Folsom Field, located on the campus of the University of Colorado Boulder, is not only a football stadium but also a symbol of pride and achievement for the university and its community. Known for its stunning location at an elevation of 5,360 feet, more than a mile above sea level, the stadium offers breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains. This scenic backdrop, coupled with its longstanding role as the home of the Colorado Buffaloes football team, makes it a standout venue in collegiate sports.
Folsom Field serves as the hub of the University of Colorado Boulder’s athletics, home to the Colorado Buffaloes, who compete in the NCAA Division I Big 12 Conference. Over the years, the university has had a highly successful athletic program, winning numerous national championships in skiing, cross-country, and other sports. The university's athletic teams continue to excel, contributing to the pride of the CU community.
In addition to the home football games, Folsom Field is the site of some of the most thrilling moments in college sports, including the Rocky Mountain Showdown against Colorado State. The stadium’s location also provides a significant advantage due to the altitude, giving the Buffaloes a unique edge over visiting teams not accustomed to playing at such a high elevation.
Folsom Field has hosted some iconic sporting moments over the years. In 2005, the Colorado Buffaloes’ victory over Colorado State drew a record attendance of 54,972, setting a benchmark for the stadium. In addition to football, the university’s track and field events have been significant, with Folsom Field playing host to several exciting competitions over its long history.
While football remains the primary focus, Folsom Field is also a central location for special events like the annual Bolder Boulder 10K run, a beloved tradition in the Boulder community. The stadium continues to serve as a beacon for athletes and fans alike, showcasing the spirit and determination of the Buffaloes.
Folsom Field is more than just a venue for sports; it is an essential part of the cultural fabric of Boulder and the University of Colorado. The stadium’s role in hosting large community events like the Bolder Boulder 10K run showcases its significance to the local community, connecting students, alumni, and local residents.
Moreover, Folsom Field plays a crucial role in the university’s student life, with students often taking pride in attending games and representing their school in the stands. The university’s athletic teams and events foster a sense of belonging, school spirit, and pride that extends far beyond the football field.
Several memorable sports achievements have taken place at Folsom Field, especially in football. From stunning last-minute victories to historic rivalries, the stadium has witnessed countless iconic moments. One of the most significant was Colorado’s victory over Nebraska in 1995, where over 54,000 spectators filled the stadium to witness a fierce competition. Another memorable victory came in 2005 when Colorado defeated Colorado State in an intense game that became a defining moment in the university’s football history.
Folsom Field has consistently been home to a competitive team that remains relevant in college football, thanks in part to the passionate fan base that fills the stands for every game. The fan atmosphere, combined with the stadium’s high altitude, contributes to the home-field advantage that the Colorado Buffaloes enjoy when playing at Folsom Field.
The most recent improvements to Folsom Field have only further strengthened its status as a premier college stadium. The 2024 installation of a new video board is a prime example of the stadium’s ongoing evolution. The board is over five times the size of the previous one, enhancing the overall fan experience and providing more immersive visuals during games and events. This new upgrade is part of a long history of renovations aimed at keeping the stadium competitive and modern.
Folsom Field also continues to offer exceptional amenities for fans, including the premium seating options and luxury suites added during previous renovations. These upgrades ensure that visitors experience Folsom Field with the highest level of comfort while supporting their team.
Folsom Field, the home stadium of the University of Colorado Boulder’s football team, has a rich and storied history that dates back to its opening in 1924. Originally known as Colorado Stadium, it was renamed Folsom Field in 1944 to honor Fred Folsom, the former head coach who played a pivotal role in the development of Colorado Buffaloes football. With a long tradition of memorable moments, remarkable performances, and substantial renovations, Folsom Field remains a central symbol of the university’s athletics and pride.
The original site for Folsom Field was chosen through a heated competition between Boulder and Cañon City. The Colorado territorial legislature provided funds for the construction of the stadium in 1876, and after much debate, Boulder emerged as the chosen location. The cornerstone of the stadium was laid on September 20, 1875, and the stadium officially opened on October 11, 1924, under the name Colorado Stadium.
The stadium initially had a seating capacity of 26,000, which made it one of the larger venues in collegiate football at the time. Its horseshoe-shaped structure was designed to accommodate fans while maintaining the natural scenic views of the Rocky Mountains that would become one of the stadium's most iconic features.
In 1944, following the death of Fred Folsom, the stadium was renamed Folsom Field to honor his contributions to the football program. Folsom had coached the Buffaloes for 15 seasons and was instrumental in building the team’s early successes. The renaming in 1944 set the tone for future generations of players and fans to recognize the stadium as a place of tradition and achievement.
The 1950s marked the beginning of significant expansions. In 1956, the seating capacity of Folsom Field was increased to 45,000, allowing the stadium to accommodate growing crowds as the university’s sports programs gained more prominence. The expansion also included improvements to the stadium's infrastructure, such as better facilities for coaches and athletes, as well as additional seating.
In the years following World War II, Folsom Field became a symbol of the growing success of Colorado Buffaloes football. During this time, the stadium began to see major renovations and upgrades that reflected the university’s investment in its sports programs. In 1967, the stadium underwent another major renovation that removed the running track, which had previously circled the field, and replaced it with additional seating. This increased the capacity of the stadium to around 52,000.
Folsom Field’s first major addition came in 1968 with the construction of a six-level press box on the west side of the stadium. This press box provided enhanced views for media and expanded seating for dignitaries and VIPs attending games. These additions helped solidify the stadium’s status as one of the premier college football venues in the country.
The late 20th century saw further renovations and enhancements aimed at maintaining Folsom Field’s competitiveness and functionality as a top-tier stadium. In 1971, synthetic AstroTurf was installed to replace the natural grass playing surface, which was easier to maintain and allowed for more consistent playing conditions. This turf was replaced multiple times over the next few decades, with a final return to natural grass in 1999 after extensive work on the field’s drainage and heating systems.
Folsom Field’s expansions continued into the 2000s. In 2003, the addition of suites and club seating raised the stadium’s capacity to 53,750. In 2008, the stadium became the first "zero-waste" stadium in the NCAA by implementing a robust recycling and composting program, demonstrating the university’s commitment to sustainability.
The most recent renovations include the complete overhaul of the north end zone, which was rebuilt as part of a $156 million initiative completed before the 2016 season. The construction provided new luxury boxes, club seating, and additional fan amenities, ensuring that Folsom Field would remain a modern, state-of-the-art facility for the growing demand for high-quality sports experiences.
Throughout its history, Folsom Field has been the site of many iconic moments in college football. Notably, it hosted some of the most memorable games in Colorado Buffaloes history, including wins over rival teams such as Colorado State, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. The stadium has also been the venue for major events like the annual "Rocky Mountain Showdown" against Colorado State.
One of the most significant games in Folsom Field history occurred in 2005, when the Buffaloes won in a thrilling matchup against Colorado State, attracting the stadium's largest crowd of 54,972 fans. The energy and excitement from the crowd made this game a defining moment in the stadium's legacy.
In addition to football, Folsom Field has hosted numerous concerts and community events, including performances by famous bands such as The Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, and The Grateful Dead. These performances solidified Folsom Field's status as not just a sports venue, but a cultural hub for Boulder.
Folsom Field’s ongoing renovation projects ensure that it remains one of the top venues in college sports. In 2024, the stadium received a new video board that is five times larger than the previous one, further enhancing the experience for fans and bringing Folsom Field into the 21st century in terms of technology.
Additionally, the playing surface at Folsom Field is undergoing another change. In 2025, Folsom Field will replace its natural grass field with a synthetic surface made of AstroTurf 3D3. This new surface is designed to withstand the challenges posed by Colorado's winter weather and allow the stadium to host events year-round, including concerts and other outdoor events outside of the football season.
Folsom Field remains a cornerstone of the University of Colorado Boulder’s athletics, serving as a proud symbol of the university’s commitment to excellence in sports. With its rich history, memorable games, iconic performances, and constant evolution, the stadium continues to be a cherished institution for the university, its athletes, and its fans. Whether it’s a thrilling football game, a world-class concert, or a community gathering, Folsom Field continues to play an integral role in the heart of Boulder and the University of Colorado.
Folsom Field features a unique architectural style called Tuscan Vernacular Revival, which was designed by architect Charles Klauder. When the stadium was initially constructed in 1924, it was built with a horseshoe shape, with the open end facing north. This horseshoe shape allowed for better visibility of the surrounding scenic Rocky Mountains and became an iconic feature of the stadium.
The original design included Collegiate Gothic elements, common in East Coast universities, and was intended to reflect the university’s historical legacy. However, over the years, the design has been adapted with new materials and expanded seating areas.
The seating bowl at Folsom Field is arranged in a traditional north-south orientation. The field is aligned north to south, and the seating areas follow this configuration, providing clear sightlines for fans across the stadium. The bowl is made up of a series of tiered seating sections that gradually rise as they move away from the field, providing excellent views from all sections.
As of 2024, Folsom Field has a seating capacity of 53,613, with the stadium's expansions and renovations continually improving the seating experience for fans. The expansion projects added new luxury boxes, club seating, and premium seating areas, which increased both capacity and comfort for fans.
The stadium has undergone multiple renovations since its inception to modernize its facilities and enhance fan experiences. In the mid-20th century, the stadium's seating capacity was increased from 26,000 to 45,000, and further renovations brought it to the current capacity. Significant updates have also been made to the stadium's concourses, restrooms, and fan amenities.
In the early 2000s, the addition of suites and club seating elevated the seating capacity to over 53,000. More recently, a $156 million renovation project focused on upgrading the north end zone, which included the addition of premium seating, luxury suites, and club-level seating. This work also resulted in better seating for the general public, a wider range of ticket options, and improved fan engagement.
Folsom Field includes a six-level press box located on the west side of the stadium, directly above the main seating sections. The press box is large and provides a panoramic view of the field for media personnel, team officials, and other VIPs attending the game. Below the press box, there are private suites that offer premium seating for fans who wish to enjoy the game in luxury and comfort.
The new luxury boxes and club seating areas added in recent renovations provide enhanced amenities, such as climate-controlled spaces, catering, and exclusive access to hospitality areas. These additions have helped elevate Folsom Field into a modern venue capable of hosting high-profile events while maintaining its traditional charm.
One of the most recent major updates to Folsom Field occurred before the 2016 football season, when the north end zone was entirely rebuilt as part of a $156 million project. This redevelopment included large box suites, new club-level seating, and a new athletic administration center, named after 1950s head coach Dal Ward. The new north end zone design integrated a modern aesthetic while remaining true to the stadium’s legacy.
In addition to the rebuilding of the north end zone, new seating was added to the northeast corner of the stadium, increasing capacity and improving the fan experience.
The playing surface at Folsom Field has changed several times over the years. Initially, the field had a natural grass surface, but in 1971, the university installed AstroTurf to make it more durable and easier to maintain. AstroTurf was replaced several times over the years before Folsom Field returned to natural grass in 1999.
In March 2025, the university announced it would replace the grass surface with a new synthetic turf, AstroTurf 3D3, to better accommodate the challenges of winter weather and the stadium’s year-round usage. The new turf will help maintain an optimal playing surface during the football season and also allow the stadium to host concerts and events during the off-season.
Folsom Field has undergone significant upgrades to its video and scoreboard displays over the years. In 2016, the stadium’s video board was replaced as part of an initiative to provide fans with a modern viewing experience. Most recently, in 2024, the video board at the south end zone was replaced with a larger, state-of-the-art display that is five times the size of the previous board. This upgrade helps improve the fan experience by providing high-definition visuals and better interaction during games and events.
Folsom Field offers a variety of seating options for fans, from general admission to premium seating. In addition to the standard seating sections, fans have access to the suites, club seating, and other VIP areas added in recent expansions. The seating areas are organized to provide optimal views of the game, and renovations have made the stadium more comfortable, with wider aisles, better restrooms, and improved concessions.
Additionally, there are several new fan engagement areas throughout the stadium, including interactive spaces and areas for socializing before, during, and after the game. These updates are aimed at enhancing the overall fan experience and making Folsom Field a venue where spectators can enjoy football, concerts, and other events in comfort and style.
Folsom Field's primary and most frequent use is as the home stadium for the University of Colorado Buffaloes football team. It has been the site of numerous memorable college football games since its opening in 1924. The stadium hosts the team's home games in the NCAA Division I FBS, and it is known for its impressive atmosphere and beautiful views of the Flatirons, the mountain range visible from the stadium. Over the years, Folsom Field has witnessed countless pivotal moments in college football history, including conference championships, rivalry games, and nationally televised matchups.
In addition to being a sports venue, Folsom Field has also hosted numerous concerts by major artists and bands. The stadium has seen performances by iconic acts such as The Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, The Grateful Dead, and Dead & Company. These concerts have brought large crowds to the stadium, providing a unique and memorable experience for music fans with the picturesque backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.
The stadium's layout and acoustics make it a prime location for outdoor events, and the spacious field allows for large-scale performances. Events like the Dead & Company's summer tours have set attendance records at Folsom Field, further solidifying its status as a multi-use venue.
Folsom Field also serves as the site for several cultural, community, and public events throughout the year. The stadium has been used for the Bolder Boulder, a popular 10K race that attracts participants from around the world. The event culminates at the stadium, where runners cross the finish line and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Additionally, Folsom Field has hosted special ceremonies, such as graduation commencements for the University of Colorado, bringing students, faculty, and families together for a memorable occasion. The stadium is also used for other community events, including charity events and rallies, which engage both the university and the local Boulder community.
Folsom Field’s luxury suites, club seating, and hospitality areas make it an attractive venue for corporate events, private parties, and conferences. The added amenities allow organizations to host high-end events, such as conferences, seminars, and company retreats, with a unique setting. These events can take place year-round, thanks to the indoor facilities and the flexibility of the stadium's spaces.
While football is the primary sport hosted at Folsom Field, the stadium has also been used for other athletic events, including rugby matches and lacrosse games. The university has organized several rugby tournaments and matches, taking advantage of the stadium’s large seating capacity and field size.
Additionally, Folsom Field has occasionally hosted track and field events, particularly in the past when the university's track team competed at the stadium before the construction of the Potts Field in the 1960s. Though the track has since been removed, the stadium remains an option for hosting other field sports on occasion.
Tailgating plays an important role in the Colorado Buffaloes’ football experience, and Folsom Field’s surrounding area offers ample space for pre-game festivities. Fans gather in large numbers to enjoy tailgate parties, providing a festive atmosphere before games. This tradition has become an essential part of the Folsom Field experience, allowing fans to socialize and celebrate together.
The stadium also hosts fan engagement events throughout the year, including pre-game pep rallies and alumni gatherings. These events create a sense of community among current students, alumni, and sports fans, further building the connection between the university and its supporters.
Folsom Field is also a central location for the University of Colorado Boulder’s athletic programs and initiatives. It plays a part in recruiting visits for prospective student-athletes, who come to experience the facility and the university's sports culture. These visits often include interactive programs and opportunities to meet with coaches and current student-athletes.
In addition, the stadium occasionally hosts youth sports camps and clinics, providing younger athletes with the chance to train in a major college sports venue. These camps focus on developing skills in football and other sports, and they allow youth participants to learn from professional coaches and athletes.
As one of the most iconic and picturesque stadiums in college football, Folsom Field has been featured in various media productions, including sports documentaries, promotional videos, and commercials. Its stunning location at the base of the Flatirons makes it a visually captivating backdrop, and media teams have taken advantage of this for shoots that capture the essence of Colorado athletics and college sports.
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