After much anticipation, Colby Community College will open the Big Blue Barn athletics training facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16.

Former Trojan All-American wrestler, two-time Olympian, and world champion mixed martial arts fighter Daniel Cormier will be the featured speaker. Current head baseball coach Ryan Carter, the winningest coach in CCC history with 628 career wins, will also speak.

The 18,000 square-foot facility features a wrestling room, weight room, locker room, a track around the perimeter, and a multi-purpose turfed area with drop-down batting cages. Until now, CCC was the only community college in Kansas without on-campus athletic training facilities.

Grants and private donations funded the $1.692 million project.