Folsom Field is a must-visit spot for football fans and concert-goers in Boulder, Colorado. I recently had the chance to check out this historic stadium, home to the Colorado Buffaloes. The atmosphere was electric, with fans decked out in black and gold cheering on their team.
The 50,183-seat stadium offers amazing views of the surrounding mountains, adding to the unique game day experience. I was impressed by how easy it was to get to the stadium and find parking nearby. The staff were friendly and helpful, making sure everyone had a great time.
One of the coolest things I saw was Ralphie, the team’s live buffalo mascot, leading the football team onto the field. It’s not every day you see a 1,000-pound buffalo running across a football field! The energy in the stadium was incredible, and I can’t wait to go back for another game or event.
Key Takeaways
- Folsom Field offers stunning mountain views and an exciting atmosphere for sports and events.
- The stadium is easily accessible with helpful staff and nearby parking options.
- Unique features like the live buffalo mascot make for an unforgettable experience.
History and Overview
Folsom Field has a rich history spanning nearly a century. It’s grown from humble beginnings to become an iconic college football stadium. Let me take you through its fascinating journey.
Historical Significance
Folsom Field opened in 1924, named after Frederick Folsom, a legendary University of Colorado coach. I find it amazing that the 2023 season marked its 100th year! The stadium sits on what we lovingly call the “hilltop” of the CU Boulder campus.
When I think about Folsom’s early days, I picture the old fieldhouse and original buildings. They gave the place a classic college feel. CU football games quickly became the heart of campus life. Students and locals packed the stands, creating unforgettable memories.
Stadium Evolution
Over the years, I’ve seen Folsom Field change a lot. Renovations have added modern amenities while keeping its charm. The flagstone construction is still a key feature. It blends perfectly with the campus architecture.
Some key upgrades I’ve noticed:
- Expanded seating capacity
- Improved facilities for athletes
- Better concessions and fan amenities
The most recent big changes happened in 2016. They made Folsom even more impressive. But what I love most is how it’s kept its connection to nature. The stunning views of the Rocky Mountains make every game feel special.
Location and Accessibility
Folsom Field sits in a beautiful spot with great views and lots to see nearby. Getting there and finding parking can be tricky, but I’ve got some tips to help make your visit smooth.
Getting to Folsom Field
I love the location of Folsom Field on the University of Colorado campus in Boulder. The stadium is nestled against the Flatiron mountains, giving amazing views. Parking can be tight on game days, so I recommend arriving early. There are several lots around campus, but they fill up fast.
For a greener option, I’ve found that biking works well. Boulder has great bike paths leading right to campus. If you’re driving an electric vehicle, there are EV charging stations available too.
Public transit is another good choice. RTD buses run frequently to campus from all over Boulder County.
Surrounding Attractions
One of my favorite things about Folsom Field is all the cool stuff nearby. The whole CU Boulder campus is beautiful, with lots of red-brick buildings and green spaces to explore.
Just a short walk from the stadium, you’ll find Pearl Street Mall. It’s a bustling pedestrian area with shops, restaurants, and street performers. I always enjoy grabbing a bite there before or after the game.
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For nature lovers, the Flatirons are right there. You can hike up for even better views of Boulder and the stadium. Chautauqua Park is also close by, offering more trails and picnic spots.
Seating and Views
Folsom Field offers a variety of seating options with different views. I’ve checked out many areas of the stadium and can share my thoughts on the best spots to catch the action.
Seating Options
The stadium has a mix of bench seats and bleacher seats. I found the bench seats more comfortable for longer games. Section 119 on the 25-yard line gave me a great view of the field.
For a budget-friendly option, I’d suggest the upper sections like 217. The seats are higher up, but you still get a good view of the whole field.
I also tried out Section 106 on the east side. It’s close to the action, but you might have to stand up more to see over the players on the sidelines.
Sightlines and Views
The lower sideline seats offer an up-close view of the players. I sat in row 10 of Section 118 and could see all the details of the plays.
For a broader perspective, I prefer the upper levels. From Section 1, I had a great view of the entire field and could follow the game strategy better.
My favorite part? The views of the Flatirons from the east side of the stadium. It’s an amazing backdrop for the game. Just be aware that late afternoon sun can be bright on that side.
Amenities and Facilities
Folsom Field offers fans a range of food, drinks, and services to enhance the game day experience. I found the stadium has some good options, but there’s room for improvement in certain areas.
Food and Drink
I was pleased to see a variety of food and drink offerings at Folsom Field. The concession stands serve up classic stadium fare like hot dogs and nachos. I also spotted personal pizzas for $9.25, which seemed like a decent deal.
For drinks, beer costs between $12-16 a can. While pricey, it’s pretty standard for stadium prices. I was happy to see free water stations where you can fill up empty bottles.
Restrooms and Services
The restroom situation at Folsom Field is adequate, but not amazing. I noticed the men’s rooms still use troughs in some areas, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
On the plus side, I found the staff to be friendly and helpful. This made navigating the stadium and finding services much easier. I was also glad to see efforts towards sustainability, with reusable cup options available at some concession stands.
Game Day Experience
Folsom Field on game day is electric. The stadium comes alive with excitement and school spirit. I love the energy of the crowd and all the pregame traditions.
Sportsmanship and Atmosphere
The atmosphere at Folsom Field is amazing. I always see CU supporters decked out in black and gold. The student section is especially rowdy. They cheer loudly and wave pom-poms to support the team.
I’m impressed by the sportsmanship from both home and away fans. Even during intense rivalry games like CU-USC, people stay respectful. The stadium has a family-friendly vibe.
My favorite part is when Ralphie, the live buffalo mascot, runs across the field before kickoff. It never fails to get me pumped up for the game. The crowd goes wild every time.
Pre-Game and Half-Time Shows
I make sure to arrive early to catch all the pre-game festivities. The CU marching band puts on an awesome show in the field house before kickoff. They play fight songs that get everyone in the spirit.
During halftime, the band returns for another fun performance. They form cool shapes on the field while playing upbeat tunes. I’m always amazed by how coordinated they are.
The cheerleaders and dance team also entertain the crowd between quarters. Their routines are impressive and keep the energy high throughout the game.
Events and Concerts
Folsom Field has become a hot spot for amazing concerts and events. I’ve seen some unforgettable shows here that really rocked the stadium.
Memorable Concerts
I’ll never forget when Dead & Company played at Folsom Field. It was electric! Bob Weir and John Mayer jammed together, keeping Jerry Garcia’s spirit alive. The crowd went wild.
Dead & Company even did a three-night run here once. That was epic. I danced my heart out each night.
Before 2016, there was a 15-year break from concerts at Folsom. But now, it’s back in full swing. I’m so glad they brought the music back.
Concert Experience
Getting tickets can be tricky. I always try for the pre-sale. If I’m lucky, I score pit tickets or GA field spots. Being close to the stage is the best.
The atmosphere is amazing. I love being outside under the stars while listening to great music. The sound quality is top-notch too.
Security is well-handled. I feel safe at these shows. They have a system where you can text if there’s an issue. That’s pretty cool.
Parking can be a challenge. I usually arrive early to find a good spot. It’s worth it for the awesome concert experience.
Guest Reviews and Recommendations
Folsom Field gets mixed feedback from visitors. People love the atmosphere but have some complaints too. Let’s look at what guests and experts say about this stadium.
Visitor Insights
I’ve checked out what people are saying about Folsom Field. Many Tripadvisor users seem to enjoy their time there. They often mention the great atmosphere during games.
One common theme I noticed is that it can get pretty crowded. A reviewer called it “Great, but packed.” This might be something to keep in mind if you’re not a fan of big crowds.
Some folks also talk about the beautiful views of the mountains from the stadium. It’s a unique feature that sets Folsom Field apart from other venues.
Expert Opinions
When it comes to expert views, I found that many praise Folsom Field’s location and design. They often highlight how the stadium blends with its surroundings.
Sports analysts I’ve read tend to commend the recent upgrades to the facility. They say these improvements have enhanced the fan experience.
Some experts point out that the stadium’s acoustics are top-notch. This makes it great for concerts as well as sports events.
I’ve also seen comments about the field’s turf quality. Apparently, it’s maintained to a high standard, which players appreciate.
Operational Aspects
Folsom Field’s operations are a mix of good and bad. I’ve noticed some areas that work well and others that need improvement. Let’s look at how the staff and policies affect the fan experience.
Staff and Management
I’ve found the staff at Folsom Field to be friendly overall. They try their best to help fans, but sometimes they seem overwhelmed. On busy game days, I’ve seen long lines at concessions because there weren’t enough workers.
The management could do a better job planning for big crowds. I once waited 30 minutes for a beer because they ran out at my nearest stand. It’s frustrating when basic things like that aren’t handled well.
Security has been tight in my experience. I appreciate the thorough bag checks, even if they slow down entry a bit. It makes me feel safer during games.
Policies and Procedures
Some policies at Folsom Field bug me. The no re-entry rule is a pain if I forget something in my car. I wish they’d be more flexible about that.
Beer sales cut off too early in my opinion. I get why they do it, but it’s annoying when there’s still a quarter left to play.
The clear bag policy is good for security, but I’ve seen it poorly explained. Many fans show up with the wrong bags and have to go back to their cars. Better communication would help a lot.
Parking can be a mess. I’ve found the lots poorly organized and hard to navigate. More signs and staff directing traffic would make a big difference.
Tips and Tricks for Visitors
I’ve visited Folsom Field many times, and I’ve picked up some handy tips along the way. Let me share them with you!
Traffic jams can be a pain, so I always arrive early. I aim to get there at least 2 hours before kickoff. This gives me plenty of time to park and soak in the atmosphere.
The best time to visit? In my opinion, it’s during a day game in early fall. The weather is perfect, and the views of the Flatirons are stunning.
Here’s a money-saving tip: I bring my own snacks and water. Food at the stadium can be pricey. But don’t worry, there are still plenty of tasty options if you get hungry.
I love sitting in the upper levels. The benches might not be the comfiest, but the view is worth it. I always bring a cushion to make my seat more comfortable.
Pro tip: Don’t miss Ralphie’s run! It’s an amazing sight to see a 1000-pound buffalo lead the team onto the field.
Lastly, I recommend exploring the campus before or after the game. It’s beautiful and adds to the whole experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve gathered some common questions about Folsom Field to help you plan your visit. From seating tips to concert experiences, here’s what you need to know.
What are some tips for the best seating at Folsom Field?
For the best views, I recommend seats in the west stands. They offer a great view of the field and the Flatirons mountain backdrop.
If you’re looking for shade, the east stands are your best bet. They’re covered and provide relief from the sun during day games.
How are the beverage prices, particularly for beer, at Folsom Field?
Beer prices at Folsom Field are typical for stadium venues. You can expect to pay around $8-10 for a domestic beer.
There are usually a few craft beer options available as well, but they tend to be pricier.
Are visitors allowed to bring their own water bottles into Folsom Field?
Yes, you can bring your own water bottle, but there are some rules. Empty, clear plastic bottles up to 32 ounces are allowed.
You can fill them at water fountains inside the stadium. This is a great way to stay hydrated and save money.
What is the policy on bringing purses or bags into Folsom Field?
Folsom Field has a clear bag policy. You can bring a clear plastic bag no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″.
Small clutch purses about the size of your hand are also allowed. Backpacks and large bags aren’t permitted.
What should I expect from the concert experience at Folsom Field?
Concerts at Folsom Field can be amazing. The acoustics are surprisingly good for an outdoor venue.
Be prepared for a lively atmosphere. The crowd tends to be energetic, and the setting is beautiful with the mountains in the background.
Where can I find parking information for events at Folsom Field?
Parking for Folsom Field events can be tricky. I suggest checking the CU Boulder website for the most up-to-date parking info.
There are several parking garages and lots nearby, but they fill up fast. Consider using public transportation or ride-sharing services to avoid parking hassles.
