The Pearl Street Stampedes have become THE kickoff celebration prior to CU home football games for nearly two decades. The night before each home game, hundreds of Buffs fans line the Pearl Street Mall as members of the Golden Buffalo Marching Band play to the crowds’ delight and CU's Colorado Spirit squad performs. Members of CU athletic teams and coaching staffs are greeted with cheers and high fives from fans of all ages. The Stampedes are a joint collaboration between the University of Colorado, local businesses, the City of Boulder and Downtown Boulder.
Led by Stephen Tebo’s vintage 1948 fire truck, members of the Golden Buffalo Marching Band start performing at 7 p.m. on the 1300 block of Pearl Street (in front of the County Courthouse). The Stampede moves west, stopping on each block of the Pearl Street Mall to perform.
2026 Stampede Dates: Friday, September 11; October 2, 16, 30; November 13, 27
2026 Home Football Games & Stampede Nights
The Pearl Street Stampedes kick off every Friday before a home game bringing fans, music, and CU spirit to the heart of Boulder!
- Friday, September 11 → Game: Saturday, September 12
- Friday, October 2 → Game: Saturday, October 3
- Friday, October 16 → Family Weekend Game: Saturday, October 17
- Friday, October 30 → Game: Saturday, October 31
Catch the Stampedes at 7 p.m. on the 1300 block and get ready to cheer, high-five CU athletes, and celebrate game day in style!
Getting There & Fan Fun
Location: 1300 block of Pearl Street, Boulder, CO 80302 (in front of the County Courthouse)
Time: 7 p.m. before every home football game
Plan Your Visit:
- The Stampede is easy to reach on foot, by bike, or via downtown parking. All City of Boulder City Parking Garages are just $3 from 3 p.m. to 3 a.m. Arrive early to grab a front-row spot!
- Fans of all ages can take photos with Chip the Buffalo and the Spirit Squad, enjoy live music from the Golden Buffalo Marching Band, and soak up the pre-game excitement of downtown Boulder.
- Share your favorite Stampede moments on social media and tag @DowntownBoulder.
Stephen Tebo's 1948 Vintage Fire Truck
Leading the charge each week is a true Pearl Street icon: Stephen Tebo’s vintage 1948 fire truck. With its bright yellow shine and old-school charm, the truck sets the tone for the Stampede as it rolls down the Pearl Street Mall, drawing cheers from fans and families alike. As the Golden Buffalo Marching Band plays and the crowd gathers, the fire truck becomes the unmistakable signal that game day excitement has officially arrived in downtown Boulder. It’s a beloved tradition that kicks off the parade and brings the spirit of the Buffs to life before every home game weekend. 🚒 🦬 🎺
Golden Buffalo Marching Band
The heart and soul of the Pearl Street Stampedes, the Golden Buffalo Marching Band brings unstoppable energy to downtown Boulder every Friday before a home game. From powerful brass and woodwinds to the electrifying drumline, the band fills the streets with music that gets fans cheering, dancing, and ready to rally behind the Buffs. With each performance, they transform the Pearl Street Mall into a game day celebration, making the Stampedes an unforgettable kickoff to CU football weekends.
Colorado Spirit Squad (Cheer, Dance & Chip the Buffalo)
Bringing energy, excitement, and Buff pride to every Stampede, the Colorado Spirit Squad, including cheerleaders, dancers, and CU’s beloved mascot Chip the Buffalo, gets the crowd on their feet before each home football game. From high-flying stunts to precision dance routines, the Spirit Squad amplifies the game day atmosphere, interacts with fans of all ages, and transforms Pearl Street into the ultimate pre-game celebration. They are more than performers; they are the heartbeat of CU spirit, spreading enthusiasm and Buff pride.
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