DENVER – The University of Denver athletics department has announced forthcoming renovations to Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium in a project titled "Barton 2027." The department has secured significant initial gifts totaling $3 million. This fully-donor funded dramatic renovation, which is already underway, will enhance both the lacrosse student-athlete and fan experience at Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium and take the iconic venue into its next 20 years.  

The University of Denver is greatly appreciative of the Barton Family and their continued commitment to Peter Barton Stadium and the key role it plays in the sport of lacrosse. This important project will significantly enhance the infrastructure for both Pioneer men's and women's lacrosse programs. 

 "Denver Athletics is deeply grateful to the initial group of donors that have helped start Barton 2027. As we navigate an unprecedented time of change in collegiate athletics, this project reiterates the University's commitment to sponsoring two of the top lacrosse programs in the country," Vice Chancellor for Athletics and Ritchie Center Operations Josh Berlo said. "This project will modernize and enhance a facility that was the first-of-its-kind when it was built 20 years ago and provide significant improvements for our teams and all those who attend games at Peter Barton Stadium."  

The phased facility enhancements will begin to come to life in the coming weeks when a new Daktronics video board will debut at Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium. The new video board contains a 70% increase in digital space compared to the previous board. 

Phase one of the project is scheduled to continue this summer with improvements to the southwest corner of the stadium. This offseason's upgrades include the installation of a wall ball training area on field level, field shot clocks and a renovation of the Sie Tower that currently hosts the Gold Club members on game days.  

"On behalf of the Denver women's lacrosse program we're thankful for the initial gifts to begin making this next phase of Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium a reality," Denver women's lacrosse head coach Liza Kelly said. "We're thankful for the University of Denver's commitment to lacrosse and for Laura Barton and the Barton Family for continuing their commitment to give our student-athletes and our fans a great place to call our home at Petey B!"  

As Denver's fundraising efforts continue to progress, phase two of the project will include demolishing the existing press box and modernizing the upper concourse with a premium suite area, a heated outdoor standing-room space for fans, an upgraded reserved seating section and a new media area.  

Near the middle of the field on the upper concourse level, the premium hospitality suite will extend toward the west end of the stadium, providing a heated seating and standing area with additional televisions and a drink rail for Gold Club members to enjoy the game from a more centralized location.  

Outside of game days the premium hospitality suite will primarily serve DU student-athletes as a team room, providing another option for team meals, video work and academic needs.  

"We are incredibly grateful for the initial gifts that helped bring these Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium renovations to life," William G. Tierney Head Men's Lacrosse Coach Matt Brown said. "Peter Barton Stadium has become a true landmark venue for our sport, and that wouldn't be possible without Laura Barton and the Barton Family's continued commitment to the sport of lacrosse in Denver. As we look ahead, we are excited to enter the next 20-year chapter of Barton Stadium, a place where future generations will create lasting memories and continue to elevate the game. We also want to express our appreciation to the University for its support and dedication to the growth of lacrosse on our campus and in the west." 

The concourse on the east side of the press box will feature a covered area that will also be utilized for Denver Soccer contests.   

Interested in supporting the project? Please contact Associate Athletic Director for Major Gifts Ryan Lowe (ryan.lowe@du.edu / 303-871-3720). Naming opportunities are still available throughout the project.  

Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium is Paramount to the Storied History of Denver Lacrosse: 
Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium originally opened in March 2005, as the only dedicated lacrosse stadium in the country. The two Denver programs have combined for a record of 267-52 in home games at Barton Stadium, and neither team has had a losing home record in the 20 seasons of the stadium's history. The stadium has served as home to a myriad of conference championship and NCAA postseason events, and the stadium will open its gates again to the BIG EAST Men's Lacrosse Championship on May 1-3.  

In 20 years, the stadium has seen 62 sellouts, including at least one sellout every season since 2011. A year ago, Denver recorded four of its top six attendance marks, including the men's NCAA First Round win over Michigan last May, the stadium's largest crowd for a postseason game.  

In addition to DU Lacrosse, the stadium has hosted numerous boys and girls high school playoff games and professional lacrosse games. Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium now serves as the home destination for the PLL's Denver Outlaws. The Premier Lacrosse League is scheduled to make its fourth trip to Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium from August 1-3, 2025.  

The Barton Family's incredible philanthropy in memory of their late husband and father and Denver entrepreneur Peter Barton served as the lead gift in the original construction of the nation's first lacrosse stadium. Peter was the former president and chief executive of cable television company Liberty Media Corp. In addition to being a successful businessman, Peter was known by those closest to him as a ski bum, a rock and roll piano player and lived on the edge of his seat with his love for risk and adventure.

The east coast-born and raised lover of family developed a life-long passion for the sport of lacrosse while playing at Loomis. After graduating from Columbia University, Peter ski patrolled in Sun Valley, took a series of political jobs that took him all the way to Assistant Secretary of State in New York to earning his MBA from Harvard, before loading up his car and moving to Colorado to become one of the leaders in the cable television industry. At the height of his success, Peter left Liberty Media Corp. to spend more time with his wife Laura and their three young kids Kate, Jeff and Chris.  

Peter went on to start his own investment firm and taught at DU's Daniels College of Business before his life was cut short by gastric cancer at the age of 51. On a framed photo that tells that story of Peter Barton's life inside both the Denver men's and women's lacrosse locker rooms, the final paragraph reads:  

"You are playing in the Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium because Peter loved this game – playing it, watching it, coaching it. He valued it for the competition, the teamwork, the work ethic and the development of character it required. All three of his children – Kate, Jeff and Chris – play, or played the game with gusto. He would be thrilled and proud to know you are here, doing the same."   

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