Football might just be our favorite season of the year!
Plan Ahead & Book Your Stay For 2026 CSU Football Home Games
Our town comes alive with the buzz of college students, the sounds of football games, and the cooler weather that fall brings along. Here’s our itinerary for a perfect football-focused fall weekend in Fort Collins!
Start With Morning Brunch
Whether you’re up before dawn or roll out of bed closer to noon, downtown Fort Collins is here for both early risers and for those who like to take the morning a little slower. Our very own Ace Café is the perfect way to start your day – open Wednesday – Sunday with brunch served from 9:00am – 2:00pm.
Start with freshly brewed coffee or bottomless mimosas, then prepare for your big day out on the town with the infamous stuffed French toast or smoked brisket benedict. Enjoy a morning on the patio under the shade trees while you dine (with the bonus of live tunes on the weekends), then gather your things for a tour of Downtown Fort Collins!
Explore The CSU Campus
Whether you want to spend the day on campus or head down closer to game time, there are some things you shouldn’t miss!
Check out a complimentary bicycle from the front desk, then ride down to CSU’s Oval, a beloved landmark park with majestic trees surrounded by iconic historic buildings. Walk through campus past the Lory Student Center, then enjoy the wide-open, breathtaking view of the foothills and the famous “A” painted on the hillside.
After exploring CSU’s campus, you’ll likely work up an appetite. Just a short walk to the west end of campus is the Campus West Shops. You’ll find great choices such as sandwiches & beer at locally owned Road34, FoCo sushi at its best at Jaws Sushi, or try a handcrafted Aussie meat pie at the Waltzing Kangaroo.
If you’re visiting in early fall, be sure to stop at the beautiful CSU Trial Gardens for a visit – it’s a must-see in Fort Collins!
Gear Up For Football!
The CSU Rams home games are a city-wide affair, from tailgating to live music to specials around town to celebrate. The home game schedule is listed below, and there are themes for each game. Bonus – Wear your Green Rams gear on Fridays around town to show support for the Rams while getting discounts at participating local hot spots!
Old Town Ram Rally
It all starts the night before gameday! Head to Old Town and join the CSU marching band and spirit squads as we paint the town Green & Gold!
Ram Town & Tailgate
Take the Max (FREE on game days) to the Game Day Ram Walk Tailgate for a memorable pre-game experience. It opens four hours prior to kickoff and features live music, local food trucks, and plenty of craft beer. If you have kids in tow, stop by Ram Town for giant bounce castles and interactive games.
Ram Walk Tailgate Concert Lineup
Sept. 5th – Ansel and the Brain Tattoos
Sept. 12th – Aubrey Dale
Sept. 19th – Johnny & the Mongrels
Oct. 3rd – David Miner
Oct. 24th – Bridger Teton
Nov. 7th – ThreeShots
Nov. 28th – Canyon Echoes
Ram Walk
About 2.5 hours before kickoff, fans line up along Meridian Ave. to welcome the team. Escorted by the marching band and cheer teams, the players make their way into Canvas Stadium, giving fans a chance to pat the real live mascot, CAM the Ram, for good luck along the way.
Colorado State University 2026 Home Games
9/5 vs Wyoming @ 4pm – Border War / Military Appreciation / Stripe Out
9/12 vs Southern Utah @ 5pm – AG / Orange Out
9/19 vs BYU @ 5:30pm
10/3 vs Oregon State @ 4pm – Homecoming / Family Weekend
10/24 vs San Diego State @ 4:30pm
11/7 vs Boise State @ 4pm
11/28 vs TBA
Bonus Activities:
Take a Brewery Tour – It’s What We’re Known For!
Stop by New Belgium Brewery or Odell Brewing Co. for a behind-the-scenes tour of the brewing process. Grab some complimentary beer or hang out on the front lawn for a comfy wind-down into your evening. Prefer sipping back on some other craft brews? There are loads of small, local breweries around town – just ask our front desk for some of our faves!
Enjoy a Drive Around the Choice City
It’s time for a drive to see the surrounding area. Head to the west side of Fort Collins to South Overland Trail, past the Holiday Twin Drive-In, and drive up to Horsetooth Reservoir. The views are spectacular whether you’re looking east over Fort Collins or west to the foothills. There are some easy hiking trails on both sides of the Reservoir so bring your sunscreen and water and enjoy the Colorado outdoors.
Whatever brings you here to Fort Collins, you’ll be right in the heart of it all at The Armstrong Hotel. Browse our rooms & suites and plan your getaway to our boutique hotel today!