Folsom Field is known for its exciting football team, stadium, mascots, and memories. But it’s not just sports. Many memories were made at the concerts performed at Folsom Field by artists including the Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac and the Grateful Dead.
The stadium took a 15-year break from hosting concerts due to a $15,000 fine incurred by artists playing past curfew. However, in 2016, Dead & Company started playing almost every summer. This summer, two new artists entered the history books for Folsom: Odesza, an electronic DJ duo, hosting their “The Last Goodbye Finale” tour on June 29, and Tyler Childers, coming up on Aug. 17.
With Dead & Company moving to the Sphere in Las Vegas, the stadium was once again only going to be used for six to seven home games, graduation and the Bolder Boulder. Having Odesza and Tyler Childers perform at Folsom Field this summer has kept the stadium busy and relevant.
Lauren Mooney, a CU Boulder student who attended “The Last Goodbye Finale” tour, said the experience was “magical.”
“It was definitely a little weird, seeing people in all sorts of outfits ranging from rave fits to Odesza merch to full onesies. [It was] different from the usual CU apparel, but I loved to see it. There were also people of all ages there. A nice couple of moms sat behind us [and some] alums were next to us,” Mooney said. “The concert was incredible. The music brought people together. The visuals, lights and fireworks were all breathtaking,”
Concertgoers traveled from all over Colorado, including a group that had seen Odesza ten times. Electronic dance and house music are particularly popular in Boulder, and Odesza’s performance attracted many CU students who received a student discount on their tickets.
“Being from Denver, I was excited to go to a new venue,” said Trinaty Graff, a CU Anschutz student. “Most concerts in the summer end up at Red Rocks, which I love, but Folsom was different, and the energy was different. I’ve been to Folsom Field for a couple games, including the Rocky Mountain Showdown, which was a mess. Seeing new and better organizations and security was reassuring.”
While the concert was mostly safe, one person did suffer a stabbing injury. The individual was stabbed in his hand during an assault in a stairwell at Folsom Field around 11:30 p.m. during the Odesza concert. The victim was transported to the hospital with minor injuries and the CU Boulder’s Police Department is investigating the crime.
But despite occasional issues, Folsom Field remains a beloved venue for CU students and alumni. Every fall, it welcomes 50,183 CU fans for football games. The upcoming 2024 season marks the 100th year of the Buffs playing home games on the “hilltop,” with a rejuvenated fanbase due to Deion Sanders’ arrival as head coach.
“I think Deion ‘Coach Prime’ Sanders has significantly changed CU. The Prime Effect is real, and his approach to life and football are amazing. I feel like Boulder always had great things to offer, but his ability to put a spotlight on things and show the entire world what we already knew is second to none,” said Curtis Snyder, associate athletic director for athletic communications.
The stadium’s ability to host both football games and concerts keeps it bustling. Folsom Field offers something for everyone, whether it’s the thrill of a last-minute touchdown or the magic of a fireworks-filled concert night. This diversity of events draws people from all over Colorado, creating a shared space where memories are made.
“Folsom has history, culture, and an amazing view of the Rockies that no other school can compete with. It also has the two best mascots in college sports,” said the university’s mascot, Chip.
“Folsom Field is special because of the energy of the arena that fans, faculty, students, and alumni bring to the arena,” added Katie Konin, a 2023 alumna. “The most special thing about Folsom, though, is, of course, seeing Ralphie run!”
The stadium plays a crucial part in CU students’ college experience, starting at orientation when students learn the school’s fight song, see Ralphie take off and don Buff gear for the first time. Through their college years, Folsom is the backdrop to many formative moments, ending with commencement.
“I remember looking around, just feeling elated and excited for what was to come. It felt like a true full-circle moment when I graduated and sat on the field at Folsom in the pouring rain and once again looked around with that same happiness and excitement for what was to come next. You could say my college experience was somewhat centered around Folsom Field,” Konin said.
Colorado is known for its breathtaking outdoor venues, including Red Rocks, Mishawaka Amphitheater, Ford Amphitheater and Planet Bluegrass Ranch. Although Folsom may have a different look from the more natural features of these venues, it’s a must-visit for its beautiful views, according to CU SID emeritus and athletic historian Dave Plati.
“It’s iconic in its own way—the stands on the east and west sides are right up against the field, maybe 12 feet from the sideline. The spectacular view of the Continental Divide from the east stands, and the Front Range when looking to the north; the fact that the stadium was constructed in a ravine; thus, it doesn’t tower from the outside like most do. It’s literally less than five miles from the Rocky Mountain foothills,” Plati said.
Folsom Field is more than just a place; it’s a symbol of the community, history, and diverse experiences that define CU Boulder. Whether through the cheers of a football game or the beats of a concert, it remains a beacon of excitement and unity.
“I felt pride seeing one of the most incredible groups perform at my own football stadium. It brought to light how incredible our stadium truly is. It isn’t just for football; it can be transformed and used for many other purposes,” Mooney said.
