The iconic Folsom Field is about to undergo a major facelift. After 26 years, CU announced they will be replacing its beloved natural grass with artificial turf, marking a new chapter for the stadium. While this change might leave some fans feeling nostalgic, I’m willing to trust Coach Prime on this one—especially considering the climate challenges we face in Colorado.
As it stands, only 30% of college stadiums use natural grass, and when you're in a cold-weather region like Boulder, keeping it lush through November is tough. The change will give the Buffs the flexibility needed, especially with the new College Football Playoff structure. No longer will Colorado’s late-season games be affected by weather or poor field conditions.
Now, I’ll be honest, I’ve always loved the natural grass at Folsom. It’s what made it feel special, right? But when NFL players like Aaron Rodgers speak out, saying they prefer grass over turf to avoid injuries, it does make you worry. The Denver Broncos, like the Buffs, are in one of the few climates that can handle natural grass through the winter. So, while the switch is a bit of a bummer, it’s a smart one for CU's future.
This is about moving forward, and with turf, Folsom will be more versatile for other CU sports, concerts and even the Sundance Film Festival, which announced a move to Boulder today. So, as much as it stings, I’m ready to roll with it. If Coach Prime thinks this is the right move, I’m all in.