Buffaloes Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Deion Sanders

Team Mascot: Ralphie

Year Opened: 1924

Capacity: 50183

City / State: Boulder / Colorado

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Rumble in the Rockies

Rival Team: Utah Utes

Colorado and Utah played every year from 1903-1962. However, the rivalry remained dormant until conferences realigned in 2011. The rivalry has been reignited since as both teams currently play annually in the Pac-12 South. Colorado leads the all-time series 31-27-3 and will look to extend their lead when these teams meet next.

Colorado vs Nebraska

Rival Team: Nebraska Cornhuskers

These two teams have been playing one another since 1898, but this rivalry picked up when Colorado became competitive under Bill McCartney in the 1980’s. This was validated when Colorado joined Nebraska in the Big 12 Conference in 1996. In 2011, both teams left the Big 12 for other conferences and now play conference games when they used to play each other on Thanksgiving weekend. In 2013, it was announced that the two schools would renew the rivalry from 2018-2024.

Buffaloes Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

The atmosphere at Colorado Buffaloes tailgate combines the athletic spectacle of Pac-12 football with the relaxing ambiance of the Colorado mountain landscape. The relaxing ambiance helps make tailgating at Colorado more laid back and relaxed than some of their fellow Pac-12 schools where everyone goes all out to get as drunk as possible. The laid back atmosphere also means that Buffaloes fans are some of the friendliest in the nation and more than willing to share food and drinks as long as you have something to offer.

When you arrive in Boulder, the first thing you’ll notice is how dedicated the fans here are to their team. Everywhere you go, you’ll find people adorned in black, silver, and gold as they prepare to cheer on their Buffaloes. Once you hit campus, you’ll see a sea of tents, grills, and other tailgate furnishings signaling that you’ve arrived at the biggest party in town. Don’t be shy and join in on the festivities as you’ll make friends quickly particularly if you are wearing Buffs gear.

Traditions

Pearl Street Stampede

Every Friday before game day the festivities get kicked off with the Pearl Street Stampede. This pep rally and parade feature the band, cheerleaders, and the team.The Pearl Street Stampede is a great way to spend a Friday night as it allows you to get into the Buffaloes Gameday spirit a day early.

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Ralphie's Corral

Ralphie’s Corral offers fun activities for the whole family. If you’re bringing your family to the game, then Ralphie’s Corral is the perfect place to stop by before the game. Here you’ll find inflatable bounce houses, football toss games, beer, concessions, and much more. Not to mention it is your chance to get up close to Ralphie before the game, so make sure to stop by Ralphie’s Corral.

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Buffalo Round Up

Two and a half hours before the game, the Colorado band and cheerleaders lead the team as they march from the Duane Physics Building to Folsom Field. Arrive early and give the team some extra encouragement before they take the field.

Where to tailgate

Buffaloes Stadium Guide

In Game

Colorado football games get off to a quick start out of the gate as Ralphie leads the team onto the field. The unique tradition is one of the most iconic in all of college football and alone will make your trip to Boulder worthwhile. Outside of Ralphie the band also puts on an outstanding show here as their pregame, halftime, and postgame performances are all superb.

When it comes to fan support Colorado has some of the best in the nation as you’ll surely see when attending a game in Boulder. Despite recent struggles, the Buffaloes fans still come out in strong numbers to support their team. The days of winning National Championships and watching greats like Kordell Stewart and Rashaan Salaam may be in the rearview mirror, but you wouldn’t know it if you listened to the crowd’s rousing rendition of the “Go Buffs” chant.

It’s not just the fans or mascot that make attending a game in Boulder a must as the natural beauty of Colorado is worth the trip all on its own. You’ll be able to see the Flatirons from your seat, which will leave you wondering at times if you should be paying attention to the action on the field or simply admiring your surroundings. A Colorado Buffaloes game has so much to offer that it can be overwhelming at times, so take a deep breath and enjoy the wonderful experience that is a Buffaloes football game.

Things to check out

Ralphie the Buffalo

Ralphie is the live mascot for the Colorado Buffaloes football team and widely regarded as one of the best live mascots in sports. The newest Ralphie, Ralphie V, is a majestic beast that is 500 pounds and riles up the crowd by running onto the field before every game. Get to your seats before kickoff, so you don’t miss out on witnessing this one of a kind tradition.

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Ralphie Statue

The Ralphie statue offers an excellent photo opportunity for anyone attending a Colorado Buffaloes football game. Snap a picture with this statue before watching her real life counterpart lead the Buffaloes onto the field.

Rocky Mountains and Flatirons

Located just beyond the west stand, the Rocky Mountains, and the Flatirons create a beautiful backdrop to Folsom Field. The scenery provides fans with a truly special experience that cannot be had anywhere else in the country. When attending a Buffaloes game make sure to take in the natural beauty that surrounds and makes Folsom Field one of the most beautiful stadiums in the country.

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Colorado Banner

The Colorado banner in the south end zone is an iconic part of Folsom Field. It also lets everyone know not only where they are, but also who is going to win the game as the Buffaloes are tough to beat at home.

Golden Buffalo Marching Band

Ralphie isn’t the only one who puts on a great show at a Buffaloes game, the Golden Buffalo Marching Band is a sight to behold as well putting on an outstanding show. One of their signature maneuvers is the formation of the Buffalo logo during the pregame routine. Get to your seat early as you wouldn’t want to miss this excellent game day tradition.

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Fight Songs

  1. CU Alma Mater

    Hail, all hail our alma mater
    Ever will our hearts be true
    You will live with us forever
    Loyal will we be to you
    We sing forever your praises
    Evermore our love renew
    Pledge our whole devotion to you
    Dear old CU.

  2. Fight CU!

    Played after games

    Fight CU down the field,
    CU must win
    Fight, fight for victory
    CU knows no defeat
    We’ll roll up a mighty score
    Never give in
    Shoulder to shoulder
    We will fight, fight
    Fight, fight, fight!

  3. Go, Buffs! Chant

    The crowd really gets riled up during the “Go Buffs” chant, which features some colorful language. If you really want to get into the Colorado gameday spirit then join in on this rowdy chant.

    Away we go! Go, Buffalo!

    We want a Colorado Victory

    Show them we’re out to win this game!

    Come on, Colorado! Push on to Fame!

    Fight for the Silver, fight for the Gold!

    Give a rousing cheer (Woohoo!)

    Hey, Buffalo! We’re gunna show!

    Go, Colorado, let’s go!

  4. Glory, Colorado

    Glory, Glory, Colorado!

    Glory, Glory Colorado!

    Glory, Glory, Colorado!

    Hurrah for the Silver and Gold!

Buffaloes Bars & Restaurants

  1. Backcountry Pizza and Tap House

    Back Country Tap

    Huge on-tap beer selection with rotating options, plus burgers, sandwiches & game room with pinball.

    2319 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

    303-449-4285

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  2. Bova’s

    The Spoke beer bottles

    Small grocery store also serving takeaway burgers, sandwiches, wraps & other fast-food staples.

    1325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

    303-449-0874

    Bar website

    american - $

  3. The Bitter Bar

    Bitter Bar

    The Bitter Bar is a local bar that serves simple cocktails made with passion, not pretense.

    835 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

    303-442-3050

    Bar website

    american - $$

  4. Avery Brewing

    Avery Brewing Company

    Serving house beers including some offbeat styles & a brewpub menu plus tours & dog-friendly patio.

    4910 Nautilus Ct N, Boulder, CO 80301, USA

    303-665-8888

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. Crystal Springs Brewing Company

    Crystal

    Dedicated to creating beers that utilize the potential of malt, water, hops, adjuncts and yeast to make the world a happier and better place.

    657 S Taylor Ave, Louisville, CO 80027, USA

    303-665-8888

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Upslope Brewing Company

    Upslope

    Located in Boulder, Upslope taps into Colorado's active lifestyle by offering superior quality, hand-crafted ales & lagers in cans for the on-the-go beer enthusiast.

    1501 Lee Hill Dr, Boulder, CO 80304, USA

    303-449-2911

    Bar website

    american - $

  7. Dark Horse

    World Gamous Dark Horse

    Dimly lit pub featuring local bands, sports on TV & a variety of deep-dish & thin-crust pizza.

    2922 Baseline Rd, Boulder, CO 80303, USA

    303-442-8162

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. West End Tavern

    West End Tavern

    Brick pub popular for burgers & such, an extensive drink menu & a roof lounge with mountain views.

    926 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

    303-444-3535

    Bar website

    american - $

  9. The Sundown Saloon

    Sundown Saloon

    CU students throng this rollicking basement bar with pool tables, bargain shots & pitchers.

    1136 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

    303-449-4987

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  10. Pearl Street Pub and Cellar

    Pearl Street Pub and Cellar

    Low-key hangout that has an old-time feel & low lighting with pool tables & live music most nights.

    1108 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

    303-939-9900

    Bar website

    american - $

  11. The Sink

    The Sink bar drinks

    Funky, family-owned landmark for Sinkburgers & Ugly Crust Pizza plus local & regional microbrews.

    1165 13th St, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

    303-444-7465

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  12. Attic Bar & Bistro

    Attic Bistro

    Our made-from-scratch gourmet pub cuisine will transform any first time customer into a regular instantaneously!

    949 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

    303-415-1300

    Bar website

    american - $$

  13. South Mouth Wings

    South Mouth Wings

    With our 11 homemade, signature sauces and 5 dry rubs, we are sure to satisfy any "Wing-Nut" in your family or dorm.

    1650 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

    303-449-9464

    Bar website

    american - $$

  14. Fat Shack

    Fat Shack

    Fat Shack serves Burgers, Wings and our FAMOUS Fat Sandwiches

    1110-1116 13th St, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

    970-682-2216

    Bar website

    american - $

  15. Salvaggio’s Deli

    Salvaggio

    Salvaggio's Deli has been bringing high quality, east coast delicatessen fare to the Boulder/Denver area since 1994

    2609 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

    303-938-1981

    Bar website

    italian - $

  16. Flagstaff House

    FlagStaff

    Refined American dining at a window-encased destination for views from atop Flagstaff Mountain.

    1138 Flagstaff Rd, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

    303-442-4640

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  17. Dot’s Diner on the Hill

    burger

    Dot's is the place you can anytime of the day and order anything off from the menu.

    1333 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

    303-449-1323

    Bar website

    american - $

  18. The Corner

    The Corner

    Your Healthy Choice on The Hill

    1100 13th St, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

    720-398-8331

    Bar website

    american - $$

  19. Boulder Baked

    bun

    Boulder Baked serves comfort food -- soups, pot pies, grilled cheese sandwiches, etc. -- and desserts in the evenings, because that's when you want them.

    1911 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

    303-444-4999

    Bar website

    american - $

  20. Half Fast Subs

    fast food

    Bustling cafe with a patio drawing a college crowd for creative subs, salads, beer & cocktails.

    1215 13th St, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

    303-449-0404

    Bar website

    american - $$

  21. Oak at Fourteenth

    Oak At Fourteenth

    OAK at fourteenth is a stylish neighborhood restaurant featuring local and seasonal New American Cuisine in a friendly and professional atmosphere.

    1400 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

    303-444-3622

    Bar website

    american - $$

  22. Black Cat

    Black Cat Bistro

    Elegant bistro with inventive New American dishes, sourced from local farms, including the chef’s.

    1964 13th St, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

    805-927-1600

    Bar website

    american - $$

  23. Pizzeria Locale

    Pizzarea Locale

    From Italian fine dining to fast-fired pizzas.

    1730 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

    303-442-3003

    Bar website

    pizza - $

  24. Village Coffee Shop

    Village Coffee Shop

    Tiny & bare-bones yet always packed local fixture serving American breakfast & lunch classics.

    1605 Folsom St, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

    303-442-9689

    Bar website

    cafe - $

  25. The Buff

    The Buff Restaurant

    Rich American grub like pancakes filled with bacon & drinks in mason jars at this brunch stalwart.

    2600 Canyon Blvd, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

    303-442-9150

    Bar website

    american - $

  26. Lucile’s

    Lucilles

    Come on in and enjoy a glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice or a cup of Southern Louisiana style Chicory Coffee.

    2124 14th St, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

    303-442-4743

    Bar website

    cafe - $$

  27. Pasta Jay’s

    Pasta Jays

    Hearty, homestyle Italian-American dishes star at this popular rustic restaurant open since 1988.

    1001 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

    303-444-5800

    Bar website

    american - italian - $$

  28. The Kitchen Boulder

    The Kitchen

    Farm-to-table American food in an urban space, plus drinks from the upstairs community bar.

    1039 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

    303-544-5973

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  29. Frasca Food & Wine

    Frasca Food and Wine

    Refined Northern Italian plates based on locally sourced ingredients paired with top-shelf wines.

    1738 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

    303.442.6966

    Bar website

    italian - $$$$