Tips for enjoying the Rocky Mountain Showdown
CU’s football season kicks off Saturday with the first game against the CSU Rams at Invesco Field.
Many students consider this the most important game of the season for the Buffs because losing to your rival can be a serious blow to any school’s morale.
Sometimes fans can take the competition too far.
If you suddenly feel the urge to have a smack down with a CSU fan, or if you simply aren’t familiar with the rules at Invesco Field, it might help to know some football etiquette.
Road rage is dangerous. If you see a car decked out with CSU bumper stickers and flags on your way to the game, it is probably not a good idea to tailgate them or cut them off. If you get into an accident, you won’t even make it to the game.
Taunting the CSU fans is also a recipe for disaster, especially after people have been tailgating since 7 in the morning. An argument can become physical very quickly, and you don’t want to leave the stadium in a police car.
“Excessive drinking is one of the main causes behind assaults at the football games,” said CU Police Department spokesman Brad Wiesley.
Security will be patting down everyone who enters the stadium and searching all bags. If you are trying to enter the stadium with alcohol or other prohibited items, you won’t be allowed in.
According to the regulations for Saturday’s game, if you are caught with alcohol inside the stadium, you will be leaving immediately. Even if you are 21 or older, you are not allowed to possess alcohol during the game.
If you are bothered by the behavior of other fans, you can always call the hotline number established for security to deal with unruly fans: 303-735-BUFF.
“If someone is being disruptive and you don’t want to confront them, security is always ready to handle the situation,” said Kevin Lee, associate executive director of University Communications.
CU also has a campaign for etiquette during athletic events called “Competing with Class.” The campaign promotes treating other fans and players with respect, so that they will return the favor.
“We ask our fans to be civil to the refs, the visiting team and their fans, as well as our own team and fans,” Lee said.
Many CU students have friends that go to CSU, often making the rivalry more heated.
Game day can turn friend into enemies, so it is always important to remember that the rivalry isn’t worth losing a friendship.
“I think the rivalry is what makes the game so fun for everyone,” said Stephanie Slaughter, a junior news-editorial major.
If you do break the rules at the game you can be kicked out of the stadium if security feels it is necessary. All violations of stadium regulations will be reported to CU for disciplinary action.
“Enjoy the game, enjoy the rivalry and root hard for your team, but watch out for some of the things that can get you into trouble,” Wiesley said.
If all else fails and you still feel like starting a riot, it might help to remind yourself of CU’s long tradition of winning the Rocky Mountain Showdown. Since the two schools first met on the field in 1893, they have played 78 games, with CU winning the Centennial Cup 57 times.
Contact Campus Press staff writer Amanda Walck at
amanda.walck@thecampuspress.com
