CU-Boulder students are being reminded to arrive early for this week's homecoming game against Oklahoma State University, to avoid overcrowding at student gates.
A last-minute rush at the CU-CSU game resulted in delayed access to the stadium and some jostled and disgruntled ticket holders. Game time is 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct 9.
"The congestion at the CSU game was an unusual occurrence, but one that could have been avoided easily," said Jim Fadenrecht, CU-Boulder's director of public safety. "A very large number of ticket holders entered through the student gates, all at once, about 15 to 25 minutes before game time. Other than that, we were pleased with the behavior of our fans."
Ticket holders entering through the student gates are encouraged to arrive at least 30 to 40 minutes prior to game time to ensure ample time to be seated before kickoff.
There were no significant overcrowding problems at student gates for the Sept. 18 North Texas game but officials are concerned that overcrowding could happen again.
To help celebrate homecoming, special "Shoulder to Shoulder" gold T-shirts will be on sale for $6 from 4:45 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. at Friday's Homecoming Parade on the Hill, and also from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. near Gate 5 on game day. The T-shirt sale was initiated by volunteers from the Residence Hall Association and other students interested in demonstrating school pride and in showing support for their fellow students on the football team.
As with the CSU and North Texas games, CU's Compete With Class policies will be in effect for the Oklahoma State game. Fans will be reminded to obey sportsmanship rules via stadium public address announcements to be broadcast prior to the game. During the first timeout of each first quarter, a video BuffVision feature will be shown asking for positive fan behavior. Questionable replays will be replayed at full speed, but not in slow motion. Nothing will be run on video boards that is disrespectful to opponents or their fans.
Goalposts will continue to be removed as soon as possible after the end of football games, whether the game ends in victory or defeat. Fans will be reminded to stay off the playing surface after the game.
Prohibited items include any alcohol, marshmallows, tortillas, whole fruit, gallon thermoses, ice chests, cans, glass and disposable bottles. No objects may be thrown, verbal abuse is not permitted and disorderly conduct will not be allowed. Fans are allowed to bring in non-disposable containers smaller than one-half gallon or two liters, and one factory-sealed bottle of water of less than one liter.
Marshmallows have been banned from Folsom Field because some fans have chosen to put small batteries, rocks and quarters into them, making them a dangerous projectile. Fan injuries prompted the ban. The CU Police Department offers an amnesty program of sorts: Prohibited items may be left at collection points without penalty if deposited before entering stadium gates.
Violators of stadium rules may be denied access and have tickets confiscated. They may be ejected for the entire season, subject to arrest and criminal prosecution and -- if they are CU students -- subject to Judicial Affairs referral.
Under CU-Boulder's revised alcohol policy, students may be suspended for an entire semester upon receiving a second alcohol-related offense, if already on probation for the first offense. That could mean the loss of more than $14,000 in tuition and room-and-board deposits for a non-resident student, or $6,000 for a resident.
Fans are reminded that any abusive behavior should be reported to a radio-equipped security staff or the police immediately.