An increased police presence at University of Colorado football games hasn’t stopped fans from rushing the field after games and making death threats to rival teams. Now, fans who act inappropriately could be thrown out of the stadium or lose ticket privileges for the season.
In addition, as reported by Denver Fox affiliate KDVR, students may also be referred to CU’s student conduct office.
Heightened interest in the Buffalos began with the hiring of Deion Sanders as head coach. The team won its first three games, and sold out the rest of the season.
“Let’s match the high-standard of excellence and class that Coach Prime has on the field with our behavior in the stands,” said chief campus spokesperson Steve Hurlbert, as reported by KDVR.
Starting with the Sept. 30 home game against the University of Southern California, students were required to enter Folsom Field through a student-only entrance. Moving forward, security is also going to be keeping a closer eye on the student section, removing students who don’t have an assigned ticket to sit there. Students will also be removed if they can’t show their student ID when asked.
The athletic department also released a statement saying behaviors such as vulgar language, verbal or physical abuse, underage drinking and overall intoxication could lead to expulsion from the game, bans on attending future games, student conduct investigations and legal action.
According to the university’s communications director, the Pac-12 Conference handed CU a $10,000 fine for rushing the field after the Nebraska game, as well as a warning that fines will increases every time the field is rushed.
“It’s not just about the money. It’s about safety,” Hurlbert said. “We’ve got players that are down there, coaches, opposing players. And when you’ve got a rush of crowds down there, it can be really scary. It can be really dangerous.”
Sanders himself released a video asking fans to “keep the peace.” He encouraged fans to cheer while also having pride, dignity and respect, KDVR reported.
