There’s something magical about game day in Boulder. The air buzzes with anticipation, the Flatirons glow a little brighter, and the sound of cheers ripples through the city like a living heartbeat. On these days, Boulder isn’t just a place—it becomes a community, united under the black and gold banner of the Colorado Buffaloes.

Faces of Boulder: CU Buffs Edition captures that energy in full force. Fans from every walk of life—students, alumni, families, and lifelong residents—come together with painted faces, CU flags, and voices ready to roar. It’s not just football; it’s a celebration of identity, of belonging, and of pride in one of the most spirited universities in the nation.

Buffalo Phil is a what some would call a “super fan” of the Buffs (Photo Credit Travis Bildahl)

What makes CU game days so unique is the sheer variety of faces you’ll find in the crowd. There’s the group of students who camped out early just to snag the best spots. Alumni who can still recall their first Ralphie run like it happened yesterday. Parents who proudly bring their kids in tiny Buffs jerseys, hoping to pass the tradition along to the next generation. And, of course, the Boulder locals—who might not have gone to CU but know that when the Buffs play, the whole town shows up.

The electricity builds at Folsom Field, where the Flatirons loom in the background as though cheering along with the crowd. The sea of black and gold sways in unison, voices rising higher with every play. And just when the energy couldn’t get any more intense—there’s Ralphie, charging across the field, reminding everyone that Buff pride runs as wild and strong as Colorado itself.

But the celebration doesn’t stop at the stadium. Before kickoff, Pearl Street pulses with pre-game excitement, tailgates fire up across campus, and The Hill becomes a festival of food, laughter, and anticipation. The party spills from streets to stands, uniting fans in one unforgettable Boulder tradition.

Karen & Alex at the Sink

This is what Faces of Boulder is all about—spotlighting the people who make this town so vibrant. The Buffs may be the headline act, but it’s the faces in the crowd that tell the real story. From painted smiles to wide-eyed kids to die-hard alumni, Boulder’s CU Buffs Edition is a living portrait of pride, joy, and community.

So here’s to the Buffs. Here’s to the fans. And here’s to Boulder, where spirit runs deep and every face has a story to tell.

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