Colorado Mesa University proposes long lease, city staff say deal cuts city subsidy and funds stadium upgrades

Colorado Mesa University presented a proposal for a long-term lease and operating partnership focused on the city-owned football stadium, with CMU pledging capital investment and the city aiming to reduce ongoing taxpayer subsidies.

City Manager Mike Bennett told the council the updated concept preserves existing community uses while shifting a larger share of operational and capital responsibility to CMU. "Currently CMU's user fee is $36,705 for 2026," Bennett said, adding that after other revenues the city's net cost to operate the football side of the facility is about $301,172 for the 2026 budget year. Under the concept staff discussed, CMU would pay roughly $300,000 per year to lease the ground beneath a new football facility and would fund construction of that facility—projected at about $7,000,000—plus take on a greater share of field maintenance and replacement costs.

John Marshall, president of Colorado Mesa University, described the partnership as a way to enhance students' experience and generate community benefits by improving amenities and attracting sponsors. "If this doesn't work, tell us that," Marshall said, urging the council to either move forward or end talks so CMU can seek alternatives. He said CMU is prepared to invest in a multi-year program of capital improvements and sponsor-driven amenities including a potential large digital scoreboard and naming rights handled by the university in coordination with the city.

Council members pressed staff on how the arrangement would affect existing users and community programming. Council questions covered how current concession and vendor contracts would transition, whether District 51 high‑school uses would be protected, and what happens to community reservations for the Lincoln Park barn. Bennett and CMU representatives said the intent is to preserve scheduled uses—high school games, marching band and community events—and to phase sequencing so new construction or barn access would not displace existing programs.

Councilmember Scott raised concerns about perceived loss of public control and questioned whether the city was getting fair value for prime property in the downtown area. Staff responded with the numbers: reduced taxpayer subsidy for stadium operations, a new revenue stream from the proposed lease payment, and new capital investment on city property. Bennett said the arrangement would reduce the city's annual operational subsidy and increase facility quality for all users.

The mayor summarized council sentiment as leaning toward continuing negotiations and asked staff to draft a formal agreement. Bennett said staff will prepare a detailed agreement and bring it to a public council meeting for consideration; councilmembers will have an opportunity for formal review and public comment before any final action.

What happens next: staff will negotiate terms into a draft agreement, then present the agreement at a public meeting for council action. The council did not take a final vote during the workshop.

Sources: City Manager Mike Bennett; President John Marshall (Colorado Mesa University).