PUEBLO, Colo. (Aug. 18, 2026) — Southern Colorado Community Foundation, Denver Broncos, Colorado State University Pueblo and the CSU Pueblo Foundation celebrated the completion of the new ThunderBowl turf replacement project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday evening at the ThunderBowl Pack House Patio.

The ceremony recognized the installation of a new playing surface at the ThunderBowl, home of CSU Pueblo ThunderWolves football and a venue that serves a wide range of campus and community events, including high school games, football camps and other activities.

The turf replacement project received $250,000 in support from the NFL Grassroots Turf Replacement Grant, which helps fund turf improvements for colleges and other football facilities. The remaining project costs were supported by Colorado State University Pueblo and the CSU Pueblo Foundation.

"This project is a meaningful investment in the future of the ThunderBowl and in the students, athletes and community members who use this facility," said Todd Kelly, president and CEO of the CSU Pueblo Foundation. "We are grateful to the partners who helped make this new turf possible and proud to celebrate another improvement to a venue that means so much to CSU Pueblo and the Pueblo community."

The new turf was installed by Rocky Mountain Turf Solutions, a local company that has been involved in turf replacement projects at several Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference facilities. Representatives from CSU Pueblo Athletics, the CSU Pueblo Foundation, the SCCF and the Denver Broncos attended the ceremony, including former CSU Pueblo Thunderwolf and former Denver Bronco defensive tackle, Deyon Sizer. Guests also heard remarks from CSU Pueblo Athletics, including head football coach Philip Vigil and Vice President of Athletics and Strategic Partnerships Dr. Paul Plinske, along with CSU Pueblo Foundation representatives.

"This new turf is about more than a playing surface—it is an investment in the future of CSU Pueblo Athletics, the young athletes of Pueblo and the special events that bring our campus and community together. The ThunderBowl is where dreams begin, memories are made and ThunderWolf pride comes to life. None of this would be possible without the power of a strong public-private partnership. Together, we are creating opportunities that will impact our university and community for generations to come" said Plinske.

— CSU Pueblo Foundation —
The CSU Pueblo Foundation was created in 1954 to solicit, receive, invest, and disburse private gifts and exists solely for the benefit of Colorado State University Pueblo and its students.