Will Deion Sanders try to end a Colorado tradition? originally appeared on The Sporting News
There are few traditions in college football that are unmatched to what happens at Folsom Field. The atmosphere at the foot of the Flatirons is second-to-none and watching Ralphie run onto the field is electric. But there’s one more for the Colorado Buffaloes and it has caught the attention of Deion Sanders.
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Behind the Buffs sideline at Folsom Field, there’s a cloud of smoke coming from the student section. This unusual tradition predated Coach Prime at Colorado. What may seem unconventional is actually a ritual for most fans.
Coach Prime was asked about what makes his home stadium special and he stated that the student section smoking weed is his least favorite tradition. Students normally smoke in the second quarter of home games in between the 40-yard lines. “I’ve never been high, but I’ve been close here, being the coach at Colorado,” he said. Sanders has been the head coach of the Buffaloes since 2023 and has loved living near the Rocky Mountain region.
Marijuana became legal for recreational use in late 2012. Colorado was the first start to push toward the green wave with other states not far behind. Smoking laws prohibit lighting up in public places such as smoke-free environments, particularly football games. Additionally, there are restrictions for vaping and smoking in indoor public areas.
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Smoking is technically banned at Folsom Field, but little enforcement allows the tradition to continue. Students refer to the second quarter as the “light-up quarter.” Organizations like Breathe Free Colorado strive to promote smoke-free policies and educate the public about the dangers of second-hand smoke. This tradition is not repeated anywhere else in the country and it makes Colorado one of a kind and unique.
Whether the tradition is an advantage or not is up for debate. The Buffaloes have only had two winning seasons since weed has been legalized. In their most recent home game against Delaware, they won 31-7 but lost Georgia Tech in the opener.
Regardless of how the Buffaloes play on the field, students can still light up the game. In a sport full of traditions, Colorado has left their mark.
