firing of head coach Steve Fairchild. Players such as sophomore running back Chris Nwoke said that an on-campus stadium would be "fantastic." Graham also believes that having their football stadium on campus grounds will help with recruiting, create traditions and increase fan support.
For more on this story, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more news from around the Mountain West Conference, be sure to visit Mountain West Connection. And for news from around college football, head over to SB Nation NCAA Football.