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On a cloudless spring day at Folsom Field, the final beam of the Champions Center moves into place during a “topping-off” ceremony.

A major part of the multi-stage expansion of CU-Boulder’s athletic facilities, the 375,000-square-foot center anchors the stadium’s northeast corner, rising 145 feet above the playing field.

The center will include a new locker room for players, a new weight room, offices and a rooftop deck for events. It is expected to open in August.

The tree is a traditional element of “topping-off” ceremonies, symbolizing good luck.

Photography by Casey A. Cass