Planning Underway for Improvements to Grand Junction Stadium

A popular and much-used stadium in Grand Junction may soon be in line for extensive renovations.

Built in 1949, the Ralph Stocker Stadium is located at 998 N. 12th Street on the northeast side of the city and serves as the home to Colorado Mesa University Mavericks football team.

The stadium is a part of the city’s larger Lincoln Park.

A plan, detailed by the architectural firm of Perkins & Will, which has offices in Denver, envisions the demolition of existing stands on the west side of the city-owned stadium, and the building of new bleachers as well as a festival plaza.

Additional stadium work is calling for the creation of a new concourse and new concessions, storage, and meeting room space, among other features.

It is thought that the work on the Stocker building could cost as much as $11 million to complete. And that’s not to mention upgrade and renovation plans for the Sam Suplizio Field, which is also a part of the master plan for the 42-acre Lincoln Park site.

The city may enter into a partnership with Colorado Mesa University and the Junior College World Series organization for the stadium work.
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Members of the Grand Junction City Council, meanwhile, are contemplating the refinancing of the stadium to help fund the new renovation work.

By Garry Boulard

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