As the Fort Lewis College athletic season hits the final sprint this spring, high school students across Southwest Colorado still have time to get out and enjoy Durango home games for free.
Students gain free entry to the games with their student ID. There are still plenty of sports to come out and enjoy: Women’s and men’s basketball goes through February; softball from February to May; women’s lacrosse from March to April; and cycling at the Squawker Classic in April.
Starting in 2025, the Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado provided a grant to provide free admission to all FLC athletics for high school students in our region. While FLC already offers free admission for Bayfield, Ignacio and Durango K-eight students, NCAA rules prevent colleges from offering free entry to high school students. The Foundation saw an opportunity to help bridge that gap.
Investing in youth-focused programs and organizations is a priority for the Community Foundation, granting over $456,000 to the nonprofit youth sector in 2024. Giving opportunities to our young people in rural Colorado is key to opening doors and having access to new experiences.
Experiencing a college campus, even for a game, can make higher education feel more familiar, and in turn more accessible. Attending athletic events gives students a chance to feel the energy of college life, support local athletes and hopefully picture themselves in that environment.
This partnership is also a win for FLC Skyhawks, who thrive on community support and packed stands. When students show up, everyone benefits as they root for the home team.
With only a few months left of the season, now is the time to take advantage of this opportunity. Grab some friends, throw on some blue and gold regalia, and enjoy the excitement of Skyhawks athletics. Schedules are available at goskyhawks.com.
To learn more about how the Community Foundation supports communities across Southwest Colorado, how to contribute to these grants or start your own philanthropic fund, visit swcommunityfoundation.org.
Robin Duffy-Wirth was a competitive springboard diver and is the founder of EPIC Coaching and Consulting to help others develop a strong growth mindset. She previously served as director for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe for seven years and on the Bayfield School Board for 10 years. She joined the Community Foundation board in 2025.
