For media: Timeline, logistics for covering the Rocky Mountain Showdown’s return to CSU
Media contacts:
For inquiries related to CSU Athletics, please contact Ryan Pfeifer at [email protected]. For inquiries related to campus activities, leadership engagement and safety, please contact a member of the media relations team at [email protected].
One of the best rivalry games in college football is returning to Fort Collins for the first time since 1996, and the energy on the Colorado State University campus will be second to none in the days leading up to the big event.
This year’s Rocky Mountain Showdown marks the first time that Colorado State University’s football team has taken on the University of Colorado Boulder at Canvas Stadium since the state-of-the-art facility opened in 2017.
CSU has planned many events ahead of kickoff, slated for 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 14. Here’s a closer look at what’s happening on the CSU campus for the Rocky Mountain Showdown.
Note to reporters: Please contact [email protected] to coordinate on-site coverage of any of these events.
Thursday, Sept. 12
Ram Rally in Denver
When: 5:30-7 p.m.
Where: The ViewHouse Centennial at 7101 S. Clinton St., Centennial, Colorado.
Get pumped up for the big game with CSU alumni and Ram fans. Expect special appearances from the CSU cheerleaders and CAM the Ram. Register here.
Friday, Sept. 13
Grill the Buffs
When: 4-6 p.m.
Where: CSU Intramural Fields
Now in its 15th year, the Grill the Buffs event hosted by the Associated Students of CSU gives CSU students the opportunity to eat burgers ahead of the big football game against CU. Students and staff get free burgers at this year’s event; community members may purchase a burger, and CSU football coaches and players will be on hand to interact with fans. Veggie burgers are also available.
Live! At CSU: The Burroughs with Funky Business Band and DJ Jason Green
When: 4-9 p.m.
Where: CSU’s West Lawn
Stick around after Grill the Buffs for a live concert on CSU’s scenic West Lawn. This free event features live DJ sets, as well as a performance by Funky Business and the headlining act The Burroughs. Food trucks and drinks are available on-site for purchase.
Saturday, Sept. 14 – GAME DAY!
It’s game day! Here’s a rundown of the events happening on the CSU campus:
10 a.m.: Parking lots open. The CSU Bookstore in the Lory Student Center is also open for Ram fans;, and the coffee shop, restaurants and Ramskeller will be open during various hours.
1:30-5 p.m.: CSU’s official Ram Walk Tailgate on the Intramural Fields. This event includes a special appearance from the CSU marching band and spirit squad, as well as food and drink available for purchase. Local band Nothing but Nineties will perform from 3 to 5 p.m.
1:30-5 p.m.: The Iris and Michael Smith Alumni Center will host activities, including photo ops with CAM the Ram, a spirit station with beads, face tattoos, cookies and live music.
3:30 p.m.: The Canvas Stadium gates open.
4:37 p.m.: Join the CSU Marching Band and Spirit Squad on Meridian Avenue for the March to Victory Parade. This tradition ensures that all fans are in their seats for the pregame show, which begins 48 minutes prior to kickoff.
5 p.m.: The CSU Marching Band performs a pregame show.
5:30 p.m.: Kickoff!