University of Colorado Boulder Tailgating

Unless you’re lucky enough to be a CU college student with a dorm room, you won’t be able to stay on-campus during a football game. Tailgating events do not permit overnight camping, but it is easy to get to and from Folsom Field from within the community. RVers will find a number of RV campgrounds in and around Boulder with easy access to both tailgating events and the area’s mountain parks.

Whether you crave access to the local boutiques and farm-to-table restaurants of Boulder neighborhoods like Pearl Street and The Hill or you want sweeping views of the Flatirons and access to rock climbing in Boulder Canyon and nearby Rocky Mountain National Park, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in Boulder. Keep in mind that RV campgrounds within the city limits are more likely to have amenities like wifi, cell service, pools, and laundry facilities while those on the outskirts of town promise a more rustic experience. Golden Gate Canyon State Park beckons travelers to enjoy the outdoors and rests about 25 miles from the University of Colorado Boulder.

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.

One word: layers. True CU Buffs fans start tailgating early when the mountain air is especially cold. Later in the day, those same folks typically find themselves removing jackets and sweaters. Dress in layers any time of the year, including a light t-shirt or tank top underneath and a sweatshirt or fleece on top. Colder months will call for hats, gloves, scarves, and durable footwear. Oh, and don’t forget to show CU pride with plenty of black and gold.

For the full CU experience, you might want to plan on tailgating, going to the game, and joining post-game activities. Have all the gear you need for a long day including outdoor cooking equipment if you plan to grill while tailgating. Bring cash if you prefer to purchase food from vendors. Remember to grab blankets, cameras, and seat cushions (these must be under 18” and cannot have covers, zippers, or pockets).

Bring basic first-aid supplies, such as band-aids and aspirin. Fans may also want warm gloves and wool hats for cool mornings and evenings as well as sunscreen, sunglasses, and baseball caps for sunny afternoons. Pack more water than you think you might need, as dehydration occurs more rapidly at higher elevations (Boulder sits at an elevation of 5,328’).

Outdoor cooking is an encouraged and cherished tradition at CU tailgating events. Veteran tailgaters cook everything from eggs and bacon to entire Thanksgiving spreads. If you’re decked out sufficiently in CU gear, you just might get offered a plate or two. If you’re looking to do your own cooking at Ralphie’s Corral, stock up on groceries at any major chain or local organic shop in Boulder. Outdoor cooking rules at RV campgrounds vary, especially in more natural settings frequented by bears.

In direct proximity to Ralphie’s Corral and Folsom Field, you will find a number of college student-friendly restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. This neighborhood, colloquially referred to as The Hill, is ideal if you’re looking for burritos, pizza, and cheap beer. If you are in the mood for a sit-down restaurant or a more upscale cocktail bar, head to Pearl Street, which is about 1.5 miles from campus.

While many people choose to cook or bring their own food and drinks to tailgating events, you will find concession vendors at Ralphie’s Corral. Alternate tailgating events also offer food from the grill and beer tents. Inside Folsom Field, concessions are located at Balch Fieldhouse, the East Concourse, the Buff Walk, the Indoor Practice Facility, and on the Southwest Plaza. Food and drink vendors inside the stadium typically open up two hours before kickoff. Bring cash, as not all vendors may be equipped to accept credit cards.