Home sweet new home for CSU

By PAT GRAHAM
Associated Press

Photo by David Zalubowski

The Colorado State campus was bustling before a football game _ a rare sight for the last five decades.

That's because the Rams played down the road at Hughes Stadium.

But on a sun-splashed Saturday, the Rams opened the doors to their shiny new $220 million stadium that's located back on campus. The kids played in a fan zone before the game. One of the hot spots inside the stadium was New Belgium's beer garden.

A look at Colorado State's new stadium on inside and out. @CSUFootball pic.twitter.com/QMt869CcvI

— Patrick Graham (@pgraham34) August 26, 2017

Some things to know about the new stadium:
_ The school held a groundbreaking ceremony on Sept 12, 205.
_ It holds 41,000 with seating for 36,500.

An on-field panoramic view of csu stadium. @CSUFootball pic.twitter.com/38sIHcjLkJ

— Patrick Graham (@pgraham34) August 26, 2017

_ The video board is the size of a basketball court.
_ There's a 150-seat theater-style meeting room for the players.
_ A space has been carved out for the cannon, which booms when the Rams score.
_ The field is named after legendary CSU coach Sonny Lubick, but the venue doesn't have an official name yet.
_ The first special event was a wedding on July 3.
_ Listed along the concourse are the 53 "Fourteeners" around the state _ a mountain peak with an elevation of at least 14,000 feet.

First things first

By PAT GRAHAM
Associated Press

Oregon State won the coin flip _ the first in Colorado State's new stadium. It's that sort of day in Fort Collins _ a day of firsts.
Here's a look at some other firsts in the first quarter as the Rams christened their $220-million on-campus stadium Saturday against Oregon State:
_ Touchdown in the new stadium: Oregon State receiver Timmy Hernandez hauled in a 39-yard strike from Jake Lutton.

HERE IT IS.

The first touchdown of the 2017 CFB season goes to @BeaverFootball! pic.twitter.com/U6W9URJ33h

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) August 26, 2017

_ Interception: OSU defensive back Kyle White when he picked off Colorado State QB Nick Stevens.
_ Near blocked field goal: Colorado State's Anthony Hawkins as he flew in and got a hand on a 45-yard attempt. Only, he was offsides.
_ Field goal: OSU kicker Jordan Choukair connected on a 40-yarder after Hawkins' penalty.
_ 50 minutes: Approximately how long that first quarter took to complete.

End of Quarter #1. pic.twitter.com/UpNKT9sGC4

— CSU Rams Football (@CSUFootball) August 26, 2017