5 Big Events in Northern Colorado in 2014 [VIDEO]

Big things in a medium town?

Yeah, they happen. After a few years with wildfires and floods dominating the headlines, 2014 was much more positive. The year saw improvements, big moves, and some lasting effects from tragedies of years past. Here are some of the biggest stories for Northern Colorado in 2014.

The Stadium

Talk began years ago, but the reality of the situation wasn't realized until CSU President Tony Frank presented the idea to the board just a few weeks ago, and they gave their approval. Now, the University intends to build an on-campus stadium that will cost almost $200 million. The surrounding streets and intersections will require another $25 million of improvements (at least).

Foothills Malls is no longer

It was a gradual process throughout 2014, but for all intents and purposes, the Foothills Mall ceased to be, and the new Foothills is officially taking shape. 2015 will bring the finished plaza.

Sports

CSU had big story after big story.The biggest was when Florida hired away head football coach Jim McElwain, paying Colorado State millions of dollars to do so. Reactions to this were mixed, as we hated to lose a great coach, but were happy that such a football powerhouse would be interested in anything the CSU program was doing.

The basketball team played some huge games during March Madness. They have started this season with just as much of a bang, as they are undefeated up to today (12/22/2014).

The CSU Volleyball team finished at 7th in the nation, won their 6th straight Mountain West Conference title, and had a player of the year in Deedra Foss. They spent most of the year in the top 15, and some of it in the top ten.

Rams football had a big year, with regards to results and time spent in the limelight. Rashard Higgins won award after award this year. The team was very close to winning the Mountain West outright, and did us proud by earning a berth in the Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl, though they lost to Utah.

Flood recovery

The end of 2013 saw a flood of epic proportions that turned all of the canyon roads between Wyoming and Denver to mush. Much work was done by the end of 2013, but some roads took until well into 2014 to be restored to their old glory, much less full use.

Plus, many of the people who had their lives interrupted by the flood were still dealing with it well into 2014, and will continue to deal with it for some years to come.

The Whitewater Park on College Ave

This story wasn't nearly big enough, and hopefully through 2015 it will grow by leaps and bounds. The potential affect that this project could bring to Northern Colorado shouldn't be understated, and this 2014 saw another attempt by the whitewater paddling community and river lovers alike to bring it to a reality. Though met by some lukewarm reactions,

What did you think were the biggest stories of 2014 for Northern Colorado?