Colorado Athletics Introduces Inaugural Pearl Street “SLAMpede”
September 28, 2026 | General, Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball
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Community event will showcase both women’s and men’s basketball programs ahead of their 2026-27 seasons
BOULDER – The University of Colorado's two basketball teams will be taking over downtown Boulder on the evening of Friday, Oct. 16 as part of the first-ever Pearl Street SLAMpede, a free community event that will celebrate CU's women's and men's basketball programs.
While the Pearl Street Stampede has long been a favorite way for Buffs fans to get ready for home football games, the SLAMpede puts a roundball spin on the treasured Boulder tradition. In addition to Stampede staples like a parade and pep-rally, the SLAMpede will include a basketball skills showcase on a court created on Pearl Street in front of the historic Boulder County Courthouse.
"The Pearl Street SLAMpede, the first of its kind at CU, is a way for us to share our incredible women's and men's basketball programs with the Boulder community," said CU Director of Athletics Fernando Lovo. "Boulder loves our basketball teams and when the CU Events Center is packed, it's as tough of an environment for opponents as any in the country. The SLAMpede is an opportunity for us to thank the community for its support and add to the excitement and anticipation for the start of basketball season while showcasing our amazing student-athletes."
The SLAMpede starts with the traditional parade down Pearl Street behind the iconic Tebo firetruck at 6:45 p.m. and progresses east from 11th Street to the Boulder County Court House. Once arriving at the court house, both teams will participate in a pep-rally starting at 7:10 p.m. which will include team introductions and speeches from men's basketball Head Coach Tad Boyle and women's basketball Head Coach JR Payne.
"We're really excited to be able to take part in the SLAMpede," said Payne. "I think it's going to be a great event, not only for the basketball teams at CU, but for the entire community. Basketball season is one of the most exciting seasons of the year in any college town, and I think for us to be able to bring the community, the Athletic Department, and the greater campus community together is huge."
After the pep-rally the teams will participate in a series of skills competitions, including a 3-point shooting contest, a game of Knockout, and a dunk contest in front of a panel of judges. The event will end at around 8:20 p.m. with a chance for fans to get autographs and photos with players from both teams. The SLAMpede will also include a DJ, games, and giveaways throughout the evening.
"The SLAMpede gives the community an opportunity to see our guys, maybe interact with them and get to know them," said Boyle. "We've got great young men who are great people, and they're great members of the campus community. I want them to be great members of the Boulder community. If you get to know our guys, you're going to like our guys, and you're going to like our team because we've got really good people who are representing us. The SLAMpede is a great opportunity to interact with the Boulder community and for us to give thanks for the support that the Boulder community gives our basketball program."
Basketball season at Colorado officially begins on Nov. 2 when the men open up their 2026-27 campaign against Abilene Christian at the CU Events Center. The women will start their regular season two days later when they welcome Morgan State to CUEC on Nov. 4. Season tickets for both the men's team and the women's team are on sale now. Mini-plans and single-game tickets for both programs go on sale on Sept. 29 and Oct. 7, respectively.
While the Pearl Street Stampede has long been a favorite way for Buffs fans to get ready for home football games, the SLAMpede puts a roundball spin on the treasured Boulder tradition. In addition to Stampede staples like a parade and pep-rally, the SLAMpede will include a basketball skills showcase on a court created on Pearl Street in front of the historic Boulder County Courthouse.
"The Pearl Street SLAMpede, the first of its kind at CU, is a way for us to share our incredible women's and men's basketball programs with the Boulder community," said CU Director of Athletics Fernando Lovo. "Boulder loves our basketball teams and when the CU Events Center is packed, it's as tough of an environment for opponents as any in the country. The SLAMpede is an opportunity for us to thank the community for its support and add to the excitement and anticipation for the start of basketball season while showcasing our amazing student-athletes."
The SLAMpede starts with the traditional parade down Pearl Street behind the iconic Tebo firetruck at 6:45 p.m. and progresses east from 11th Street to the Boulder County Court House. Once arriving at the court house, both teams will participate in a pep-rally starting at 7:10 p.m. which will include team introductions and speeches from men's basketball Head Coach Tad Boyle and women's basketball Head Coach JR Payne.
"We're really excited to be able to take part in the SLAMpede," said Payne. "I think it's going to be a great event, not only for the basketball teams at CU, but for the entire community. Basketball season is one of the most exciting seasons of the year in any college town, and I think for us to be able to bring the community, the Athletic Department, and the greater campus community together is huge."
After the pep-rally the teams will participate in a series of skills competitions, including a 3-point shooting contest, a game of Knockout, and a dunk contest in front of a panel of judges. The event will end at around 8:20 p.m. with a chance for fans to get autographs and photos with players from both teams. The SLAMpede will also include a DJ, games, and giveaways throughout the evening.
"The SLAMpede gives the community an opportunity to see our guys, maybe interact with them and get to know them," said Boyle. "We've got great young men who are great people, and they're great members of the campus community. I want them to be great members of the Boulder community. If you get to know our guys, you're going to like our guys, and you're going to like our team because we've got really good people who are representing us. The SLAMpede is a great opportunity to interact with the Boulder community and for us to give thanks for the support that the Boulder community gives our basketball program."
Basketball season at Colorado officially begins on Nov. 2 when the men open up their 2026-27 campaign against Abilene Christian at the CU Events Center. The women will start their regular season two days later when they welcome Morgan State to CUEC on Nov. 4. Season tickets for both the men's team and the women's team are on sale now. Mini-plans and single-game tickets for both programs go on sale on Sept. 29 and Oct. 7, respectively.
Sunday, September 27
Sunday, September 27
Sunday, September 27
Sunday, September 27
