Football In Fort Collins: What To Do On CSU Game Day

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 weekends with brunch served from 9:00am – 3:00pm.

Start with freshly brewed coffee or bottomless mimosas, then prepare for your big day out on the town with the Smothered Breakfast Burrito or the infamous “Wafnut” (waffle/donut) dish. 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 pizza and subs at locally owned Krazy Karl’s Pizza, 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!

Take the Max (FREE on game days) to the Game Day Ram Walk & Tailgate for a memorable pre-game experience. This free concert tailgate series starts four hours prior to kick-off and features live bands and beverages for purchase.

The Ram Walk Tailgate returns for the 2024 season with a new location at the intersection of Hughes Way and Meridian Ave. on the east side of the IM Fields. The central hub for all things tailgating and pre-game celebrating, Ram Town features the Ram Walk Tailgate hosted by CSU Alumni Association & CSU Athletics with live bands and beverages (water, soda, and beer) available for purchase.

Ram Walk Tailgate Concert Lineup
9/7 – Sugar Britches
9/14 – Nothing But Nineties
9/21 – Jacob Larson Band
10/12 – Funky Business Band
10/26 – Musketeer Gripweed
11/15 – TBA
11/29 – TBA

Colorado State University 2024 Home Games

9/7 vs Northern Colorado @ 5:00pm – Orange Out, Ag Day, Young Alumni Weekend

9/14 vs Colorado @ 5:00pm

9/21 vs UTEP @ 5:00pm – State Pride Day 

10/12 vs San Jose State @ 5:00pm

10/26 vs New Mexico @ 5:00pm – Homecoming & Family Weekend

11/16 vs Wyoming @ 5:00pm

11/18 vs Utah State @ 1:o0pm

View the full schedule here

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!