Colorado State may be moving to a fancy new home, but, name-wise, their new digs will still have that old-house smell to it.
The university announced Friday that a donor has come forward and will give $20 million over the next 30 years so that the name “Sonny Lubick Field” will transfer over to the football program’s new $220 million, on-campus stadium. That donor, however, wishes to remain anonymous.
The school stated in its release that "[t]his gift agreement exceeds the amount we originally anticipated for both the stadium and field naming rights;" the university is still in the process of acquiring a naming rights partner for the stadium, which is scheduled to be completed in time for the start of the 2017 season.
"[Wife] Carol Jo and I are humbled by this honor,” Sonny Lubick said in a statement. “CSU has been a special place for us for more than 30 years. I want to thank President Frank, Joe Parker and the entire Colorado State and Fort Collins communities for what is a very special legacy for our family.
“To me, this isn’t just a tribute to one person, but to the entire football program -- the players, coaches, staff and fans who help make CSU great. We’re thrilled that our connection to the university and the program will continue in this way.”
The 79-year-old Lubick remains one of the greatest and most beloved figures in the program’s history.
From 1993 through 2007, Lubick, who served as offensive coordinator at the school from 1982-84 as well, guided the Rams to 108 wins, six conference titles and nine bowl berths. Lubick-led teams won 10 or more games four times in his 15 years at the school; those were the only 10-win seasons in a history that dates back to the early 1900s prior to Jim McElwain, now at Florida, winning 10 games in 2014.