Downtown Colorado Springs has seen explosive change in the last several years, creating a new geography that has transformed its built environment. Construction cranes, now year-round residents of our fair city, are creating public buildings that will enhance the city for many decades.
Here’s a sampling of the iconic downtown buildings—both new and old—that decorate the downtown area and are well worth the visit.
THE ED ROBSON ARENA
849 N. Tejon St. • EdRobsonArena.com
This state-of-the-art 3,000 seat enclosed hockey arena opened in 2021 and is home to the Colorado College Tigers, a Division 1 team that competes in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference. The new facility will make it easier for the Tigers in recruiting star players, and compete against the likes of Michigan, University of Denver, Minnesota and other hockey powers. Decades ago, Colorado College was a fearsome hockey power—and thanks to the Robson Arena, they may strike again.
THE COLORADO SPRINGS FINE ARTS CENTER (FAC)
THE COLORADO SPRINGS FINE ARTS CENTER (FAC)20 W. Dale St. • FAC.ColoradoCollege.edu
This extraordinary John Gaw Meem-designed Pueblo modernist building houses important collections of Native American, Colorado, and Southwestern art, textiles and ceramics. Now part of Colorado College, the FAC remains a treasured part of the community. The galleries are open to the public 10 A.M.-3 P.M. Wednesday through Sunday. Works from the permanent collection are always on view, and absorbing new shows are scheduled well in advance. Free admission to all on First Fridays, and it’s always fun to congregate at the lobby bar. The FAC is also home to a spectacular theater, hosting home-grown productions of musicals such as In the Heights (2023) and Rent (2024), as well as plays and events of all kinds. It’s easy to visit – there’s free parking in a lot directly across from the main entrance on Dale.
THE CITY AUDITORIUM
221 E. Kiowa St. • CommunityCulturalCollective.org
Publicly funded by Springs voters, the beloved City Auditorium has hosted thousands of events since 1923 including high school graduations, boxing matches, symphony orchestras, rock & roll, dog shows, political conventions…you name it. But in recent years, the grand old building had sadly deteriorated, due in part to inadequate city support and long-deferred capital improvements. Inspired by its long history, concerned residents formed the Community Cultural Collective to reimagine, refurbish and restore the grand old building. Their vision will soon be realized, and the “Aud” will once again be a downtown cultural center, lively and vibrant.
THE PIONEERS MUSEUM
215 S. Tejon St. • cspm.org
The museum is housed in the former El Paso County Courthouse, a dazzling and delightful Renaissance Revival building that has adorned downtown since 1903. It’s a 19th century wonder, erupting like a firework in the midst of stolid mediocrity. Admission is free, and the splendid interior features objects and constantly refreshed exhibits that celebrate the long history of our city. You don’t have to be a history nut to love this place—there’s always something fun going on, whether in the museum or in the park that wraps around the building. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10 A.M.-5 P.M.
WEIDNER FIELD
111 W. Cimarron St. • WeidnerField.com
Built in 2021, Weidner Field is an 8,000 seat stadium and home to the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, a professional soccer team. It also hosts multiple events, both indoors and out, and has brought dynamic change to a stagnant and largely abandoned industrial neighborhood. It’s a great venue for outdoor concerts, with multiple indoor spaces that can accommodate parties, weddings and meetings of every kind and a striking and lively example of thoughtful urban architecture. Interestingly, it’s a family-owned business, headed by the father/son partnership of Ed and Nick Ragain. They’re also building a sizable apartment complex adjacent to the stadium, displaying confidence in the future of Colorado Springs.
UNITED STATES OLYMPIC & PARALYMPIC MUSEUM
200 S. Sierra Madre St. • usopm.org
Ever since the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) established its headquarters in Colorado Springs in 1978, business and political leaders dreamed of establishing an Olympic museum in the city. Half a dozen false starts later, the $90 million museum opened its doors in southwest downtown. Designed by New York architects Diller, Scofidio + Renfro, the hyper-modernist building has drawn worldwide acclaim. Yet it’s not only a visual treat, but an utterly accessible, practical and absorbing visitor experience. Multiple galleries tell the stories of Team USA and the athletes that have represented our nation. You can engage virtually with individual athletes, learn about the rigors of training and join the Parade of Nations as you walk into the games. The museum is accessible to all—no steps. Parking is readily available in adjacent lots.
