The intense lights illuminated the stadium against the night sky. A breeze carried the sounds of cheers and ovations during the first night game at the new $6 million Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium.

Some 1,755 spectators witnessed the 13-8 victory of the Denver Pioneers over the Ohio State Buckeyes on Friday night at the nearly completed stadium, which will be dedicated this Saturday at noon.

“We are just ecstatic,” said Head Coach Jamie Munro. “We are very fortunate to have such a beautiful facility.”

Stone walls and concrete bench seating have replaced rickety aluminum bleachers. When completed, the stadium will include a concession area, public restrooms, locker rooms and a press box.

The groundbreaking ceremony was last July.

“The stadium is beautiful,” said Matt Evans, Director of Athletics Ticket Sales. “The chancellor and the Barton family have been amazing. Lacrosse is a growing sport, and Munro has put together such a competitive team.”

The Barton family made a donation for the stadium in memory of Denver entrepreneur Peter Barton, former CEO of Liberty Media based in Englewood, who died of cancer in 2002 at the age of 51. He enjoyed playing and coaching lacrosse.

During the night game, Denver was up 8-6 at halftime, which included a special scrimmage by the Cougars youth lacrosse team.

Students and local residents were excited about the new facilities as well as the outcome of the game.

“It’s fantastic to see top flight Division I lacrosse,” said Rick Ferrell, a local resident.

Freshman Megan Callaghan agreed. “I’m glad that we have more outdoor sports that we can watch,” she said.

Free tickets and T-shirts were given to students living in Centennial Halls that have been subjected to the nearby construction of the new stadium.