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Colorado Buffaloes Football: Why Folsom Field is one the greatest places to play

By Shay McBryde

BOULDER, CO - NOVEMBER 19: A general view of the stadium as the Washington State Cougars drive against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field on November 19, 2016 in Boulder, Colorado. Colorado defeated Washington State 38-24. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
BOULDER, CO - NOVEMBER 19: A general view of the stadium as the Washington State Cougars drive against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field on November 19, 2016 in Boulder, Colorado. Colorado defeated Washington State 38-24. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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Folsom Field is one of the oldest stadiums in college football. It was founded in 1924 originally called Colorado Stadium. The name changed in 1944 when legendary Coach Frederick Folsom passed. But what makes it so great to play there?

The Rocky Mountains

BOULDER, CO – SEPTEMBER 4: General view of the scoreboard and landscape during the game between the Colorado State University Rams and the University of Colorado Buffaloes on September 4, 2004 at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado. Colorado won 27-24. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
BOULDER, CO – SEPTEMBER 4: General view of the scoreboard and landscape during the game between the Colorado State University Rams and the University of Colorado Buffaloes on September 4, 2004 at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado. Colorado won 27-24. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

In a word the atmosphere. Colorado is home to some of the most spectacular views in the world, and Boulder is no exception. Being able to see the Rocky Mountains in plain sight as you play on the field is a thing of beauty and wonder. Getting the best of both worlds in football and the picturesque nature.

It sit’s at an elevation of 5,334 feet. Standing as the third highest stadium in college football. Only Air Force and Wyoming beat out that statistic. It has also been home to concerts such as The Rolling Stones, The Grateful Dead, Van Halen, Paul McCartney, and the Dave Matthews band. Fleetwood Mac and Bob Seger carried the largest attendance under Folsom Field at a whopping 61,500.

Ralphie

BOULDER, CO – NOVEMBER 20: Colorado Buffaloes live mascot Ralphie VI runs on the field with handlers before a game between the Colorado Buffaloes and the Washington Huskies at Folsom Field on November 20, 2021 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
BOULDER, CO – NOVEMBER 20: Colorado Buffaloes live mascot Ralphie VI runs on the field with handlers before a game between the Colorado Buffaloes and the Washington Huskies at Folsom Field on November 20, 2021 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Watching Ralphie run is one of the greatest and most thrilling traditions of college football. She leads the team onto the field before every game, with her handlers by her side. Fast and huge she is a mascot who puts fear in you and a great intimidation technique for the opposing team.

Ralphie is a female. Females are known to have a little less excitement than males. She has reached speed clearing 25 miles per hour, so her handlers always have to be on point. Known as one of the best live mascots in the game it’s always a show when she comes roaring out.

Folsom Field became home to the 6th Ralphie in 2021. She was rejected by her mother at birth but faces rejection no more. Becoming one of the most beloved mascots already in college football.

The Fans

BOULDER, CO – OCTOBER 16: Colorado Buffaloes fans cheer during a game between the Colorado Buffaloes and the Arizona Wildcats at Folsom Field on October 16, 2021 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
BOULDER, CO – OCTOBER 16: Colorado Buffaloes fans cheer during a game between the Colorado Buffaloes and the Arizona Wildcats at Folsom Field on October 16, 2021 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

The largest crowd for Boulder in an attendance record was set in 2005 against in-state rival Colorado State at 54,972. Folsom has always remained one of the highest attendance records in the Pac-12. The fans are full of excitement and love for the Buffaloes always. It’s called Buff Nation because it is a family with immense admiration, love, and respect rooted in deep history. You will find “CUnit” the student section engaging with the crowd and with the Golden Buffalo Marching band. Riling everybody up and giving Folsom Field the energy and grit to win.

That Rocky Mountain Sky

BOULDER, CO – NOVEMBER 19: A general view of the stadium as the Washington State Cougars drive against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field on November 19, 2016 in Boulder, Colorado. Colorado defeated Washington State 38-24. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
BOULDER, CO – NOVEMBER 19: A general view of the stadium as the Washington State Cougars drive against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field on November 19, 2016 in Boulder, Colorado. Colorado defeated Washington State 38-24. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

While Folsom may not be the largest stadium and by far isn’t the newest. It holds half the attendance a lot of Power 5 schools do like Michigan and Ohio State. However, Folsom Field stands on it’s own when it comes to tradition and beauty. The exuisite views are unmatched by most stadiums in the nation.

These fans are a proud bunch that take defeat hard but always remain loyal. Even in the years it is hard to. Colorado has produced many great NFL players, and was once always thought to always come out as one of the best teams in the country for many years of the past. That is carried deep in the blood of Buff fan and something that makes Buff Nation so special.

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