Published: Feb. 7, 2007

CU-Boulder Athletic Director Mike Bohn announced today that a significant commitment from the Anthony H. Kruse Foundation will allow the university to immediately begin building a new indoor athletic practice facility.

"This project reflects the outstanding generosity of numerous donors who all share a vision for competitive excellence," Bohn said.

When constructed, the seasonal facility will accommodate athletic team practices, intramural sports, campus-wide activities and special events benefiting students, faculty, staff and the community.

The Anthony H. Kruse Foundation, a legacy of the late Anthony Kruse, has donated to the strategic facility, which will enhance all athletics at CU and serve the community as a recreation and athletic venue during harsh winter weather.

"This is a critical commitment for us at an equally critical time," Bohn said. "We greatly appreciate this tremendous leadership. So many people are making a difference, and this commitment builds on momentum toward our strategic projects: the basketball operations center, upgrades to the football locker room, varsity room, soccer and track facilities and Dal Ward Center improvements."

The announcement was made at a football preview luncheon attended by 1,000 Buff fans and supporters Thursday at the Denver Marriott Hotel.

Football Coach Dan Hawkins introduced the new class of recruits noting, "In the Buffs' quest to capture a second national championship, it is important to have first-class facilities for recruitment and development of our student-athletes. The addition of the indoor practice facility is vital to our commitment to bring the national championship back to the University of Colorado."

The donation is designed to invest in CU-Boulder athletics and serve the broader community. "The campus sorely needed an indoor practice facility. We are proud to support both the Buffs and our local athletes with this gift in honor of Anthony Kruse," said a spokesperson for the Anthony H. Kruse Foundation.

Construction of the facility will begin immediately with completion scheduled for mid-October. It will be located on the western third of the current football practice fields, adjacent to Boulder Creek off Folsom Street.