GUNNISON, Colo.  After establishing the Paul M. Rady School of Computer Science and Engineering in partnership with the University of Colorado, Boulder, Paul ('78) and Katy Rady are expanding their generosity with another transformational commitment to Western Colorado University. The long-awaited and much-anticipated renovation of the Mountaineer Bowl Events Complex is now in sight, thanks to the Rady family. 

"The Mountaineer Bowl is a highly visible pillar of our campus and, in its current condition, does not represent the level of excellence we aim to achieve. We hope to inspire our alumni, community, students, and their families when they attend events at the complex. Now, with Paul and Katy's generosity, we will have a facility that matches the one of a kind, majestic views from Mountaineer Bowl," said Interim President Nancy Chisholm. "Our student-athletes excel academically, retain and graduate at very high levels, and are leaders on campus. A renovated complex helps us recognize the critical role they play at our institution."  

The renovation of the Mountaineer Bowl Events Complex will include:

• New 10,000 square foot press box to include locker and training rooms to accommodate women's soccer and their visiting team opponents, scorekeeper box, coaches' boxes, broadcast booths, hospitality suites, filming platform, restrooms, and a concession area with concourse 
•  A 20,000 square foot gateway entrance to the Mountaineer Bowl Events Complex that includes a new ticket office, two locker and training room facilities for football game days and track meet usage, officials' locker room, and restrooms
• Addition of an artificial turf playing surface and lighting to allow for expanded use
• New video/scoreboard including a filming platform
• Resurfaced track to enhance our Men's and Women's Track and Field teams

Project estimates are still being refined, but it is expected that the overall cost will be approximately $15 million. 

"Understanding the important role athletics plays on campus, Katy and I want to complement Western's expanded academic programming with a well-deserved enhancement to the athletic core," said Paul Rady.

Fundraising for the project began in earnest this fall with $1 million raised prior to Paul and Katy's commitment. Donations, including the $1 million previously raised, and a collective goal of $2-3 million will be sought. These gifts, together, with the Rady commitment, will fund this renovation project. Western will recognize gifts to the Mountaineer Bowl Events Complex with naming opportunities within the gateway facility or press box.

Athletic Director Miles Van Hee shared, "this has been a priority project for the university and athletic department for a number of years. Having Paul and Katy's commitment, along with the support of other generous Mountaineers, will allow us to fulfill this long-awaited dream, get a shovel in the ground and create a Mountaineer Bowl Events Complex that demonstrates our vision for championship-caliber excellence." 

Mesa Properties, builder of the recently completed 75,000 square foot Gold LEED certified Rady building, will begin construction on the complex this summer with a goal of opening the new Mountaineer Bowl Events Complex by Fall 2023. Farnsworth Group is the architect for the project.