There’s no doubt about it. For a football lover, nothing quite compares to a brisk fall afternoon spent at a college football game. Sadly, not everyone has a college football team to cheer for. Here are some of our favorite college towns where you’ll not only find football fun, but welcoming environments and attractions as well. Make it a football weekend you won’t forget!
University of Colorado at Boulder, Colorado
The Buffaloes are proud to invite you to their hometown, snug in the Rocky Mountains. Football fans will enjoy Pearl Street where Friday night pep rallies and game day activities are prevalent. The town is home to a myriad of restaurants, and pubs where you are sure to meet other football fans that have traveled to Boulder for the weekend as well.
While you’re there, check out Boulder Mountain Park, Walker Ranch Park, or Golden Gate Canyon State Park. The parks provide hiking and biking trails and campers might enjoy spending a brisk fall night before or after the game.
University of Michigan in Ann Arbor
The Wolverines welcome you to the Ann Arbor, well known as one of the most popular football towns in the country. The stadium at the University of Michigan can seat over 107,000 football fans on any given weekend. Even those who aren’t thrilled about football games will easily find themselves caught up in the excitement. You won’t want to leave town without sampling a chipati – a stuffed bread creation originally invented by Pizza Bob’s.
University of Tennessee in Knoxville
If you thought fans of pro-football were bad on Sunday mornings, wait until you see the stage set for a game with The Volunteers of the University of Tennessee. Tailgating starts as early as Thursday night along the main strip where visitors set up camp. If the football frenzy gets overwhelming, visit the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains for a few hours of hiking, bike riding, or fishing.
University of Texas, Austin
The state capital of Austin, Texas isn’t one you’d imagine to be a football town, but The Longhorns are happy to call it their home. Sports fans participate in your average pre-game tailgating festivities, but the real fun begins the week before the big game against rival Texas A&M. The town hosts a “hex rally” where everyone gathers to burn red candles – a tradition started in 1941 after students visited a fortune teller to find out why the team always lost against A&M. The psychic told the students to burn red candles and the Longhorns won their next game against A&M with a score of 23-0. Go Longhorns!
Arizona State University in Tempe
Arizona State University is home to over 50,000 students each year and the Sun Devils welcome visitors from all over the country. Up until recently, the Sun Devil Stadium was home to the annual Fiesta Bowl in January. On game day, you’re sure to find a crowd in any of the bars or restaurants down on Mill Avenue, or you might want to join the other tailgaters around Tempe Town Lake. The lake is conveniently located right next to the stadium, making it easy to enjoy a leisurely day of fishing or swimming before the big game!
Feel free to visit the following websites for more information on college football:
Essential Links to College Football
College Sports Info
