CMU Football Facility Concept Conversation

March 5, 2026 Update

During the March 4, 2026, regular meeting City Council voted to adopt a resolution supporting the proposed CMU football facility at the Lincoln Park Stadium Complex. Watch the full meeting online at www.gjcity.org

Background

At the September 15, 2025, City Council Workshop, Colorado Mesa University shared early design ideas for potential enhancements to football facilities at Lincoln Park’s Stocker Stadium.

Following that presentation, City Council directed City staff to continue conversations with CMU and explore what a future proposal could look like. The project was discussed again at public workshops on December 15 and February 2.

These conversations have occurred during workshops, which are designed for dialogue and information-sharing. No formal decisions are made during workshops, and the concept has not been approved or denied by City Council. Along the way, feedback from Council members, staff, and members of the community has been discussed in these workshops and the proposal from CMU has changed to incorporate feedback from stakeholders.

This page is intended to help residents ask questions and receive timely, accurate answers from City Council and/or the City Manager, clarify misinformation, and provide transparent updates on what is being discussed and where things stand in the process.

Understanding the Details of the CMU Proposed Football Facility

Following the Feb. 2, 2026 Council Workshop, staff worked to develop a proposal and return it to City Council for consideration at the March 4, 2026 regular meeting.

The proposal outlines that the City would continue to own the Lincoln Park Sports Complex. The plan under discussion includes a lease limited to the football facility project site, while preserving traditional stadium uses by D51 and other partners, keeping public access to the track during scheduled times, and adding enhanced amenities funded by CMU. It would also include an estimated $7 million CMU investment in improvements to City-owned property. CMU would take on additional long-term operations and maintenance responsibilities, including turf repair and replacement at Stoker Stadium, and would make a $300,000 annual lease/operations payment to cover operating costs currently paid by the City. This work would also provide a long-term use for the Lincoln Park Barn as part of the overall Stadium Complex, as most current bookings would transition to the Community Recreation Center once it opens, as planned.

Below is a graph showing current and proposed uses, as well as current and proposed funding.

Questions About the Proposal?

Please use this page to ask questions and provide your thoughts. The City is committed to providing honest, transparent answers and clarifying information about the proposed project and the process.

March 5, 2026 Update

Background

At the September 15, 2025, City Council Workshop, Colorado Mesa University shared early design ideas for potential enhancements to football facilities at Lincoln Park’s Stocker Stadium.

Understanding the Details of the CMU Proposed Football Facility

Following the Feb. 2, 2026 Council Workshop, staff worked to develop a proposal and return it to City Council for consideration at the March 4, 2026 regular meeting.

Below is a graph showing current and proposed uses, as well as current and proposed funding.

Questions About the Proposal?

Please use this page to ask questions and provide your thoughts. The City is committed to providing honest, transparent answers and clarifying information about the proposed project and the process.

Community Questions

Share your questions below and staff will reply as they are submitted.

Share When is there a Public meeting about the Use of the Lincoln Park Barn? The Use of the Barn should be up to the residents of Grand Junction and Not the City or CMU and the Large payments the College will pay to the City. on Facebook Share When is there a Public meeting about the Use of the Lincoln Park Barn? The Use of the Barn should be up to the residents of Grand Junction and Not the City or CMU and the Large payments the College will pay to the City. on Twitter Share When is there a Public meeting about the Use of the Lincoln Park Barn? The Use of the Barn should be up to the residents of Grand Junction and Not the City or CMU and the Large payments the College will pay to the City. on Linkedin Email When is there a Public meeting about the Use of the Lincoln Park Barn? The Use of the Barn should be up to the residents of Grand Junction and Not the City or CMU and the Large payments the College will pay to the City. link

When is there a Public meeting about the Use of the Lincoln Park Barn? The Use of the Barn should be up to the residents of Grand Junction and Not the City or CMU and the Large payments the College will pay to the City.

p star asked 4 days ago

Good morning,
An agreement regarding Stocker Stadium, which includes the Lincoln Park Barn, will go before City Council on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
Share I think the City should ask, is this the best place for a football stadium? And is it the best place for an expanded football complex? It is a busy intersection with a stadium surrounded by existing community assets. Why not ask CMU to work with the City Planning Department to identify a more appropriate location for the football stadium? Some place on the edge of town with room to expand seems like a good idea. Whatever you do, please find a way to preserve the Lincoln Park Barn as a community asset without turning it over to the CMU football program. on Facebook Share I think the City should ask, is this the best place for a football stadium? And is it the best place for an expanded football complex? It is a busy intersection with a stadium surrounded by existing community assets. Why not ask CMU to work with the City Planning Department to identify a more appropriate location for the football stadium? Some place on the edge of town with room to expand seems like a good idea. Whatever you do, please find a way to preserve the Lincoln Park Barn as a community asset without turning it over to the CMU football program. on Twitter Share I think the City should ask, is this the best place for a football stadium? And is it the best place for an expanded football complex? It is a busy intersection with a stadium surrounded by existing community assets. Why not ask CMU to work with the City Planning Department to identify a more appropriate location for the football stadium? Some place on the edge of town with room to expand seems like a good idea. Whatever you do, please find a way to preserve the Lincoln Park Barn as a community asset without turning it over to the CMU football program. on Linkedin Email I think the City should ask, is this the best place for a football stadium? And is it the best place for an expanded football complex? It is a busy intersection with a stadium surrounded by existing community assets. Why not ask CMU to work with the City Planning Department to identify a more appropriate location for the football stadium? Some place on the edge of town with room to expand seems like a good idea. Whatever you do, please find a way to preserve the Lincoln Park Barn as a community asset without turning it over to the CMU football program. link

I think the City should ask, is this the best place for a football stadium? And is it the best place for an expanded football complex? It is a busy intersection with a stadium surrounded by existing community assets. Why not ask CMU to work with the City Planning Department to identify a more appropriate location for the football stadium? Some place on the edge of town with room to expand seems like a good idea. Whatever you do, please find a way to preserve the Lincoln Park Barn as a community asset without turning it over to the CMU football program.

Bruce Noble asked 6 days ago

Hi Bruce,
To clarify, the football stadium is already there. There is no current discussion about relocating Stocker Stadium or changing whether it remains Stocker Stadium. What’s proposed is a new building on the grounds of the stadium. Because CMU football already hosts games at this location, a significant increase in congestion is not anticipated due to construction of an additional facility. We hear your concerns around the barn and appreciate you voicing your thoughts on the matter.
Share Narrative: 1. Does the "lease limited to the football facility project site" include the barn? 2.This "work" would also provide a long-term use for the barn. What is the "work" referred to? Will the barn be under a separate lease with CMU? Graphics: 1.What and where is the "community room available for city use as coordinated with CMU"? 2.What is the "exclusive use of the Lincon (sic) Park Barn during the lease"? Define the use. on Facebook Share Narrative: 1. Does the "lease limited to the football facility project site" include the barn? 2.This "work" would also provide a long-term use for the barn. What is the "work" referred to? Will the barn be under a separate lease with CMU? Graphics: 1.What and where is the "community room available for city use as coordinated with CMU"? 2.What is the "exclusive use of the Lincon (sic) Park Barn during the lease"? Define the use. on Twitter Share Narrative: 1. Does the "lease limited to the football facility project site" include the barn? 2.This "work" would also provide a long-term use for the barn. What is the "work" referred to? Will the barn be under a separate lease with CMU? Graphics: 1.What and where is the "community room available for city use as coordinated with CMU"? 2.What is the "exclusive use of the Lincon (sic) Park Barn during the lease"? Define the use. on Linkedin Email Narrative: 1. Does the "lease limited to the football facility project site" include the barn? 2.This "work" would also provide a long-term use for the barn. What is the "work" referred to? Will the barn be under a separate lease with CMU? Graphics: 1.What and where is the "community room available for city use as coordinated with CMU"? 2.What is the "exclusive use of the Lincon (sic) Park Barn during the lease"? Define the use. link

Narrative: 1. Does the "lease limited to the football facility project site" include the barn? 2.This "work" would also provide a long-term use for the barn. What is the "work" referred to? Will the barn be under a separate lease with CMU? Graphics: 1.What and where is the "community room available for city use as coordinated with CMU"? 2.What is the "exclusive use of the Lincon (sic) Park Barn during the lease"? Define the use.

lizzy asked 7 days ago

Hi Lizzy,
Appreciate your questions. The lease of the project site, as discussed, would include the barn. A lease supports continued utilization and ongoing care of the facility by CMU. The City is currently working on defining the specifics of the lease and what that would entail. This agreement will be posted in the Council Packet and shared to the City’s “Agenda and Minutes” page on our website for the public to view prior to City Council making a decision.
Share The Friends of the Lincoln Park Barn are concerned that they were not notified of the 12/15 City Council workshop meeting even though the City Council was well aware of the fact that our group had contacted them, the City Manager, the Parks and Recreation Director and the President of Colorado Mesa University by way of a petition objecting to the removal of the barn. This Petition had been submitted to all of the foregoing before the workshop meeting. After viewing the 12/15 Council Workshop meeting on the City video channel, we have the following questions and concerns: What are the intended uses of the barn if it is leased to the University? President Marshall stated that the “barn” was a dealbreaker, yet, he won't reveal the intended use for the barn. Will there still be public use of the barn? If not, why not? What are the anticipated uses of the new CMU buildings proposed on the southwest side of the stadium and the northwest side of the stadium? What, if any, are the plans for the vacant Jackalopes minor league baseball team's office building on the north side of the stadium? What are the legal grounds for the lease and/or sale of the park and use of the barn and stadium by the university that do not require a vote of the people? Why is there no recognition of the fact that Suplizio Field and Stocker Stadium are community facilities, not solely for CMU football and baseball use? These facilities are currently used for track meets, high school football games, graduation ceremonies for all local high schools and the university, paralympics games, concerts, city fireworks, and community meetings in both the barn and the tower. Aren't these facilities part of a city park--(Lincoln Park) rather than part of a University Campus? How is Colorado Mesa University able to finance this proposed enormous multi million dollar expense for their expansion into Lincoln Park? Where is the financing coming from? Have the University Board of Trustees and the State of Colorado approved the expenditure of these funds to improve a city park? These facilities are currently and in the future should be, a city park, not a university campus. We look forward to discussing this matter with City Council in the near future. Bennett Boeschenstein, Friends of the Grand Junction Lincoln Park Barn, former member of Grand Junction City Council, resident of Lincoln Park Historic District Bruce Noble, Friends of the Grand Junction Lincoln Park Barn Deb Cahill, Friends of the Grand Junction Lincoln Park Barn, former longtime resident of Lincoln Park Historic District Elizabeth Rowan, Friends of the Grand Junction Park Barn and longtime resident of Lincoln Park Historic District 40 additional city residents whose names are on the petition o on Facebook Share The Friends of the Lincoln Park Barn are concerned that they were not notified of the 12/15 City Council workshop meeting even though the City Council was well aware of the fact that our group had contacted them, the City Manager, the Parks and Recreation Director and the President of Colorado Mesa University by way of a petition objecting to the removal of the barn. This Petition had been submitted to all of the foregoing before the workshop meeting. After viewing the 12/15 Council Workshop meeting on the City video channel, we have the following questions and concerns: What are the intended uses of the barn if it is leased to the University? President Marshall stated that the “barn” was a dealbreaker, yet, he won't reveal the intended use for the barn. Will there still be public use of the barn? If not, why not? What are the anticipated uses of the new CMU buildings proposed on the southwest side of the stadium and the northwest side of the stadium? What, if any, are the plans for the vacant Jackalopes minor league baseball team's office building on the north side of the stadium? What are the legal grounds for the lease and/or sale of the park and use of the barn and stadium by the university that do not require a vote of the people? Why is there no recognition of the fact that Suplizio Field and Stocker Stadium are community facilities, not solely for CMU football and baseball use? These facilities are currently used for track meets, high school football games, graduation ceremonies for all local high schools and the university, paralympics games, concerts, city fireworks, and community meetings in both the barn and the tower. Aren't these facilities part of a city park--(Lincoln Park) rather than part of a University Campus? How is Colorado Mesa University able to finance this proposed enormous multi million dollar expense for their expansion into Lincoln Park? Where is the financing coming from? Have the University Board of Trustees and the State of Colorado approved the expenditure of these funds to improve a city park? These facilities are currently and in the future should be, a city park, not a university campus. We look forward to discussing this matter with City Council in the near future. Bennett Boeschenstein, Friends of the Grand Junction Lincoln Park Barn, former member of Grand Junction City Council, resident of Lincoln Park Historic District Bruce Noble, Friends of the Grand Junction Lincoln Park Barn Deb Cahill, Friends of the Grand Junction Lincoln Park Barn, former longtime resident of Lincoln Park Historic District Elizabeth Rowan, Friends of the Grand Junction Park Barn and longtime resident of Lincoln Park Historic District 40 additional city residents whose names are on the petition o on Twitter Share The Friends of the Lincoln Park Barn are concerned that they were not notified of the 12/15 City Council workshop meeting even though the City Council was well aware of the fact that our group had contacted them, the City Manager, the Parks and Recreation Director and the President of Colorado Mesa University by way of a petition objecting to the removal of the barn. This Petition had been submitted to all of the foregoing before the workshop meeting. After viewing the 12/15 Council Workshop meeting on the City video channel, we have the following questions and concerns: What are the intended uses of the barn if it is leased to the University? President Marshall stated that the “barn” was a dealbreaker, yet, he won't reveal the intended use for the barn. Will there still be public use of the barn? If not, why not? What are the anticipated uses of the new CMU buildings proposed on the southwest side of the stadium and the northwest side of the stadium? What, if any, are the plans for the vacant Jackalopes minor league baseball team's office building on the north side of the stadium? What are the legal grounds for the lease and/or sale of the park and use of the barn and stadium by the university that do not require a vote of the people? Why is there no recognition of the fact that Suplizio Field and Stocker Stadium are community facilities, not solely for CMU football and baseball use? These facilities are currently used for track meets, high school football games, graduation ceremonies for all local high schools and the university, paralympics games, concerts, city fireworks, and community meetings in both the barn and the tower. Aren't these facilities part of a city park--(Lincoln Park) rather than part of a University Campus? How is Colorado Mesa University able to finance this proposed enormous multi million dollar expense for their expansion into Lincoln Park? Where is the financing coming from? Have the University Board of Trustees and the State of Colorado approved the expenditure of these funds to improve a city park? These facilities are currently and in the future should be, a city park, not a university campus. We look forward to discussing this matter with City Council in the near future. Bennett Boeschenstein, Friends of the Grand Junction Lincoln Park Barn, former member of Grand Junction City Council, resident of Lincoln Park Historic District Bruce Noble, Friends of the Grand Junction Lincoln Park Barn Deb Cahill, Friends of the Grand Junction Lincoln Park Barn, former longtime resident of Lincoln Park Historic District Elizabeth Rowan, Friends of the Grand Junction Park Barn and longtime resident of Lincoln Park Historic District 40 additional city residents whose names are on the petition o on Linkedin Email The Friends of the Lincoln Park Barn are concerned that they were not notified of the 12/15 City Council workshop meeting even though the City Council was well aware of the fact that our group had contacted them, the City Manager, the Parks and Recreation Director and the President of Colorado Mesa University by way of a petition objecting to the removal of the barn. This Petition had been submitted to all of the foregoing before the workshop meeting. After viewing the 12/15 Council Workshop meeting on the City video channel, we have the following questions and concerns: What are the intended uses of the barn if it is leased to the University? President Marshall stated that the “barn” was a dealbreaker, yet, he won't reveal the intended use for the barn. Will there still be public use of the barn? If not, why not? What are the anticipated uses of the new CMU buildings proposed on the southwest side of the stadium and the northwest side of the stadium? What, if any, are the plans for the vacant Jackalopes minor league baseball team's office building on the north side of the stadium? What are the legal grounds for the lease and/or sale of the park and use of the barn and stadium by the university that do not require a vote of the people? Why is there no recognition of the fact that Suplizio Field and Stocker Stadium are community facilities, not solely for CMU football and baseball use? These facilities are currently used for track meets, high school football games, graduation ceremonies for all local high schools and the university, paralympics games, concerts, city fireworks, and community meetings in both the barn and the tower. Aren't these facilities part of a city park--(Lincoln Park) rather than part of a University Campus? How is Colorado Mesa University able to finance this proposed enormous multi million dollar expense for their expansion into Lincoln Park? Where is the financing coming from? Have the University Board of Trustees and the State of Colorado approved the expenditure of these funds to improve a city park? These facilities are currently and in the future should be, a city park, not a university campus. We look forward to discussing this matter with City Council in the near future. Bennett Boeschenstein, Friends of the Grand Junction Lincoln Park Barn, former member of Grand Junction City Council, resident of Lincoln Park Historic District Bruce Noble, Friends of the Grand Junction Lincoln Park Barn Deb Cahill, Friends of the Grand Junction Lincoln Park Barn, former longtime resident of Lincoln Park Historic District Elizabeth Rowan, Friends of the Grand Junction Park Barn and longtime resident of Lincoln Park Historic District 40 additional city residents whose names are on the petition o link

The Friends of the Lincoln Park Barn are concerned that they were not notified of the 12/15 City Council workshop meeting even though the City Council was well aware of the fact that our group had contacted them, the City Manager, the Parks and Recreation Director and the President of Colorado Mesa University by way of a petition objecting to the removal of the barn. This Petition had been submitted to all of the foregoing before the workshop meeting. After viewing the 12/15 Council Workshop meeting on the City video channel, we have the following questions and concerns: What are the intended uses of the barn if it is leased to the University? President Marshall stated that the “barn” was a dealbreaker, yet, he won't reveal the intended use for the barn. Will there still be public use of the barn? If not, why not? What are the anticipated uses of the new CMU buildings proposed on the southwest side of the stadium and the northwest side of the stadium? What, if any, are the plans for the vacant Jackalopes minor league baseball team's office building on the north side of the stadium? What are the legal grounds for the lease and/or sale of the park and use of the barn and stadium by the university that do not require a vote of the people? Why is there no recognition of the fact that Suplizio Field and Stocker Stadium are community facilities, not solely for CMU football and baseball use? These facilities are currently used for track meets, high school football games, graduation ceremonies for all local high schools and the university, paralympics games, concerts, city fireworks, and community meetings in both the barn and the tower. Aren't these facilities part of a city park--(Lincoln Park) rather than part of a University Campus? How is Colorado Mesa University able to finance this proposed enormous multi million dollar expense for their expansion into Lincoln Park? Where is the financing coming from? Have the University Board of Trustees and the State of Colorado approved the expenditure of these funds to improve a city park? These facilities are currently and in the future should be, a city park, not a university campus. We look forward to discussing this matter with City Council in the near future. Bennett Boeschenstein, Friends of the Grand Junction Lincoln Park Barn, former member of Grand Junction City Council, resident of Lincoln Park Historic District Bruce Noble, Friends of the Grand Junction Lincoln Park Barn Deb Cahill, Friends of the Grand Junction Lincoln Park Barn, former longtime resident of Lincoln Park Historic District Elizabeth Rowan, Friends of the Grand Junction Park Barn and longtime resident of Lincoln Park Historic District 40 additional city residents whose names are on the petition o

Bennett Boeschenstein asked 7 days ago

Friends of the Lincoln Park Barn,
Thank you for engaging and for bringing your questions forward. While we can’t speak on behalf of CMU regarding questions directed toward their operations, there are several questions here that we can answer.
To answer specifically: “Why is there no recognition of the fact that Suplizio Field and Stocker Stadium are community facilities, not solely for CMU football and baseball use? These facilities are currently used for track meets, high school football games, graduation ceremonies for all local high schools and the university, paralympics games, concerts, city fireworks, and community meetings in both the barn and the tower. Aren’t these facilities part of a city park…”
In conversations between the City and CMU, these uses have been, and are, protected. The plan under discussion includes a lease limited to the football facility project site, while preserving traditional stadium uses by D51 and other partners, and keeping public access to the track during scheduled times. This includes high school sporting events and graduation ceremonies.
A plan shaped through multiple public meetings has been developed between the City and CMU to preserve the barn’s structure and exterior character while addressing basic interior needs.
The scope being discussed with CMU centers on limited interior improvements that support safe and functional use, such as flooring, restroom functionality, energy-efficient lighting, and temperature control. This approach is intended to maintain the barn, enhance its overall condition, and preserve the features that define it.
Future use is also part of the discussion. With majority of the City programming anticipated to transition to the new Community Recreation Center, the barn would likely experience reduced activity. A lease supports continued utilization and ongoing care of the facility. Importantly, the improvements are planned without City taxpayer dollars, and lease payments would be made to the City, reducing the current City subsidy and allowing those resources to be directed to other city needs, including core services.

Page last updated: 05 Mar 2026, 07:11 AM

CMU Football Facility Concept Conversation

Community Questions

When is there a Public meeting about the Use of the Lincoln Park Barn? The Use of the Barn should be up to the residents of Grand Junction and Not the City or CMU and the Large payments the College will pay to the City.

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