Published: July 10, 2014

On Saturday, July 12, the University of Colorado Police Department will play softball against the University of Colorado football team for the first time in what is hoped to become an annual event.

The game will start at 3 p.m. at the East Mapleton Ball Fields, located behind Whole Foods Market near Mapleton Avenue and 30th Street. Officers from other local agencies, such as the Boulder Police Department and the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, have also been invited to play. The university community and the public are encouraged to attend.

The -Boulder Police Department recognizes the value in establishing relationships with the many different organizations and groups at the University, said Melissa Zak, -Boulder chief of police.

“I am honored to be a part of the inaugural event and committed to strengthening our relationship with the players representing on the field,” Zak said. “As evidenced by last year’s floods, whether it was Athletic Director Rick George assisting on the evacuations, student-athletes serving meals to displaced families or PD keeping the campus safe, we are leaders in our community and committed to strengthening the bond that makes us . I think these team-building events help us appreciate the responsibilities student-athletes have, and vice versa.”

Coach Mike MacIntyre and the football team have committed to playing on Saturday.

“This is a great opportunity for our young men to establish a relationship with another entity on campus that is also very visible in the community,” said Athletic Director Rick George.“There are all kinds of opportunities where the two of us can work together, so this can be a great start for some of our football student-athletes to forge relationships with our campus officers and hopefully be something we can build on.”