Â鶹ÒùÔº

If you’re planning to attend or watch any CU football games this season, there are some behaviors you’ll need to avoid if you want to make the most of each game. While some students associate football games, tailgates and watch parties with partying and drinking, it’s important to not let things get out of hand. You’ll save yourself a lot of time, money and trouble, and help ensure that you and everyone around you can have a fun time cheering on the Buffs.   

Here are some of the most common things Student Legal Services (SLS) has found that students get in trouble for during football games.  

Need legal help?

Student Legal Services (SLS) is here for you. SLS helps students resolve or minimize their legal situations so they can focus on school. High-quality legal services are available for a fraction of the cost of a private attorney to all CU Boulder students who pay student activity fees. 

Come by or contact SLS to schedule an appointment: 

• UMC 311 
• 303-492-6813 

1. Underage drinking

Did you know 93% of CU Boulder students support choosing not to drink at a party? This is according to data from Health & Wellness Services. If you are under 21, possessing alcohol is a crime, even if you aren’t actively drinking. If you do choose to drink or use other substances, be sure to set your own limits and plan ahead. Make sure to also check out these tips to look out for your friends. 

2. Driving while intoxicated

Driving in the busy traffic before and after a CU Buffs football game can be tricky enough without adding alcohol or other substances into the mix. You should know that it is illegal in Colorado to drive or even ride a bike while impaired by alcohol, drugs or both, and even one drink can put you over Colorado’s BAC limit of 0.05.  

To stay safe, make a plan before heading out for how you are getting to and from gametime events if you plan on drinking. If you don’t have a designated driver, CU Boulder students can take public transportation with your Buff OneCard or the free service CU NightRide in the evening. Services like Uber, Lyft and other rideshares are also a great option. 

3. Rushing the field

In the moment of a big win, excitement is high. We’ve all seen the videos of people rushing the field afterwards. However, rushing the field is trespassing, so you should focus on other ways to celebrate instead. If you notice your friends engaging in risky or unlawful behaviors, you may want to pull them aside to share your concerns or get them involved in a different activity.  

4. Breaking or stealing things

This should go without saying, but do not break or take things that don’t belong to you. It’s important to remember that a theft case on your record can have big impacts on your future. It can get in the way of future jobs far more often than many other types of cases, and cause visa issues for international students.  

5. Overdrinking at the game

If you are deemed unable to care for yourself during a game at Folsom Field, you could be taken into protective custody and transported to the detox center. You would remain there until deemed sober. While this can help keep students safe, those who are sent to the detox center are responsible for any charges they incur during their stay. These types of visits typically cost several hundred dollars. 

Potential consequences

These behaviors can have serious consequences. In some cases, you will  need to go to court. Outcomes often include probation supervision, education such as Student Conduct & Conflict Resolutions’ Restorative Justice Program (CURJ) or Off-Campus Housing and Neighborhood Relations’ Community Living class, a fee to the court, community service and reimbursement for any damage caused. This could end up being hundreds of dollars.  

The penalties could be higher depending on the circumstances. You could face consequences surrounding your driver’s license, student loans or immigration status. In very aggravated situations, jail time could also be an outcome. 

Many of these behaviors are also not allowed under the Student Code of Conduct and could lead to a referral to Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution (SCCR). Violating the Code of Conduct could impact your ability to participate in Education Abroad, serve in leadership positions or attend class. Here are some reminders about what to do if you get in trouble on or off campus and are referred to SCCR. 

If you want to learn more about the legal consequences for each of these offenses, visit SLS’s website.