University of Colorado Boulder Tailgating

Lot 416 serves as CU Boulder's designated RV and bus parking area, offering spaces designed specifically for oversized vehicles over standard car size. RV parking costs $120 per game and must be purchased on game day with a credit card only—no advance sales or cash payments accepted.

Lot 416 Features:

• No electrical or water hookups available
• Generator use permitted within assigned spaces
• First-come, first-served space allocation
• No overnight parking allowed on campus
• Tailgating is permitted within space boundaries only
• Early arrival recommended as spaces fill quickly

Alternative Options: Alternative RV parking may be available at Lot 544 on the east campus for the same $120 price, also requiring credit card payment on game day.

Important RV Guidelines:

• RVs are allowed to park only if contiguous space is available
• The university reserves the right to refuse oversized vehicles for safety reasons
• Failure to pay parking fees may result in $200 tickets
• No re-entry once you leave campus parking areas

If on-campus RV parking sells out, Denver West/Central City KOA provides an excellent nearby option with full hookups, mountain views, a hot tub, and shuttle services to nearby attractions. Located just 20 minutes from Boulder, this KOA offers the comfort and amenities unavailable in stadium parking while maintaining easy game day access.

Getting around campus during a CU Boulder tailgating event is easiest on foot or by bike. Expect dedicated pedestrian-only areas and bike lanes to help aid with this. An official tailgating event at Ralphie’s Corral is held on a lawn, so it may not be suitable for bikes and other wheeled vehicles. Overall, the CU campus and Boulder are both compact and pedestrian-friendly, allowing for short walks to and from tailgating areas, parking areas, and Folsom Field.

Boulder's mountain elevation and variable weather patterns require strategic packing for both tailgating and stadium environments. September games often feature warm afternoons that cool rapidly as mountain shadows arrive, while October and November can bring anything from snow squalls to bright sunshine within the same day.

Pack layers including lightweight base layers, warm fleece or down jackets, and waterproof shells for sudden mountain weather changes. CU's signature gold and black create stunning color combinations against autumn aspens, so pack plenty of Buffs gear while preparing for temperature swings of 30+ degrees throughout game day.

Boulder's enthusiastic fan culture encourages creative displays of Buffalo pride through flags, banners, and portable seating that showcase your tailgating setup. Folding chairs, team flags, and portable grills help create the mountain tailgating atmosphere that makes CU games special.

Given Boulder's clear bag policy (12x6x12 inches maximum), plan your stadium gear accordingly and leave extra items secured in your RV. The campus Pro Shop and merchandise stands throughout the area offer additional gear if needed.

Mountain elevation at 5,300 feet can affect visitors from lower altitudes, especially when combined with physical activity and potential alcohol consumption. Pack extra water, electrolyte supplements, and sunscreen for Colorado's intense high-altitude sun exposure.

Boulder's outdoor lifestyle means game day involves significant walking on varied terrain between parking areas, tailgating spots, and stadium entrances. Comfortable, supportive footwear becomes essential for navigating campus hills and enjoying extended outdoor activities.

CU Boulder's tailgating culture celebrates both traditional game day foods and Colorado's famous green chile dishes that warm fans during crisp mountain afternoons. Cooking at Duane Field's Fan Fest area or in designated parking lot spaces allows you to share local specialties like green chile mac and cheese or Rocky Mountain oysters.

Gas and charcoal grilling are permitted in designated tailgating areas, with disposal containers provided for hot coals. Boulder's numerous grocery stores, including Whole Foods and King Soopers, offer excellent local and organic ingredients perfect for elevated tailgating menus.

Boulder's renowned food scene extends from campus through Pearl Street Mall's outdoor dining district, offering everything from farm-to-table cuisine to authentic Mexican food that reflects Colorado's cultural heritage. The Hill neighborhood adjacent to campus provides classic college fare, including pizza, sandwiches, and casual dining perfect for pre- or post-game meals.

Pearl Street Mall, about 1.5 miles from campus, features upscale dining options including locally-sourced restaurants that embody Boulder's commitment to sustainable, healthy cuisine with mountain views creating unforgettable dining experiences.

Fan Fest at Duane Field features numerous food trucks offering everything from Colorado BBQ to international cuisine, providing convenient options for fans who prefer to purchase rather than cook their tailgating meals. Stadium concessions include traditional favorites alongside local specialties, with all transactions being cashless for faster service.