CSU stadium foes step up campaign

The opposition in the debate over whether CSU should build a new football stadium has a new ally in its fight.

The Save our Stadium Hughes group has arranged a presentation by a widely known sports and academics authority, Dr. David Ridpath, for later this month.

Ridpath, according to a news release announcing the event, is expected to argue that the reasons given by CSU Athletic Director Jack Graham in building a stadium “do not reflect solid forecasting and research.”

SPONSORED CONTENT

How Platte River Power Authority is accelerating its energy transition

Platte River Power Authority, the community-owned wholesale electricity provider for Northern Colorado, has a history of bold initiatives.

“Ridpath will examine the price vs. cost a new stadium will bring along with unintended consequences,” SOSHughes said in its release

“Dr. Ridpath believes the nuances of an intercollegiate athletic program are far different and more complicated than private business,” the group said. “The (CSU) plan does not take into account where CSU fits in the national landscape, one that is rapidly changing and believes a school can do lasting damage trying to keep up where they do not belong.

“Dr. Ridpath believes CSU’s ability to remain a program of integrity will be compromised if they plunge into a national position they cannot maintain.”

Ridpath is an assistant professor of sports administration at Ohio University. He is a CSU alum and received a doctorate in higher education administration from West Virginia University.

He is the former executive director of The Drake Group, a collection of scholars working for academic integrity in intercollegiate athletic, and is a recognized expert in litigation involving college sports. He also is a regular contributor to ESPN, the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Sports Illustrated, The Chronicle of Higher Education and USA Today.

Ridpath’s presentation will begin at 7 p.m., April 13, in the North Ballroom of the Lory Student Center at CSU.