Published: Aug. 28, 2008

University of Colorado at Boulder officials are urging CU fans to behave responsibly and to take buses or carpool with a designated driver to the Rocky Mountain Showdown football game between CU and CSU on Sunday, Aug. 31. at 5:30 p.m. at Invesco Field at Mile High stadium in Denver.

"I am encouraging our fans to have a safe and fun experience at the Rocky Mountain Showdown," said CU-Boulder Chancellor G.P. "Bud" Peterson. "At the same time, I want to remind all Buff fans that their conduct reflects upon the University of Colorado, so we want to put forth a positive statement about our character and our values. Show your true Buff spirit, but be safe and responsible in doing so."

Students who are planning to tailgate before the game in the Invesco Field at Mile High parking lot should be aware that local law enforcement will be out in full force before and after the game to ensure a safe game environment. The Denver Police Department will have officers identifying intoxicated individuals, underage drinkers and problem partiers in the parking lots.

"What we want to see is two engaged, spirited, excited groups of fans from CU and CSU, witnessing a friendly, but intense rivalry on the field," Peterson said. "What we don't want to see is fans competing to see who can be the most irresponsible, thereby endangering their own safety and that of other fans, and in the process, sending the wrong message about our respective institutions."

Officials are asking tailgaters to start entering the stadium at least an hour before kickoff in order to avoid a last-minute scramble to get into the stadium.

CU-Boulder student leaders also are asking fans to compete with class.

"Events such as the Rocky Mountain Showdown give our student body a chance to demonstrate who we are and what we stand for," said University of Colorado Student Union Tri-Executive Dustin Farivar. "We join Chancellor Peterson in encouraging all CU student fans to compete like a Buffalo with pride, passion and class."

Free transportation is available for CU students traveling from Boulder to Denver for the game. Buff buses will begin loading at the Coors Events/Conference Center at 3 p.m. and will be available for the first 800 students who arrive. Students will need to show their student IDs to board the buses, which will leave at 4 p.m. Students should board the buses immediately after the game to return to Boulder.

Regional Transportation District, or RTD, buses also will provide transportation to and from the game. Buses will depart for the game starting about two and a half hours before kickoff until about an hour before kickoff. Service will resume immediately following the game and will continue until 45 minutes after the game ends. For an RTD schedule visit / and click on "Special Rides."

For more information about the Rocky Mountain Showdown visit /, / or /.