Mountain Lion Stadium

When Stephen Kirkham took over as the athletic director at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, upgrading the school's meager athletic facilities was one of his highest priorities. On Aug. 22, 2006 his latest achievement was unveiled when UCCS cut the ribbon at Mountain Lion Stadium.

The stadium embodies the entrepreneurial spirit for which UCCS prides itself. In an inventive partnership between UCCS, Colorado Springs Christian School, Pepsi and other local businesses, the stadium became a reality with almost no state funds used.

Mountain Lion Stadium, which has permanent bleachers for 1,200 fans and overflow capability for approximately 4,000 more, is one of the premier soccer facilities in Colorado. The stadium will host Mountain Lion soccer games and Colorado Springs Christian School's football and soccer games. Its new Grass-Tex synthetic surface will improve safety, reduce maintenance costs and allow high-volume use. Grass-Tex is used at more than 4,000 university athletic fields nationwide. There are also two new scoreboards, donated by Pepsi. A press box will soon be under construction.

The stadium is located at the Four Diamond Sports Complex at 5025 North Nevada Avenue, which began construction in 1979 and later opened in 1980. The complex is a first-rate outdoor recreation facility that includes four baseball/softball fields, a soccer/football field, a concession stand, and a parking lot capable of holding over 300 vehicles. Before the complex had opened UCCS had been the only school of its size and caliber in the state without suitable recreational facilities.

Mountain Lion intercollegiate soccer began playing at the Four Diamonds soccer field in 1989 until 2003. When drought and neglect for the natural grass field posed a problem for playing, the soccer games were then played at Sand Creek Stadium, 5.86 miles off campus for the past three seasons. Moving the Mountain Lion soccer games back to the Four Diamonds Complex will help increase student support for the soccer program.

To schedule an event at Mountain Lion Stadium, contact Brian Hardy at 719-255-3004 or bhardy@uccs.edu.