Welcome to buffalo territory.
Whether you’re a University of Colorado student, an alum or just a hardcore fan, first of all, good choice. Second of all, all of Boulder is a fan with you.
In fact, this city loves its college so much that you can find special CU Buff shops, hotel rooms, business names, deals, parties, parades, you name it.
Here’s how to do Boulder when you want to plan the ultimate Buff fan vacation.
Where to Stay
Eat, sleep and dream CU in the special CU Buff room at Boulder’s Embassy Suites by Hilton. Surround yourself in the black and gold, with custom CU headboards on each of the two queen beds and CU decor throughout. This 528-square-foot suite has framed jerseys, a photo signed by CU’s new football coach Mel Tucker and fun CU art pieces.
A highlight: Take on the rival Colorado State University Rams in a checkers game.
Since it’s a suite, the room has a separate living room and bedroom. And since it’s Boulder, you even get Flatiron views from the room and the hotel is pet-friendly.
The Buff room (a corner suite) is on the fifth floor. It’s not far from the CU campus, Pearl Street Mall or Twenty Ninth Street Mall.
Where to Shop
Get your Buff gear at the new downtown shop, Boco Life, 1614 Pearl St. This is a store for University of Colorado students and fans opened in June on the east end of Pearl. Find it all: souvenirs, shirts, hats, magnets, stickers and more.
You can also find Buff apparel and paraphernalia at the CU Bookstore right on campus, the Buff Team Store (2150 Stadium Drive), the Buff Stuff Marketplace on University Hill (1121 13th St.) and Where the Buffalo Roam on the Pearl Street Mall (1320 Pearl St.). The Buff Team Store sells “officially licensed” CU Buffs merch and apparel for people of all ages.
Where to Eat
The Buff Restaurant, 2600 Canyon Blvd., is less than a mile away from Folsom Field. As if the name and logo (a buffalo) aren’t enough of a reason to love this place, this is truly a longstanding Boulder institution. The food is tasty (you must try the made-from-scratch biscuits and gravy) and the restaurant runs 95 percent waste-free.
Oh-so-Boulder menu items include Boulder Granola and the Buff BBP (a breakfast sandwich to drool for).
If you don’t want to go out, you can also order food delivery from HungryBuffs.
If you have a special occasion at Folsom Field, set up catering through Buffs Hospitality.
Where to Drink
The place to get drinks if you’re a Buffs fan is at the Rooftop Terrace Club. During football games, you can buy a special pass for access to this area. You’ll get pre-game and during-game food and drinks, including beer and wine. You can also book the terrace for a special event.
The Rooftop Terrace is located on the top of the northeast corner of Folsom Field. It features and indoor bar, plus an outdoor terrace area. The indoor space can seat 60, but the outdoor area is huge; it can fit 600. The highlight of this spot is the view: You can see all over Boulder, directly at the Flatirons and, of course, the big game.
The beer of choice for the ultimate Buff fan is Avery Brewing Company’s Stampede gold lager, a special beer made just for CU. Enjoy this crisp beer year-round and, as Avery puts it, “Every day is game day.”
Want to join the tailgate party? Check out CU’s tailgating tips. And don’t miss our story all about game day.
Where to Watch the Games
Of course, the biggest Buff fans will want to see the games in person at the stadium. But if you can’t score tickets or are looking for another idea, look for special “watch parties” around Boulder and beyond. In Boulder, you’ll find them at the Dark Horse. In Longmont, they’re at Old Chicago.
How to Celebrate
During football season, don’t miss the Pearl Street Stampede, a local tradition. The Pearl Street Stampede has been rocking downtown Boulder for more than 14 years. Hundreds of fans gather on the mall, starting at 7 p.m. outside the Boulder County Courthouse in the 1300 block of Pearl Street, and cheer as the Golden Buffalo Marching Band fills the air with music, in particular, CU’s fight songs.
You will also find the starting members of the football team and coaching staff at this kick-off party. The cheerleaders perform and Chip the mascot gets the crowd riled up.
One Response
The Boulder Arts & Crafts Gallery at 1421 Pearl St has beautiful jewelry, money clips, cuff links, flasks, along with wall art – all featuring buffaloes! Their stock is ever-changing – come to the store. It’s truly unique!