The University of Colorado Buffaloes vs. Cal-Berkeley Bears football game at Folsom Field on Sept. 10 is technically a nonconference game, but most in the campus community recognize that it's the beginning of a new era.
"The Pac-12 century has begun," said CU-Boulder Chancellor Philip P. DiStefano.
With CU's inaugural season in the Pac-12 conference, DiStefano, CU Athletic Director Mike Bohn and CU Police Chief Joe Roy are asking fans to "stand Shoulder to Shoulder to offer the best gameday experience among all schools in our new conference," said DiStefano.
"We want to be great hosts to our new friends from Cal, set a new standard of hospitality and sportsmanship that is unparalleled and support the Buffs with the class and courtesy our new conference embodies," said DiStefano.
In honor of the anniversary of 9/11, CU will be honoring First Responders at Saturday's game. During the pregame ceremony, First Responders will be invited to the north end zone for a video tribute, a moment of silence and the playing of the national anthem.
Folsom Field will open at noon and the game will begin at 1:30 p.m.
The security and safety protocols this year follow the model for all home games established in recent years. Fans are reminded that violations of banned substances and materials, or disruptive and unruly behavior, could result in fans being ejected from the game, according to CU Police officials.
Banned materials include alcoholic beverages, cans, glass bottles, gallon thermoses, ice chests of any size and liquid containers that are a gallon or more in size. Fans may bring only one non-disposable container no larger than two liters -- or one-half gallon -- into the stadium.
In addition to the ban on alcohol in the stadium, whole fruit, marshmallows and other items that could potentially injure other people if thrown, also are banned.
"Our goal is to maintain a safe and enjoyable stadium environment for all of the fans attending the game," said CU Police Chief Joe Roy. "We'd like everybody to enjoy the game without disturbances and unsafe distractions created by other fans."
Police and security personnel working games at Folsom Field will check for alcohol and other banned articles at all entry gates. Fans are encouraged to dispose of all prohibited items prior to entering the stadium.
Visibly intoxicated people will be denied admission to the stadium and people visibly intoxicated inside the stadium will be ejected. Underage persons caught with alcohol also will be ejected and issued summonses for "minor in possession."
"In our experience, there has been a correlation between excessive alcohol consumption and dangerous behavior in the stadium and after the game," Roy said. "We won't turn a blind eye to alcohol possession or abuse."
CU-Boulder students who are issued alcohol summonses also face judicial action by the university.
Fans ejected from a game may be denied access to subsequent games and their tickets may be confiscated, depending on the severity of the infraction. Unruly fans also may be arrested and face criminal prosecution.
"We're excited to be in a conference that embraces class and courtesy as a principle of its brand," said Bohn. "Our entire institution wants our athletic endeavors to showcase our campus culture and our community. We're eager to display the pride we get standing Shoulder to Shoulder with our surrounding communities and the fans, businesses and partners who support us."
Bohn urges fans to show good sportsmanship and work together to create a welcoming environment for all fans on game day. Fans also are encouraged to be aware of their gameday behavior, especially around families with children and opposing fans.
Fans can report unruly or dangerous behavior by texting CU a brief message and their seat location to 69050.
To avoid traffic complications during CU home games, alternative methods of transportation such as biking, carpooling or public transportation are recommended. On game days, RTD's BuffRide will operate throughout the Denver metro area. Buses begin departing about two and a half hours before kickoff from Park-n-Ride locations.
Fans also can park at the Table Mesa Park-n-Ride and take the Buff Shuttle, which will depart continuously from the Park-n-Ride beginning one and half hours before kickoff. Both RTD's BuffRide and the Buff Shuttle drop off and pick up at Folsom Street and Colorado Avenue. For Park-n-Ride locations and fare information visit www.rtd-denver.com/BuffRide.shtml.
Campus-operated Buff Buses also will be available for game attendees who park on CU's East Campus.
CU-Boulder parking permits are honored on game days. Public parking is available on campus for $20 per space; parking lots open on game days four hours before kickoff.
Accessible parking for persons with disabilities will be available at the Euclid Avenue Autopark on the main campus. Shuttles will be on hand to transport people between the parking structure, located east of the University Memorial Center, and the stadium before and after the game.
RV parking will be available in lot 470, west of the Wolf Law Building on the main campus. RV parking fees are $60, overnight parking is not allowed on campus. To view a table of RV parking options in Boulder County, visit www.colorado.edu/parking/events/sportsrec/documents/rvparking08-11.pdf.
For parking and transportation questions please call the Parking and Transportation Services Business Office at 303-492-7384 or email pts.business@colorado.edu.
