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Best Seats at Folsom Field
There are stadiums with better records, nicer locker rooms, and fancier scoreboards — but very few can compete with the view at Folsom Field. The Flatirons are literally right there, looming over the open north end like nature decided to add its own upper deck. Opened in 1924 on the campus of the University of Colorado in Boulder, Folsom Field has been putting fans in a good mood before kickoff purely by existing. The atmosphere got a serious jolt when Deion Sanders arrived in 2023, and CU’s return to the Big 12 in 2024 brought marquee opponents back to town. Come for the football, stay because Boulder makes it nearly impossible to leave.
Seating Guide
Folsom Field holds 50,183 fans in a classic horseshoe configuration that opens to the north. The south end is closed, creating a natural noise trap that gets surprisingly loud when the Buffs are rolling. The playing surface switched from natural grass to FieldTurf ahead of the 2025 season, and the massive new videoboard installed before 2024 finally brought the stadium into the modern era. Two things drive the seating decision here more than anything else: how close you want to be to the action on the west (home) sideline versus the east concourse, and how much afternoon sun you’re willing to absorb in September.
Best Non-Premium Seats
West Sideline Lower Bowl (Sections 107–115): These are the best non-premium seats in the building, full stop. You’re on the home sideline, close to the field, and in the heart of the crowd energy. Rows in the teens and twenties put you at a great angle — not too low, not nosebleed. The CU bench is on the west side, which means player access, the Buff Walk arrival energy, and proximity to the real action. The tradeoff is afternoon sun in September games; you’ll want a hat and sunscreen for 1 p.m. kicks.
East Sideline Lower Bowl (Sections 101–106, 116–121): Perfectly solid seats at a step down in price from the west side. The east concourse and Balch Fieldhouse are right behind you, making food and bathroom runs easier. The visiting team bench is on the east sideline, so if you’re attending as an opposing fan — hello, K-State on Halloween — this is your natural habitat. You’ll be in direct sun for early-afternoon kickoffs but get relief as the game goes on.
Upper Deck West Sideline (Sections 203–213): The view from the upper west deck is genuinely great — you’re looking directly at the field, the Flatirons are framed perfectly to the north, and you can see every route develop. Rows 51–70 in these sections give you a clean, elevated sightline that honestly beats some lower-bowl angles at this price point. Dress in layers. Boulder at elevation in October is a different animal than the flatlands.
Best Value Seats
Upper Deck East Sideline (Sections 214–220): These sections run up to row 83, which is legitimately high — you’ll feel it in your legs on the stairs. But the value is real. If you’re on a budget and want to actually watch football rather than stare at someone’s helmet, this is your spot. Bring binoculars if you’re in the upper rows.
Budget Option
South End Zone (Lower sections near 121/101 corner areas): You’re looking at one end of the field, which limits your view of plays going the other direction. For a big game — an October rivalry or a ranked opponent — the end zone energy can be electric. For a sleepy September non-conference game, it’s just a bad angle. If tickets are under $30, you’re getting what you paid for and it’s fine. If they’re more than that, go upper deck instead.
Our Pick
If you’re visiting Folsom Field for the first time and have no idea where to sit, grab west sideline lower bowl in sections 109–113, rows 20–35. You’re in the mix, you’re on the right side to see the players, and you’re close enough that Ralphie’s Run is going to make the hair stand up on your arms. It’s the Folsom Field experience in a single section.
Weather & Shade Reality
The horseshoe opens north and the press boxes sit on the west side (Balch Fieldhouse). For early afternoon games in August and September, the west lower bowl gets direct sun for most of the first half before the upper deck starts providing relief. The east lower bowl is more exposed to afternoon sun throughout the game.
Bring sunscreen regardless — you’re at 5,360 feet, and the altitude makes UV intensity no joke. I live here and have the sun damage to prove it. October and November games can swing dramatically in temperature by the fourth quarter; that 68-degree day at kickoff can feel like 45 by the time you’re walking out. Layers aren’t optional, they’re survival.
Seats to Avoid ( Unless You Just Want To Be There)
Upper sections 214–220, rows 75–83: You are very, very high up. The walk up is steep, your knees will complain on the way down, and the players look like well-dressed ants. Worth it once for the panoramic mountain backdrop — truly a beautiful view. Not worth it as your go-to seat, especially for afternoon games when the sun hits the upper east deck hard.
End Zone Upper Deck (Dal Ward north end area): These are the cheapest seats in the building and you’ll understand why immediately. You’re staring straight down the field from the open north end, and any play that goes to the south end zone is basically theater from a mile away. Fine for students and first-timers who just want to be inside. Not the move if you actually want to follow the game.
Premium Seating & Clubs
Folsom Field has a solid premium infrastructure that got a major upgrade with the 2016 Champions Center addition. There are four distinct club experiences, ranging from a midlevel club to a rooftop terrace with Flatiron views that is genuinely one of the nicer spots in college football.
The Flatirons Club — West Side (Balch Fieldhouse, Sections 200/300/400): This is the main press box club on the west side, accessed through the second floor of Balch Fieldhouse. Covered seating, climate-controlled club space, full food and beverage service. This is the play if you want to be comfortable regardless of weather — and Boulder weather during football season can go sideways fast. The views from the Flatirons Club are excellent, and the indoor-outdoor setup means you can actually stay warm during a November game.
The Crawford Club — South End (Enter past Section 121): The Crawford Club sits at the south end of the stadium and offers a more intimate premium experience. Good sightlines, indoor access, and a comfortable setup for fans who want something upscale without the full Flatirons Club price tag. A solid value in the club tier.
NerdWallet Touchdown Club — North End (Dal Ward Building): The Touchdown Club is on the north side of the stadium inside the Dal Ward building, complete with loge boxes and club seating that replaced the old north end zone bleachers. The vibe is modern, the views look down the field from the north, and you get the Champions Center energy nearby.
The Rooftop Terrace — Northeast Corner (Champions Center): This is the move for the experience. The rooftop access is via the Champions Center elevator lobby and offers open-air views of the Flatirons, the Continental Divide on clear days, and the full stadium below. It’s more of a social standing/party area than a traditional seating section, but for a warm September game with the mountains doing their thing, there is nothing else like it in college football. Single-game tickets are available but sell out for marquee games.
Suites & Groups: The luxury suites at Folsom Field are located in Balch Fieldhouse above the west sideline. They’re standard college football suite fare — catered food, private space, great sightlines — and skew toward corporate groups and major donors.
Folsom Field Seating Chart
Folsom Field, located on the campus of the University of Colorado Boulder, is the home field of the Colorado Buffaloes of the Pac-12 Conference. The stadium has a capacity of 50,183.Over the years, it has undergone several expansions and renovations, with the most recent expansion completed prior to the 2016 season. Here is the Updated Seating Map To Folsom Field at the University of Colorado.
Getting Colorado Football Tickets
The CU ticket market has genuinely transformed since Deion Sanders arrived. Games against ranked opponents and Big 12 opponents with rabid followings (Texas Tech, Kansas State, Utah, Oklahoma State) are real markets now — face value is rarely the floor. The secondary market for a ranked opponent with a noon TV window can be surprisingly steep. For mid-tier non-conference games — Weber State, UCF — the secondary market is your friend, with tickets regularly below face value by Thursday before the game.
Get your Colorado Football Tickets Here! Through our partnership you can get tickets to Buff Football or just about any event on the planet.
Folsom Field Bag Policy
Folsom Field strictly enforces its clear bag policy. One clear plastic bag no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ is permitted, or a one-gallon Ziploc bag. Small clutch bags no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″ are allowed. No backpacks, large purses, diaper bags, or any non-clear bag of any kind. Medically necessary items are allowed after inspection at entry points. Note that fanny packs must be within the 4.5″ x 6.5″ clutch size limit — this surprises people.
Folsom Policies To Know
No re-entry. Zero exceptions outside of genuine emergencies. Once you leave Folsom Field, your ticket is dead. Plan accordingly — especially if you’re pregaming on The Hill.
Alcohol is sold inside at designated concession areas throughout the stadium. Outside alcohol is prohibited. Colorado conceal-carry laws do not apply here; firearms of any kind are prohibited on CU campus regardless of permit.
No smoking anywhere on campus, including e-cigarettes, vapes, and marijuana. Designated smoking areas outside the stadium exist in the southwest and east plazas if you need to step out — but remember, no re-entry.
Non-alcoholic beverages are allowed in factory-sealed plastic containers up to 51 oz. (one per ticket holder). Empty refillable non-metal water bottles are also permitted. The altitude will dehydrate you faster than you expect — bring that water bottle.
Umbrellas are prohibited inside the stadium. If there’s weather, you’re getting wet unless you’re under a club roof.
Getting To Folsom Field
Boulder doesn’t have the transit infrastructure of a major city, but the options work fine if you plan ahead. Driving is the default for most people, but parking requires a strategy.
Driving & Parking Campus parking for football is mostly reserved for Buff Club donors. Public parking is available in university lots on a first-come, first-served basis. The earlier you arrive, the better your options. Residential street parking in the neighborhoods north of campus fills up fast but is the move if you’re arriving 2+ hours before kickoff. Lots on the east side of campus are often more accessible than the main west-side donor lots.
Parking Tips
Downtown Garages: For a guaranteed spot without the donor price tag, use the City of Boulder garages downtown (11th & Spruce or 15th & Pearl). It’s a 15–20 minute walk to Folsom, but you’re perfectly positioned for post-game food and drinks on Pearl Street while the stadium traffic clears.
If you’re hunting for free street parking, look north of Mapleton Avenue. It’s a longer hike (20+ minutes), but the residential restrictions are often less punishing than the immediate “Hill” blocks, and you’ll have a much faster exit toward US-36 or Foothills Parkway after the game.
Public Transit / RTD Flatiron Flyer (FF1) The RTD Flatiron Flyer express bus runs between downtown Denver and Boulder’s 28th Street Transit Center with frequency on gamedays. From there, it’s a manageable walk or a short rideshare to the stadium. If you’re coming from the Denver/metro area, this is genuinely the smartest move for a big game — skip the parking nightmare entirely and enjoy Boulder on foot. CU also runs shuttle buses from the East Campus area starting three hours before kickoff.
Rideshare Uber and Lyft both work fine in Boulder, but pickup after the game is a mess directly outside. Designate a meeting spot two or three blocks away from the main exits before the game even starts. Surge pricing hits hard in the 15 minutes after final whistle — if you can hang around for 30 minutes, prices normalize. Dropping off is easy; north on Broadway or east on Colorado Avenue are both reasonable access points.
Walking/Biking If you’re staying anywhere near downtown Boulder or The Hill neighborhood, Folsom Field is walkable. The Hill (University Hill area) is about a 10-minute walk from the stadium and serves as the central pregame gathering point. Pearl Street is 15–20 minutes on foot. Bike racks are available around the stadium perimeter for cyclists.
Folsom Field Gameday Tips and Hacks
If Folsom Field on a clear October Saturday isn’t on your college football bucket list, fix that immediately. The combination of mountain setting, an energized fanbase, and Boulder as a gameday city is a genuinely elite combination.
Arrival & Gates
Get there 90 minutes early. Gates open exactly two hours before kickoff. The official recommendation is 60 minutes, which is the minimum — security lines at the main west gates stack up fast in that final 30-minute window. The east concourse gates tend to move faster if you’re sitting on that side.
Download your ticket before you leave the car. All tickets are mobile only — no paper, no exceptions. Cell service at the gates with thousands of people trying to load tickets simultaneously is unreliable. Get your ticket into your Apple Wallet or Google Pay before you park, not in line.
Rent a seat cushion. Folsom Field’s grandstands are metal bleachers. Three hours on metal in October is a form of suffering you can avoid for $15. Cushioned seatback rentals are available near Gates 1, 6, and 13 off the Buff Walk. Worth every dollar.
Traditions & Culture
Do not miss Ralphie’s Run. This is the non-negotiable of Folsom Field. Before kickoff, Ralphie the live buffalo comes blasting out of the northeast corner of the end zone led by student handlers and charges around the field. It’s chaotic, it’s loud, and it will make your heart rate spike. Be in your seat before kickoff specifically for this. Sections 119–121 in the lower east bowl give you the best angle on the entry point.
The Buff Walk. Starting about 2.5 hours before kickoff, the team and coaches walk from Franklin Field to the east side of the stadium. Show up and cheer them in — it’s one of those traditions that feels genuinely college in a way the NFL will never replicate.
“Sko Buffs.” Not “Let’s go Buffs” — just Sko Buffs. You’ll hear it immediately. Now you won’t look confused.
Pearl Street Stampede — Friday night. The night before every home game, the Golden Buffalo Marching Band fires up on the 1300 block of Pearl Street at 7 p.m. for a pep rally that moves west down the mall. Pearl Street is a great time on a normal Friday night; add a marching band and 5,000 fired-up fans and it becomes something else. If you’re in town Friday, build your schedule around this.
Food & Drink
The southwest plaza concessions have shorter lines. The main Balch Fieldhouse stands are the first place everyone goes. The southwest plaza stands on the west exterior and the east concourse options are consistently faster. Go right after kickoff when the early crowd has cleared.
Avery Brewing’s Stampede Lager is the stadium beer. It’s a CU-exclusive lager with Ralphie on the can. Solid, cold, and contextually correct for the setting. Find it at most bar locations throughout the stadium.
The food trucks on Duane Field before the game are genuinely good. CU has leaned hard into diverse food truck vendors at Fan Fest in recent years and the quality is a significant step up from anything inside the stadium. Eat out there before you walk in — you’ll thank yourself by the second quarter when you’re not waiting in a concession line.
The grab-and-go stands are convenient but manage expectations. CU has grab-and-go concession stands in Balch Fieldhouse and both sideline concourses — quick service on hot dogs, nachos, and pretzels. The tradeoff is quality: nacho cheese sits under heat lamps, chips go stale. Fine for speed, not fine for expectations.
Instagrammable Spots & Where to Find Those Views
The shot everyone needs. Stand in the upper west deck and frame the Flatirons over the open north end of the stadium. There is no better college football stadium photo in the country. Late September afternoon light turns the rock faces golden and the sky goes full Colorado blue. Get it before the game or at halftime when you have room to move.
The rooftop view is special. If you can get a rooftop ticket, the Flatirons from up there with the stadium humming below you on a September day is legitimately one of the better views in college football. The Continental Divide is visible on clear days.
Altitude & Weather
This is not metaphorical — the altitude is real. Folsom Field sits at 5,360 feet. If you’re flying in from sea level, two beers hits like three. Drink actual water before, during, and after. UV exposure at altitude is significantly higher than at sea level — sunscreen at a noon September kickoff is not optional, it’s just common sense.
Dress in layers from mid-October on. That 68° Saturday afternoon kickoff can be 45° by the fourth quarter, especially with cold air funneling through the open north end of the horseshoe. If you’re in the upper deck in November, bring a real jacket. Not a “I’ll be fine” jacket — an actual jacket.
App & Merch
The CU Buffs app is legitimately useful. Built by SideArm, it’s the best way to manage mobile tickets, navigate the stadium, track live stats, and find your gate. Download it before gameday. It also surfaces upgrade deals during the game. Worth having.
Shop the Team Store before the game, not at halftime. The Buffs Team Store is in the northeast corner of the Champions Center, outside the stadium perimeter — no ticket required. The in-stadium merch stands at halftime are a mess. Get what you want on the way in.
Families & Kids
Chip’s Kids Club Area on Duane Field opens three hours before kickoff with inflatables and family activities — a smart move if you have young kids who need to burn energy before a three-hour game. It’s free and runs through the game.
Get an ID wristband for young kids at the Gate 5 Guest Services kiosk. Write your phone number on it. Use them. A 50,000-person stadium is a lot of chaos if someone gets separated.
Family restrooms are on the east concourse between Gates 8 and 10. Changing stations are in Balch Fieldhouse. The nursing pod is in the southeast corner of Balch.
Exit Strategy
The southwest plaza is the worst bottleneck. Avoid it. East concourse exits — especially Gates 8 and 10 — move faster after the final whistle. If you parked in main campus lots, budget 20–30 minutes to get out regardless of what you do.
Rideshare surge is real. The 15 minutes after the final whistle is peak surge pricing. Either leave two minutes early or hang around for 30 minutes and let prices normalize. Either way, designate your rideshare pickup spot two blocks from the gates before the game starts — trying to coordinate a pickup address in a crowd doesn’t work.
Hiking the Flatirons: Bonus Section
Here’s the honest truth about a Folsom Field gameday trip: the football is great, but Boulder is the real win. Make a weekend of it, and do not leave without getting outside. The Flatirons you see looming over the open north end of the stadium aren’t just a backdrop — they’re one of the best hiking areas in the country, 10 minutes from your hotel. Here’s where to go depending on how much you’ve got in the tank.
Chautauqua Trail (Chautauqua Park): This is the one. An easy hike with direct views of the Flatirons from below, a beautiful meadow, and the kind of scenery that makes you want to move to Boulder immediately. I still come here regularly on weekends — it’s one of those spots that never gets old. Perfect for families, casual hikers, or anyone who just wants an hour outside before Saturday’s game. Bring a picnic.
Royal Arch Trail (Chautauqua Park): If Chautauqua Trail is the warmup, Royal Arch is the main event. A steeper, rockier climb through the same park that rewards you with a dramatic natural arch and jaw-dropping Flatiron views at the top. Budget 3–4 hours round trip and bring water. This one earns the beer afterward.
Mount Sanitas: The classic Boulder workout hike. Steep, relentless, and worth every step for the panoramic city and mountain views at the summit. This is what the Boulder locals who run this in trail shoes for fun use as a benchmark — don’t be discouraged. Take it at your own pace and the views are the same for everyone.
Wonderland Lake Loop (North Boulder): The chill option. A flat, easy loop around a pretty lake in North Boulder with foothill views and minimal effort. Great for families with young kids, dogs (on leash), or anyone who wants the scenery without the elevation gain. An easy morning walk before heading to campus.
Green Mountain West Ridge (South Boulder): A moderate hike with expansive city and mountain views that doesn’t get as crowded as the Chautauqua trails. Good option if you want a real trail experience without the full commitment of Mount Sanitas or the Arch.
Bear Peak via South Boulder Peak: For the people who want to actually suffer in the best possible way. A challenging, steep, sometimes scramble-y route to the summit with some of the best views in the entire Boulder area. Give yourself a full morning, wear real footwear, and know that the views from the top are legitimately earned.
Gameday Scene in Boulder
Boulder’s gameday scene doesn’t funnel through one stadium district the way most college towns do — it sprawls across three distinct areas, each with its own personality. The Hill (University Hill, right against the west edge of campus) is the student and young alumni center of gravity: dense, loud, and the closest thing Boulder has to a traditional college bar strip. Pearl Street, about a mile north, is where the older alumni and visiting fans tend to land — the pedestrian mall lined with restaurants, bars, and street performers turns into a legitimate party on home game weekends without losing the Boulder weirdness that makes it worth walking.
Then there’s the Limelight/Moxy corridor on Canyon Boulevard, which has become the de facto hub for the out-of-town crowd staying near campus — two hotels that lean into gameday hard with official pregame events and are a short walk from the gates. The fun on game day eve often starts on Pearl Street — CU’s Friday night Pearl Street Stampede pep rally is worth building your travel schedule around — and by Saturday morning all three zones are humming.
The short version: if you don’t know anyone in Boulder yet, start on Pearl Street. If you want to feel like a student again, head to The Hill. If you want someone to bring you a drink while a brass band plays outside your hotel, book Canyon Boulevard.
Best Pregame Bars
Boulder Social : My go-to before Buffs games. In eastern part of town. Great beer selection, good energy, and the crowd has a mix of serious fans and casual gameday crowd that makes it fun regardless of how high the stakes are. Gets packed fast on big game days, so arrive early.
Pearl Street Pub & Cellar (1108 Pearl Street): A genuine Boulder dive bar that’s been on the Pearl Street Mall since 1977 — which, in a town that keeps getting shinier and more expensive, makes it practically a historical landmark
The Sink (1165 13th Street): Boulder’s most historic bar, operating since 1923. Graffiti-covered walls, great burgers, 15 beers on tap, and the kind of atmosphere you can only fake at a newer place. The bar has seen every era of CU football from the lows to the Coach Prime highs. A mandatory stop for any visiting fan.
The Dark Horse: So this is a legendary old place who’s location just closed. They’re opening a new location in Louisville (about 15 min away). The old location was a favorite with the alumni crowd. Less chaotic than the Hill bars, which is either a plus or a minus depending on your crowd.
Harpo’s (40th Street area): If you’re parking on the east side of campus, Harpo’s is the go-to dive. Nothing fancy, just a packed sports bar full of Buffs fans who mean it.
License No. 1 (1908 13th Street): A speakeasy-style bar tucked on The Hill that has quietly become one of the better gameday spots in Boulder. The vibe is more upscale than your typical college bar — good cocktail program, attentive staff — which makes it a nice option if you want the proximity to campus without the sticky floors. Gets loud when the Buffs are winning.
The Local (2731 Iris Ave): A proper neighborhood sports bar on the north end of town, closer to the North Boulder area than the stadium. Worth knowing about if you’re staying that direction or just want to watch the game in a room full of locals who actually care about the outcome. Unpretentious, solid food, and reliably packed for big games. The kind of place where regulars have the same barstool every Saturday.
Good Restaurants to Try in Boulder
Zoe Ma Ma (1560 Vine Street): The best under-the-radar spot near campus. Fast-casual Chinese noodles and dumplings, cheap and fast. Not a place you’d necessarily seek out for gameday, but if you know, you know. Perfect pregame fuel if you’re tired of bar food.
Rincon Argentino (2525 Arapahoe Avenue): Fresh empanadas in a casual spot with a small patio, less than a mile from the stadium. Underrated for a quick pre-game sit-down that won’t slow you down.
Salt (1047 Pearl Street): If you’re making a weekend of it and want a proper dinner the night before the game, Salt on Pearl Street is the answer. Upscale American, great cocktails, the kind of meal that makes the Boulder trip feel like more than just a football weekend. Pearl Street in general is worth a long, aimless walk with a good beer in your hand.
Illegal Pete’s (1124 13th Street): Mission-style burritos on The Hill that you’ll think about for weeks. Fast, filling, and ridiculously cheap for Boulder. A gameday staple for the student crowd and smart visiting fans.
Hotels Near Folsom Field In Boulder
Boulder is genuinely one of the better college football destinations in the country specifically because it’s a town worth staying in. The Flatirons, Pearl Street, the restaurant scene — this isn’t a place you fly into for the game and immediately regret. Book early for marquee games; Boulder hotel inventory is limited and it goes fast. Two-night minimums are common for home weekends at the better properties.
Best Areas to Stay
University Hill / Near Stadium: The Hill is the classic college neighborhood right next to campus — bars, restaurants, walkable to the stadium in under 10 minutes. If being in the mix is the priority, this is it.
Downtown Boulder / Pearl Street: About a 15–20 minute walk to the stadium and the far superior choice for the overall Boulder experience. Pearl Street Mall, great restaurants, better hotel options. I’d stay downtown over The Hill for any trip longer than one night.
Hotel Recommendations
Limelight Boulder (luxury, $300–500+ gameday): Steps from Folsom Field on campus. The location is unmatched for gameday — they host official pregame tailgate events with live music and the Ajax Tavern Airstream, and it’s literally a 5-minute walk to the gates. The Flatiron view suites are special. Two-night minimums on gameday weekends.
Moxy Boulder (mid-range, $150–250): Just across from the Limelight, on Canyon Boulevard. Hosts a pregame tailgate with a mechanical bull (yes, really) and food/drink specials before every home game. Younger crowd, fun vibe, solid value relative to the location.
Hotel Basecamp Boulder (mid-range, $150–250): Adventure-focused hotel with a Colorado-mountain aesthetic that Boulder does better than any city in the country. On 28th Street, a short rideshare from the stadium. Good bar, good vibe, strong option if Limelight is sold out.
St Julien Hotel & Spa (luxury, $300–500+): Downtown Pearl Street, the nicest traditional hotel in Boulder. If you’re bringing people who aren’t there primarily for the football, this is the move. Spa, great restaurant, rooftop views. About a 20-minute walk to the stadium.
The Bradley Boulder Inn (mid-range boutique, $150–250): Charming B&B on Broadway, halfway between downtown and the stadium. Quieter than the hotel properties, walkable to both Pearl Street and Folsom Field, and genuinely personal service. Great for couples who want the full Boulder experience without the big hotel crowds.
Budget Options
Residence Inn Boulder (budget-mid, $100–180): On 28th Street near the east side of campus. Not exciting, but clean, reliable, and has the kitchen space that makes a gameday weekend affordable if you’re feeding a group. Free parking, which matters.
Motels along 28th Street / Baseline Road corridor: You’ll find Holiday Inns, Super 8s, and similar options in the $80–130 range east of campus along the 28th Street/Baseline corridor. You’re trading location for savings and adding a rideshare leg to the equation. Fine for a budget trip.
Broomfield: The Broomfield/Interlocken area has some hotels and you’re only about a 15 minute drive/Uber from Boulder.
Things To Do In Boulder
Boulder, Colorado is a vibrant city known for its beautiful natural surroundings, outdoor activities, cultural scene, and unique attractions. Here are some of the best things to do in Boulder:
Explore Pearl Street Mall: This pedestrian mall is the heart of downtown Boulder, offering a charming mix of shops, restaurants, street performers, and local art. It’s a great place for shopping, people-watching, and enjoying live entertainment.
Visit the Boulder Farmers’ Market: Open on Saturdays from April to November, this market offers a wide range of locally grown produce, artisanal goods, and prepared foods. It’s a great place to experience Boulder’s local flavors.
Tour Celestial Seasonings Tea Factory: Take a free guided tour of the tea factory to see how tea is processed and packaged. The tour includes a tea tasting and a visit to the famous Peppermint Room.
Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse: This stunning teahouse was a gift from Boulder’s sister city in Tajikistan. It’s a beautiful place to enjoy a variety of teas, snacks, and the intricate Persian architecture.
Explore Boulder Creek Path: This scenic path runs along Boulder Creek and is perfect for walking, jogging, or biking. It’s a relaxing way to enjoy the outdoors right in the heart of the city.
Go Rock Climbing: Boulder is a rock-climbing mecca, with numerous indoor climbing gyms and outdoor climbing opportunities. Eldorado Canyon State Park is a popular spot for outdoor climbing.
Attend Cultural Events: Check out the local cultural scene by attending events at the Boulder Theater, Fox Theatre, or Macky Auditorium. From concerts to theater productions, there’s always something happening.
Visit the University of Colorado Boulder: Explore the beautiful campus, visit museums like the CU Museum of Natural History, and catch a college sports game if you’re a sports enthusiast.
Take a Day Trip to Rocky Mountain National Park: While not located directly in Boulder, the nearby Rocky Mountain National Park offers incredible hiking, wildlife viewing, and breathtaking mountain vistas.
Bike or Drive the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway: This picturesque drive takes you through stunning mountain scenery, charming towns, and offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Explore the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art: This museum features thought-provoking contemporary art exhibitions and a creative space for cultural events and performances.
Why You Should Go
There isn’t a better combination of college football atmosphere and destination city in the Rocky Mountain region, and it’s not particularly close. You’re watching a program on the rise, in a stadium with an actual mountain range as the backdrop, in a college town with more outdoor activities than you could do in a week. Even on a bad football Saturday, you’re still in Boulder — and Boulder makes that pretty easy to deal with.
Check out all of our College Football Guides as well as these CU conference rivals.
Mile High Stadium , Ball Arena and Coors Field
Written by Brad Richards, Founder of Gameday Guides. This guide includes insights from personal visits as well as updated info from team sources, fan forums, and stadium policies. We aim to help you plan with confidence — enjoy your gameday.