CSU Pueblo's ThunderBowl is getting new suites. Here's what to know

The Colorado State University Pueblo Foundation hopes to have eight new suites built on the west side of the ThunderBowl by next football season.

Structures with upper and lower-level suites will be attached to each side of the ThunderBowl's current press box. Each structure will include a pair of upper-level suites with open-air seating and two-lower level suites with windowed seating.

Construction of the suites will be an estimated $1.2 million project paid for by the CSU Pueblo Foundation over the course of six years.

"As the owner of the ThunderBowl, we are wanting to make sure that's the best facility in the state for Division II football. We want to enhance the fan experience and we want to drive more revenue that goes on through (CSU Pueblo) athletics," CSU Pueblo Foundation President and CEO Todd Kelly said.

With HGF Architects Inc. serving as architects and HW Houston Construction LLC. serving as general contractors, the plan is to break ground in January 2024 and have the project completed by the following August. To ensure construction costs are paid for, purchase of a suite will be a five-year lease to individuals or businesses.

"In the first six years, there is some revenue that we will pass on to athletics, but after the loan is paid off, 100% of it will go to athletics," Kelly said.

How much does a suite cost and what can it be used for?

Priced at $15,000 per year for the lower-level and $17,000 per year for the upper-level, individuals or businesses that purchase a suite receive all-year access to the suite, 20 suite tickets, 4 general admission tickets and 4 parking passes.

In addition to access to the suite during CSU Pueblo home football games, those with all-year access to a suite will be able to attend CSU Pueblo track meets, high school football games and potentially even concerts hosted at the ThunderBowl, Kelly said.

"Even if there's not an event going on... During the day, there will be WiFi up there, so people can actually use it as an office or meeting space if they wanted to for the whole year," he said.

Suite owners who attend events at the ThunderBowl that are not hosted by CSU Pueblo, including high school football games, may still need to pay a gate admission fee.

What is inside the suites?

Those enjoying an event or attending a meeting will be able to access the upper-level suites through an entrance inside the current press box. Those with access to upstairs suites will have access to a wet bar, refrigerator, furniture, restrooms and two rows of armchairs.

Lower-level suites will include two rows of elevated barstool seats, adjustable windows, additional furniture and amenities. Current plans for the lower-level suites do not include their own restrooms, but guests will be able to access public restrooms nearby.

For more information the about incoming suites at the ThunderBowl, individuals may email Kelly at todd.kelly@csupueblo.edu.

More CSU Pueblo News:State audit: College athletics expenses exceed revenues statewide, including at CSU Pueblo

Pueblo Chieftain reporter James Bartolo can be reached at JBartolo@gannett.com. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com.