Colorado University Athletics
CU In 60: Buffs Encourage Fans To Show Up Early For Saturday Night's Game
October 14, 2016 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — This is one you don't want to miss.
Not from the minute Ralphie runs until the final seconds tick off the clock. Lots at stake, a team Colorado has never beaten, Homecoming and a crowd that is surely going to be at a fever pitch.
So why take a chance on missing even a second?
It's why Colorado Athletic Department officials have kicked off a "CU In 60" campaign this week for Saturday night's Colorado-Arizona State game at Folsom Field. It's scheduled to kick off at 6 p.m., but CU officials — as well as CU head coach Mike MacIntyre, every assistant coach and every player — would love to see you in your seats long before that.
Our top 10 reasons to be in the stadium and headed to your seat at least an hour before kickoff:
1. Check out the Indoor Practice Facility and the Buffs Fan Zone. If you haven't made your way to the IPF before a game yet, you are missing out. The Buffs Fan Zone features a wide variety of concessions (including adult beverages), lots of seating and tables, big-screen television and Chip's Kids Club area, a place where youngsters can participate in all kinds of activities on the same field the Buffs practice on.
It's also where KOA radio broadcasts its pregame show (you won't need the speakers to hear Mark Johnson). Doors open at 4 p.m. and happy hour specials ($2 corn dogs and $4 Jack Daniel's Country Cocktails) are available until 5 p.m.
The best part: the IPF is in the stadium footprint. Once you've passed through any gate into the stadium, you can head to the IPF, enjoy the pregame festivities and then go directly to your seat without ever having to pass through another gate. No lines, no muss, no fuss.
2. Autographs. This week, members of Tad Boyle's men's basketball team and JR Payne's women's team will be on hand for autographs in the IPF, beginning at about 4:45 p.m. Meet the players and coaches and wish them luck for the upcoming season.
3. Buff Walk. It just started this year, but it's quickly becoming a great tradition that draws a bigger crowd every home game. The Buffs team buses are scheduled to arrive at about 3:45 p.m. Players unload on Colorado Avenue, then proceed down the Buff Walk, where Legacy Brick pavers are located. It's a chance to see players and coaches up close and personal as they make their way to the locker room (and an opportunity to see what a true "game face" looks like).
Then — since you are already in the area — it's a short walk to the stadium entry gates (which open at 4 p.m.) and the IPF, with plenty of time for a snack and beverage before heading to your seat.
4. Give your kids a chance to burn off a little energy. Did we mention Chip's Kids Club Area in the IPF? Footballs are available for a little activity on the Buffs' indoor practice surface, as are inflatables and yard games. It's a wide open space where kids are encouraged to … well, be kids.
5. Be properly prepared for a first-place battle. Yep, that's right. The Buffs are on their way back and Saturday's game features two of the three teams currently tied for first place in the Pac-12 South. The Buffs need you in your seat well before kickoff to let them know you've got their backs — and to let the Sun Devils know they're in CU country.
6. Beat the crowd (well, most of them). Saturday night's crowd has the chance of being not only the biggest this season, but the biggest in several years. It means those who wait until the last minute to try to get into the stadium stand a much bigger chance of missing not only Ralphie running, but part of the game. You don't want to be one of those poor souls.
7. Don't miss a second of the first quarter. The Buffs have already played three times in the state of Colorado this year, and they've outscored opponents 147-20 in those games. But even more importantly, they've scored seven touchdowns and a field goal in the first quarter in their games in Colorado — and they've scored a touchdown on their first possession of every one of those games. Think about it … do you really want to be standing in line, hear the crowd go wild and wonder, "What did I miss?"
8. Plenty of time to tailgate and still get into the stadium. CU's parking lots will open at noon (six hours before game time) and stadium gates will open two hours before kickoff. That's plenty of time to tailgate, enjoy time with friends — and then get to your seat in time to watch the Buffs take the field for warmups.
9. Watch Ralphie. Still the best mascot in college football, bar none. When she comes barreling out of the gate with the team behind her, you want to be comfy in your seat, not standing in line.
10. Show the Buffs you care. Honestly, they notice. When players from both teams are on the field warming up, they look at the stands. The home team loves to see a full stadium. They know it's going to be rocking and rolling from the opening kick. The visiting team? There's nothing more intimidating than a full stadium — and a night game only adds to that atmosphere.
The simple fact is this: CU officials continue to work with their security partners to expedite lines in a safe and secure manner, but there are limits as to how many people can get through the entrances in a short period of time. It's why officials are asking for your cooperation to make it a great overall gameday experience — and why CU players and coaches would love to have you in your seat early.
Think about it: Buffs, Homecoming, and first place in the Pac-12 South on the line.
That's worth getting there early.
