Denver Rolls Out Plans, Publicly Sets Fundraising Goals for “Barton 2027”
Denver launched a phased renovation project that will begin with the installation of a new scoreboard at Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium in early March
DENVER – The University of Denver athletics department has announced forthcoming renovations to Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium in a project titled “Barton 2027.” The department has secured significant initial gifts totaling $3 million. This fully-donor funded dramatic renovation, which is already underway, will enhance both the lacrosse student-athlete and fan experience at Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium and take the iconic venue into its next 20 years.
The University of Denver is greatly appreciative of the Barton Family and their continued commitment to Peter Barton Stadium and the key role it plays in the sport of lacrosse. This important project will significantly enhance the infrastructure for both Pioneer men’s and women’s lacrosse programs.
“Denver Athletics is deeply grateful to the initial group of donors that have helped start Barton 2027. As we navigate an unprecedented time of change in collegiate athletics, this project reiterates the University’s commitment to sponsoring two of the top lacrosse programs in the country,” Vice Chancellor for Athletics and Ritchie Center Operations Josh Berlo said. “This project will modernize and enhance a facility that was the first-of-its-kind when it was built 20 years ago and provide significant improvements for our teams and all those who attend games at Peter Barton Stadium.”
The phased facility enhancements will begin to come to life in the coming weeks when a new Daktronics video board will debut at Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium. The new video board contains a 70% increase in digital space compared to the previous board.
Phase one of the project is scheduled to continue this summer with improvements to the southwest corner of the stadium. This offseason’s upgrades include the installation of a wall ball training area on field level, field shot clocks and a renovation of the Sie Tower that currently hosts the Gold Club members on game days.
“On behalf of the Denver women’s lacrosse program we’re thankful for the initial gifts to begin making this next phase of Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium a reality,” Denver women’s lacrosse head coach Liza Kelly said. “We’re thankful for the University of Denver’s commitment to lacrosse and for Laura Barton and the Barton Family for continuing their commitment to give our student-athletes and our fans a great place to call our home at Petey B!”
“The Barton family’s visionary investment in lacrosse at DU is truly transformational,” says Val Otten, senior vice chancellor for Advancement. “Their recent gift to The Denver Difference campaign builds on a twenty-year tradition of excellence, enhancing the student-athlete experience and that of the fans, and making a lasting difference for the sport and our University.”
As Denver’s fundraising efforts continue to progress, phase two of the project will include demolishing the existing press box and modernizing the upper concourse with a premium suite area, a heated outdoor standing-room space for fans, an upgraded reserved seating section and a new media area.
Near the middle of the field on the upper concourse level, the premium hospitality suite will extend toward the west end of the stadium, providing a heated seating and standing area with additional televisions and a drink rail for Gold Club members to enjoy the game from a more centralized location.
Outside of game days the premium hospitality suite will primarily serve DU student-athletes as a team room, providing another option for team meals, video work and academic needs.
“We are incredibly grateful for the initial gifts that helped bring these Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium renovations to life,” William G. Tierney Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach Matt Brown said. “Peter Barton Stadium has become a true landmark venue for our sport, and that wouldn’t be possible without Laura Barton and the Barton Family’s continued commitment to the sport of lacrosse in Denver. As we look ahead, we are excited to enter the next 20-year chapter of Barton Stadium, a place where future generations will create lasting memories and continue to elevate the game. We also want to express our appreciation to the University for its support and dedication to the growth of lacrosse on our campus and in the west.”
The concourse on the east side of the press box will feature a covered area that will also be utilized for Denver Soccer contests.
As this investment by the Barton family lays the groundwork for the future of lacrosse excellence at DU, it also advances a key fundraising priority of Athletics within The Denver Difference campaign: enhanced facilities. In addition to facility support that strengthens the student-athlete experience, other areas of focus include scholarships and operations as well as endowed positions and programs. Athletics has raised just over $48 million of its $75 million goal for these priorities during the campaign to date.
Interested in supporting the project? Please contact Associate Athletic Director for Major Gifts Ryan Lowe (ryan.lowe@du.edu / 303-871-3720). Naming opportunities are still available throughout the project.
