[Information courtesy CUBuffs.com]
The University of Colorado Coors Events/Conference Center has been the home of Colorado basketball since 1979 and Buffs volleyball since 1988. The Center was originally called the CU Events/Conference Center, but was renamed in September 1990 in honor of a $5 million gift from the Adolph Coors Foundation. The Events Center is named after the Coors family in recognition of this gift and their generous support of the university.
The Events Center combines modern facilities with beauty, comfort and flexibility. The Center’s versatility provides an ideal location for sporting events, educational conferences, seminars, meetings, conventions, concerts, trade shows and a myriad of other activities. It is truly multi-purpose in nature and design.
Located just north of the Kittredge student housing complex on the Boulder campus, the CECC seats 11,064 for basketball and offers a great view from any seat. The largest crowd in Events Center history, 11,363 (standing room only), featured a men's Big 12 match-up between Kansas and CU in a competitive 85-75 Buff loss on Jan. 22, 2001. Colorado's basketball and volleyball programs have compiled a record of 736-256 (.742) since moving into the arena.
There are three levels to the Events Center. The arena floor occupies 8,000 square feet, while the conference level takes up 15,000 square feet and houses two large conference rooms, one of which is tiered, and four smaller ones. All of the conference rooms are carpeted and air-conditioned. The concourse level contains the main entrances, concession areas, ticket offices and a first-aid room.
In the fall of 1996, the building received a new basketball floor, dedicated to long-time coach Russell “Sox” Walseth. Walseth served as CU’s men’s basketball coach from 1957-76, posting the most wins of any coach in program history (261). Additionally, Walseth served as CU’s women’s basketball coach from 1980-83, totaling a 77-21 mark.
The $7.7-million facility was financed by a combination of funds. State legislative appropriation, federal grants, private contributions and university funds all played a major part in the facility’s construction revenue.
The CECC is within walking distance from all points of campus, and parking for Colorado basketball games is free to the public in the parking garage located just north of the arena. The southwest entrance faces the majestic flatirons, the mountains located west of campus, providing Colorado fans with one of most beautiful views in all of collegiate athletics when they arrive to the game.
Other events taking place at Coors include concerts and commencement for the fall semester. Bob Dylan, Jack Ingram and Juice Newton are just some of the artists who have taken the stage in the Events Center, providing an indoor venue for CU students and Boulder residents equipped to attract some of the best entertainers in the World.
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