Step Inside: Folsom Field – Home of the Colorado Buffaloes

Home of the Colorado Buffaloes

Situated on the University of Colorado Boulder’s campus, Folsom Field has been the home of the Colorado Buffaloes for a century. Bordering the mountain range of Boulder Mountain Park, the venue’s majestic views set a perfect backdrop for nights full of action on the field. Continue reading below to learn more about the Colorado Buffaloes’ stomping grounds.

Folsom Field History

Folsom Field opened 100 years ago in Boulder, Colorado on October 11, 1924. It was originally known as Colorado Stadium before being renamed in 1944 following the death of University of Colorado Coach Fred Folsom. The Colorado Buffaloes had used Gamble Field for the previous two decades and celebrated the first use of their new space by beating Regis College in a 39-0 game.

Every game held at the stadium since 1967 opens with an event called “Ralphie’s Run,” in which the team’s mascot — Ralphie the Buffalo — charges ahead of the CU team alongside five handlers. In order to be a handler, university students try out, complete physical exams, driving tests and background checks before being selected. Once selected, each handler dedicates approximately 20-30 hours per week to Ralphie’s care and to the school’s live mascot program. The playing field at Folsom Field is natural grass.

Many famous bands have played at Folsom Field. The largest crowd ever at the venue was in 1977 for a rock concert featuring Fleetwood Mac, Bob Seger, Firefall and John Sebastian.

Parking and Admission at Folsom Field

Parking lots on campus open for football game parking six hours prior to kick-off. All public parking lots on the main campus are $30/per game, and can be paid via Text to Pay after you park. Parking lots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Main campus public parking is very limited and will fill each game. Parking on east campus, off Colorado Avenue and Discovery Drive, is $20/per game and can be paid via Text to Pay after you park. A free shuttle to/from the stadium begins three hours prior to kick-off and runs for one hour after the game ends. Call 303-492-7384 or visit ucbparking.colorado.edu  for more info. Any illegally parked vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense.

Parking lots on campus situated closer to the stadium are reserved for donors to the Buff Club and are controlled by the university’s Athletic Department. Contact the Buff Club at 303-492-2200 for information on donor parking.

Gates open 120 minutes prior to kick-off. It is recommended that fans arrive at the stadium at least one hour prior to kick-off to have ample time to get through security screening.

Folsom Field has a clear bag policy. Bags should be no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ inches. Folsom Field does not allow non-factory-sealed beverages or filled liquid containers; alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs, including medical marijuana, glass, metal bottles or cans; professional-grade video or camera equipment; flyers and signs larger than 11″ x 17″ flags on poles; artificial noisemakers and inflatable balls or balloons.

Folsom Field Capacity & Seating Options

Folsom Field has space for 50,183 fans. Folsom’s grandstands have only metal bleachers, but fans can rent cushioned seatbacks for $8 outside the stadium’s southeast entrances. The best view of Ralphie as she leads the team onto the field is from sections 119, 120 and 121. The seats on the east side of Folsom Field face the mountains to the west, providing a dramatic backdrop to the action on the field. Seating on the west side of the stadium is good for those who might want to take cover in the adjacent Balch Fieldhouse, where concession stands and big-screen televisions broadcasting the game are all situated under one roof. The visiting team’s fans and band typically sit in Sections 101, 102 and 103. Accessible seating can be obtained by calling the CU Athletic Ticket Office at 800-872-8337 or 303-492-8337. To get a better idea of the layout, view Folsom Field’s seating configurations.

There are several options for VIP seating available, including the Crawford Club, the Touchdown Club, the Byron R. White Stadium Club and the Flatirons Club, in addition to the Touchdown Loge Boxes, which offer fans a close-to-action experience, and the luxurious East Stadium Suites experience.

Food & Beverage Options at Folsom Field

Folsom Field offers several “grab and go” concession stands where fans can get a quick bite to take back to their seat. These concession stands are located in Balch Fieldhouse, behind the west grandstand and behind the grandstand on Folsom’s east side. Some vendor options include hot dogs, nachos, pizza and burrito bowls. There are accommodations for gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan diets as well as various dietary restrictions and allergies. Folsom Field also has a signature lager, developed by Boulder’s Avery Brewing Company. Stampede is the official beer of the CU Athletic Department and has Ralphie’s image on every can.