University of Colorado Athletics
CU Athletics Begins New Tailgating Tradition: Ralphie’s Road Presented by Toyota
August 13, 2026 | Football, General
Free Pre-Game Street Party to Provide Entertainment for Fans Prior to Home Football Games
Boulder, Colo – This University of Colorado football season will feature a new tailgate tradition outside Folsom Field with the addition of Ralphie's Road presented by Toyota, a free street party on Colorado Avenue outside the south end of the stadium.
The first of its kind at CU, Ralphie's Road will transform the gameday experience by featuring a large TV screen to watch the day's college football action, a DJ, food trucks, beverage vendors, and interactive games for fans of all ages. Fans in Ralphie's Road will also be able to see the football team arrive before the game and will get a first-look at Colorado's iconic live mascot Ralphie as her trailer makes its way to the stadium.
"Game day at Folsom Field is an experience that fans have cherished for generations and I'm excited to elevate that incredible atmosphere with the addition of Ralphie's Road," said Fernando Lovo, CU Director of Athletics. "This all-inclusive new tradition is designed to bring all Buffs fans of all ages together to enjoy the splendor of one of college football's most spectacular destinations while ratcheting up excitement to cheer on the Buffs! With Ralphie's Road adding to our pre-existing tailgate traditions on Franklin Field and Chip's Kids Club, the pre-game experience at Folsom Field in 2026 promises to be better than ever."
Ralphie's Road will open three hours before every home football game and will remain open until 30 minutes prior to kickoff. The traditional Team Arrival will now include Ralphie's Road, in addition to the previous path through Franklin Field, with fans being able to watch coaches and players make their way to the locker room at approximately two and half hours before kick. Ralphie herself will make an appearance in the new tailgate area 90 minutes before the start of the game, with her trailer passing through on its way to her staging area inside the stadium.
In addition to Ralphie's Road, Chip's Kids Club Presented by Children's Hospital, will be returning this year at its typical location on Duane Field, with interactive games for the kids. Franklin Field, which will be the home of the pre-game radio show featuring "Voice of the Buffs" Mark Johnson, will also once again be available for tailgating through the Buff Club.
The Buffaloes open the 2026 football season on Sept. 3 at Georgia Tech in front of a national TV audience on ESPN before returning to Boulder for their home opener against Weber State on Sept. 12. Single-game tickets, season tickets, and mini-plans are available now.
The first of its kind at CU, Ralphie's Road will transform the gameday experience by featuring a large TV screen to watch the day's college football action, a DJ, food trucks, beverage vendors, and interactive games for fans of all ages. Fans in Ralphie's Road will also be able to see the football team arrive before the game and will get a first-look at Colorado's iconic live mascot Ralphie as her trailer makes its way to the stadium.
"Game day at Folsom Field is an experience that fans have cherished for generations and I'm excited to elevate that incredible atmosphere with the addition of Ralphie's Road," said Fernando Lovo, CU Director of Athletics. "This all-inclusive new tradition is designed to bring all Buffs fans of all ages together to enjoy the splendor of one of college football's most spectacular destinations while ratcheting up excitement to cheer on the Buffs! With Ralphie's Road adding to our pre-existing tailgate traditions on Franklin Field and Chip's Kids Club, the pre-game experience at Folsom Field in 2026 promises to be better than ever."
Ralphie's Road will open three hours before every home football game and will remain open until 30 minutes prior to kickoff. The traditional Team Arrival will now include Ralphie's Road, in addition to the previous path through Franklin Field, with fans being able to watch coaches and players make their way to the locker room at approximately two and half hours before kick. Ralphie herself will make an appearance in the new tailgate area 90 minutes before the start of the game, with her trailer passing through on its way to her staging area inside the stadium.
In addition to Ralphie's Road, Chip's Kids Club Presented by Children's Hospital, will be returning this year at its typical location on Duane Field, with interactive games for the kids. Franklin Field, which will be the home of the pre-game radio show featuring "Voice of the Buffs" Mark Johnson, will also once again be available for tailgating through the Buff Club.
The Buffaloes open the 2026 football season on Sept. 3 at Georgia Tech in front of a national TV audience on ESPN before returning to Boulder for their home opener against Weber State on Sept. 12. Single-game tickets, season tickets, and mini-plans are available now.
Thursday, August 13
Thursday, August 13
Tuesday, August 11
Tuesday, August 11