UNC Bears Athletics Seeks Lights at Greeley's Nottingham Field

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The University of Northern Colorado athletic department has proposed a $1.6 million project to install lights at the 8,533-seat Nottingham Stadium in Greeley, with the goal of having the lights ready for the start of the Bears' football team season this fall. The UNC Board of Trustees will discuss the plan at their February 20th meeting, and a decision must be made by April 1st to meet the construction timeline.

Why it matters

UNC is the only program in the Big Sky Conference without lights at their football stadium, which puts them at a competitive disadvantage. The lights are seen as essential to maintain the Bears' competitiveness and perception within the conference.

The details

The $1.6 million project would be funded through private support and sponsorship revenue, with no university money involved. More than one-third of the project cost has already been secured by athletics and university advancement, and the remaining $1 million will be raised through targeted 1- to 3-year pledges from key donors and sponsors. Donors will be allowed up to three years to fulfill their donation commitments, with final payments due in December 2028.

• The UNC Board of Trustees will discuss the lights project at their February 20, 2026 meeting.
• A decision on the project must be made by April 1, 2026 in order to have the lights ready for the start of the 2026 football season.

What’s next

If the project is approved by the UNC Board of Trustees, the athletic department will need to finalize the scope and technical requirements with the selected vendor, obtain approval from the Office of the State Architect, and secure the full $1.6 million in funding commitments or pledges by the April 1 deadline in order to have the lights ready for the 2026 football season.