Let’s all take a second to thank the powers that be for scheduling the biggest college football rivalry game in Colorado during the height of weekend rush hour traffic in the heart of Denver.
OK…
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, here’s everything you need to know if you plan on attending Friday night’s 8 p.m. Rocky Mountain Showdown between CU and CSU at Broncos Stadium at Mile High:
Parking
Lots around the stadium will open at 4 p.m., with first-come, first-serve parking expected to be sold out by 6 p.m. Those without pre-purchased permits planning to arrive after 5 p.m. are encouraged to avoid the area around the stadium and instead park near the Pepsi Center.
CU fans coming south on I-25 are encouraged to use one of the following access routes to get to the south side lots:
- Exit I-25 at 8th Avenue onto Zuni. Head North on Zuni.
- Exit I-25 at 6th Avenue. Exit 6th Avenue at Federal Boulevard and head North to Howard Place.
- Exit I-25 at Colfax Avenue and head West to Eliot Slip Ramp or Federal Boulevard.
CSU fans coming from I-25 are encouraged to use one of following access routes to get to the north side lots:
- Exit I-25 at Colfax Avenue. Head west on Colfax to Federal Boulevard. North on Federal Boulevard to 20th Avenue.
- Exit I-25 at 20th/23rd Ave. (EXIT 211) and follow the ramp South to the three way stop at 20th and Mile High Stadium Circle.
- Exit I-25 at 6th Avenue. 6th Avenue West to Federal Exit. North on Federal to 18th, 19th or 20th Avenue.
Tailgating
Those wishing to tailgate will be directed to spaces along the perimeter of the parking lots, where they can set up shop on adjacent landscaped areas (grass hills, gravel, etc.).
The following are prohibited during tailgating: oversized tailgates that block drive lanes, box trucks, glass bottles, kegs, open-flame fires and blocking/tailgating in parking spaces.
Tailgate parties must conclude at 7 p.m.
Broncos Stadium info
Premium gates open at 6 p.m. All other gates will open at 6:30 p.m. (CU students will enter Gate 9; CSU students will enter Gate 5). The stadium’s clear bag policy and metal detectors will be in effect.
Street parking
If you’re planning on parking in the surrounding neighborhoods, good luck.
Denver officials will be out in full force to enforcing parking regulations in the area, including the nearby neighborhoods.
Signs posted around the neighborhoods indicate if residential parking permits are required between 6-9 p.m. Friday. Vehicles without appropriate permits will be cited and towed.
Public transportation
RTD will provide direct bus and rail service to and from the Showdown, with bus service from several locations in the metro area, the Federal Shuttle or the C, E and W rail lines.
Buses will depart from Park-n-Rides and other locations about two-and-a-half hours before kickoff and will operate until about one hour before the game starts.
The C, E and W Lines will stop at Broncos Stadium Field at Mile High Station, and the W Line will also stop at Decatur-Federal station. Visit for more information or call 303-299-6000.
A rideshare pickup location is located off Federal Boulevard and 17th Avenue.
