Boulder would never allow CU to have more than 50,000 people at a game.
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TN VOLS fans coming to UCLA/Colorado game
- Thread starter UTVols
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WarBuff
Club Member
I think it comes down to a couple of issues. Many long time natives lean towards supporting CSU, being a land grant school and how much of the state has historically been agricultural. CU was seen as the school the out-of-state kids and local snobs attended. Also, so many people here are transplants and they support their Alma mater that CU just doesn't register. It may take some time for that to change if the transplants kids stay home and allegiances are shifted. Until then it seems like CU is treated as an entertainment venue. People will go if the game is more attractive than anything else that day.
Agree.
And this is why I am so adamant about CU needing to advertise and promote itself around the entire state while making a huge effort to connect to people outside the metro. Also people inside the metro, particularly by playing the long game by connecting with them at a young age in the schools and youth athletics programs.
Get Dr. Phil on this, stat!
There are a lot of inconsistencies and strange arguments here. For example, you claim that we have 40K people who show up from within an hour drive and are not even passionate enough to arrive early or stay late. Yet this is somehow supposed to support the idea that we need RV lots? To me it does the opposite.
And then there's the circular logic of "more successful" CFB programs have better and more extensive tailgating options. As if somehow these programs created an RV lot and success and fans followed shortly thereafter. Look, we are all really excited this weekend that we are on the verge of getting 50k through the gates, but that would make only the second sellout in the last 8 or so years. We are not yet to the point in our fandom where we can match those programs. I simply do not see how creating a niche tailgate scene, rather than just making gameday upgrades across the spectrum, will lead to some untapped fan base that has been purposefully ignoring the Buffs.
And then you get into the flawed idea that it's a cheese and wine crowd at Folsom most Saturdays. People looking down their noses at the typical CFB fan. This has never been my experience at Folsom. Are there stuffy donors and alum at CU, sure, but this is true across the CFB landscape and they are the minority. I believe you would be hard pressed to find a real contingent of CU fans who would shun t-shirt fans coming on board to support the program.
Overall I would rather see CU spend our limited budget on facility upgrades around Folsom and Balch, rather than creating a space for RVs that may or may not ever show up. If we can compete for conference titles year after year, and the fanbase grows, I could certainly support revisiting the idea.
Glad to hear you are on board with creating an RV friendly CFB paradise. Every fan helps!
WarBuff
Club Member
Unsure if my family doesn't hurt CU here. My CU graduate kids (OK maybe me too) treat the CSEwe, Wasted State, Univ of No Credit, Fort Loser, etc. (even the no-dating nerds at Mines) graduates as losers. Even my wife refers to us as CU snobs. It would be a lot easier to be humble, but we did graduate from CU and they didn't so...........
Give it a try for the Nebraska game next year. Designate a distant lot as rv only and sell the spots exclusively to Nebraska fans for $1000 a pop. The school will make some money and keep all their fans isolated in one convenient spot. As a bonus, instead of just keying their minivans and tripping grandma’s during the game, we’d have a couple of days to **** with them and do some serious damage to their $100k rv’s
perfect idea so once all in their RV lot we know exactly where to throw the piss & nail filled balloons....
WarBuff
Club Member
Tow them all out during the game, impound them and hand 'em towing invoices for the value of their converted combine.
I don't see any inconsistencies or circular arguments. You seem to not be grasping what I'm saying.
1. Many of the fans we have are good ones. However, it is a limited market that has not grown as the state has grown. It's very much a local alumni focus and that is not nearly enough. It does not have much reach beyond people who are within an hour's drive. I am saying to reach out to people who don't fit that profile and have amenities that make it easier and more welcoming for them to make CU football something people plan for as a long weekend event. We don't currently have that culture. Hell, I don't even see travel packages getting advertised for people to get discount rates on hotels, public transportation, etc. if they come in from out of town. Maybe we do that, but I haven't heard of it so if we do then the promotion of it is severely lacking.
2. My experience with the donor crowd is that they treat it like an exclusive club. That is not the majority of fans, but the organizations are filled with folks who are old and tired. They don't seem to particularly want younger people crashing their party. That's a problem and it's better at other places. For instance, I have personal experience with having completed my undergrad degree at a Penn State satellite campus. Every single time I have moved, I have somehow been contacted despite never donating or being involved and been invited to functions (including the homes of local alums for pool parties that weren't even watch parties). CU does not have that culture among its alums. The outreach to Colorado communities is even more lacking. Where is the CU bar in every town? Where is the Buff gear, schedule, watch parties and signage in every townie bar across this state?
3. We don't disagree on needing to spend money on upgrading the game day experience inside and outside the stadium. Part of that is that CU needs to make it easier and more attractive to come to Boulder for a game. For many people, this would mean a significant investment of time and money. I seriously question whether CU really wants the type of scene where a home football game is a 3-day celebration that causes disruption to the campus for a couple days. I want CU to embrace that disruption as a hugely positive goal that would be a wonderful thing for the university.
I happen to think RVs are an eye-sore. I do think Nik’s idea of using a remote part of the campus for RV parking is more likely. If this happened, my infrequent tailgating will be unaffected since the tailgates I visit are in more desirable areas of campus.
The bulk of my arguments are based in my experience planning/running events on the CU-Boulder main campus. This why I asked the pro-RV crowd to start the initiative to make this happen. A letter to the AD is insufficient because it’ll go into the “thanks for your feedback” folder and never thought of again.
What I think the folks who wants RVs are discounting are:
1. The number of people who will have their say on this matter within the CU admin
2. The negative attitude many people have about football/football fans on the CU campus who will voice their opposition to an RV park setup for games
3. The inevitable vocal opposition from the surrounding community and their influence on campus decision-makers
These are realities. Just because some people on this fan site dislike like those realities, that doesn’t negate their existence. The Boulder Main Campus and surrounding community are very unique places. Part of that uniqueness is that there are many influential people who want the campus to look a particular way. This will be a fight. I imagine this is why no one here will do anything of substance to make this happen.
The bulk of my arguments are based in my experience planning/running events on the CU-Boulder main campus. This why I asked the pro-RV crowd to start the initiative to make this happen. A letter to the AD is insufficient because it’ll go into the “thanks for your feedback” folder and never thought of again.
What I think the folks who wants RVs are discounting are:
1. The number of people who will have their say on this matter within the CU admin
2. The negative attitude many people have about football/football fans on the CU campus who will voice their opposition to an RV park setup for games
3. The inevitable vocal opposition from the surrounding community and their influence on campus decision-makers
These are realities. Just because some people on this fan site dislike like those realities, that doesn’t negate their existence. The Boulder Main Campus and surrounding community are very unique places. Part of that uniqueness is that there are many influential people who want the campus to look a particular way. This will be a fight. I imagine this is why no one here will do anything of substance to make this happen.
I really think the South Campus is the answer for this. The city seems to want to make sure that the area remains wetlands with hiking & fishing to a large degree anyway. So why not have an RV lot there that can be used by nature lovers 350 days a year and football can dominate for the rest?
Like I said, I think that IF something like this happened, I agree with you that the south campus would be the perfect spot. I think you should spearhead this movement!
I’m just saying that effort will come with a fight from folks who barely tolerate football/football fans as it stands.
DrunkRalphie
Well-Known Member
I've been accused of being the "CU snob" before by graduates of other Colorado universities. I find it totally bizarre. As much as I love the Buffs it isn't all that hard of a school to get into relatively speaking. I consider the people that accuse me of being a snob total morons. Not to mention it is the state's flagship and a top public university in the world.
I'm willing to bring my 4x4 Sprinter van decked out with CU Logos, flying flags, and bumper grill when the pilot program kicks off.
I would spearhead it if I actually did any RVing.
Mostly it just feels like a major missed opportunity to me. As a businessperson, that drives me crazy. Broncos have an RV lot. Wyoming has a successful RV scene. It's not the foreign concept some people seem to think it is.
I totally agree that it's an issue with campus where parking and traffic are problems and the majority of university employees are against any events - but particularly concerts and sports - disrupting their normal patterns on campus. It's also a major thing for the city of Boulder where traffic congestion is one of the biggest problems and you also have a lot of new hotels that don't want to see a growth in alternate accommodations.
But at the end of the day what we should want is an expansion of the idea of CU football being an EVENT that is a draw for people around the state and celebrates state pride through the flagship team & university. Accommodating the RV tailgater is a piece to that puzzle.
This thing is getting past the point of being ridiculous.
Nobody is talking about turning the campus into a giant KOA with miniature golf courses and shower huts.
We are talking about designating one lot, one space on campus that would allow a limited number (initially I would guess no more that 50-100, maybe even less)
These are self contained units. On most campuses they don't do water and sewer connections, many don't do electrical although for Boulder it would make sense since one of the negatives about the RVs is that when they don't have electrical service they run generators which is noisy and smelly. By the way we also have plenty of generators running at the current tailgates so this wouldn't be new either but for stays overnight the generator noise is bothersome.
Payoff on the cost of installing the electric hookups would be very short. Other cost would be minimal.
This wouldn't take away from other existing tailgate areas, it isn't going to crowd people out, it isn't going to result in permanent RV residents on campus.
It is one simple lot for some RVs. As mentioned before these are people who have money, money they could be adding to the program and money to spend in the community.
If individuals don't want to tailgate with an RV fine, keep doing what you are doing, this won't stop that. All it does is add one more option for a limited number of people who are willing to pay for the privilege of spending 48-72 hours on campus 6-7 times per year.
Nobody is talking about turning the campus into a giant KOA with miniature golf courses and shower huts.
We are talking about designating one lot, one space on campus that would allow a limited number (initially I would guess no more that 50-100, maybe even less)
These are self contained units. On most campuses they don't do water and sewer connections, many don't do electrical although for Boulder it would make sense since one of the negatives about the RVs is that when they don't have electrical service they run generators which is noisy and smelly. By the way we also have plenty of generators running at the current tailgates so this wouldn't be new either but for stays overnight the generator noise is bothersome.
Payoff on the cost of installing the electric hookups would be very short. Other cost would be minimal.
This wouldn't take away from other existing tailgate areas, it isn't going to crowd people out, it isn't going to result in permanent RV residents on campus.
It is one simple lot for some RVs. As mentioned before these are people who have money, money they could be adding to the program and money to spend in the community.
If individuals don't want to tailgate with an RV fine, keep doing what you are doing, this won't stop that. All it does is add one more option for a limited number of people who are willing to pay for the privilege of spending 48-72 hours on campus 6-7 times per year.
Norlin quad seems the obvious place for the RV lot.
Deleted member 807
Guest
There already is an RV parking policy on campus. Just not overnight. And it’s limited.
The no overnight policy makes it tough for a night game in an RV. Boulder County Fairgrounds is a long way off up in Longmont. And there isn’t even a Walmart lot in town.
A real limitation to RVing is that there isn’t much open green space within walking distance of the stadium.
I can’t see any obvious locations to put permanent RV hookups within walking distance. The on campus options would be limited and have to be off grid. (Hello sound of generators)
-Down by and on the practice field (not going to happen w/ student housing)
- East Campus in the lot south of Prentup or on NE of Potts
- Near WillVill (E of the dorm lots or on field near the presidents house
- Big lot just south of ARCE
- South Campus
None are ideal because they’d all require a shuttle.
As good as it gets IMO are those 15 tennis courts near Harvest House. The courts take up a lot of otherwise useable space. Just opening up half of the tennis courts to overnight RV parking could accommodate 100 or so units. But even at $200 per night, there really isn’t much meat on the bones for all that hassle.
The no overnight policy makes it tough for a night game in an RV. Boulder County Fairgrounds is a long way off up in Longmont. And there isn’t even a Walmart lot in town.
A real limitation to RVing is that there isn’t much open green space within walking distance of the stadium.
I can’t see any obvious locations to put permanent RV hookups within walking distance. The on campus options would be limited and have to be off grid. (Hello sound of generators)
-Down by and on the practice field (not going to happen w/ student housing)
- East Campus in the lot south of Prentup or on NE of Potts
- Near WillVill (E of the dorm lots or on field near the presidents house
- Big lot just south of ARCE
- South Campus
None are ideal because they’d all require a shuttle.
As good as it gets IMO are those 15 tennis courts near Harvest House. The courts take up a lot of otherwise useable space. Just opening up half of the tennis courts to overnight RV parking could accommodate 100 or so units. But even at $200 per night, there really isn’t much meat on the bones for all that hassle.
My objections are pretty limited, but rather straightforward.
1. I believe the funds can be used for more necessary and impactful projects.
2. I do not see a need being served by this project. I am unaware of any big clamor from millionaires with RVs just wishing they could attend CU games.
1. I believe the funds can be used for more necessary and impactful projects.
2. I do not see a need being served by this project. I am unaware of any big clamor from millionaires with RVs just wishing they could attend CU games.
Does anyone take advantage of the on campus RV option now?
I realize you just joined last year, but CU drew over 50k for Utah in 2016. It's going to happen tomorrow as well.
Hang in, man. '16 was a blast and this year will be too!
The arguments seem to be getting blurred here. I don't think anyone is really all that opposed to having a designated RV parking lot for tailgating before the game. That's not a big deal, but what is a bigger issue and takes more planning, resources, money, etc is essentially creating an RV park relatively close to the stadium where people can have a 2-3 day event, which was the crux of the original point that sparked this whole debate. Side note: The Broncos do not allow RV parking for 2-3 days prior to the game, so we can stop with that comparison.
In the lots out by Wolf Law, yes there are RV's every week.
I mean, not really. They have to park lengthwise across like 6 spots because there are no pull through spaces.
We bought a trailer this summer with an outdoor kitchen - perfect for tailgating. We looked at bringing it up to a game but have decided against it because getting around to the Law School parking lot and the Kittridge spots would be a b*tch. That isn't exactly the easiest spot to roll up to with a camper attached. It also would be too far for my parents to walk to the stadium from there. But when I told dear SEC husband about this thread, he said, "Sign us up - we would camp out every home game weekend". As long as he would have his TV to watch other games and a bed to pass out in at night, our family would be there.
Some CU friends of mine rented an RV in Washington DC & drove down to Athens in 2006. They said the RV parties were awesome and it seemed like a group of fans who had become family to each other.
https://www.colorado.edu/pts/sites/default/files/attached-files/2018_cu_football_parking_map_0.pdf
RV parking 414 and 470 - I usually see one r two parked in 470. Really do not think CU is a BIG RV tailgater
need to focus on improving the sound system. Focus on what's needed 1st then smaller less important projects.
RV parking 414 and 470 - I usually see one r two parked in 470. Really do not think CU is a BIG RV tailgater
need to focus on improving the sound system. Focus on what's needed 1st then smaller less important projects.