Canvas Stadium Colorado State University
A modern, multipurpose stadium on the CSU campus, offering stunning mountain views and a vibrant atmosphere for sports and events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Experience the electric atmosphere
Canvas Stadium Colorado State University
Best Time
Experience the electric atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A modern, multipurpose stadium on the CSU campus, offering stunning mountain views and a vibrant atmosphere for sports and events.
"Beautiful stadium and great mountain views, but be prepared for the noise!"
👂 Bring Earplugs!
The stadium is known for being very loud with frequent sound effects.
🚗 Smooth Parking & Exits
Traffic and parking are surprisingly efficient, even on game days.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
New Belgium Plaza
Inside Canvas Stadium
Considered one of the best spots to watch a game, offering a great viewing experience.
The Field Experience
On the field
You might be able to walk onto the field and take photos, especially when the band is practicing.
Mountain Views
Stadium seating
Enjoy a touchdown with a backdrop of stunning mountain scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Noise: Earplugs Recommended
Parking & Traffic Flow
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👂 Bring Earplugs!
The stadium is known for being very loud with frequent sound effects.
🚗 Smooth Parking & Exits
Traffic and parking are surprisingly efficient, even on game days.
📸 Field Access Possible
Sometimes you can access the field for photos, especially during band practice.
🍔 VIP Box Buffet
Consider a VIP box for an amazing buffet and service experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
👂 Bring Earplugs!
The stadium is known for being very loud with frequent sound effects.
🚗 Smooth Parking & Exits
Traffic and parking are surprisingly efficient, even on game days.
📸 Field Access Possible
Sometimes you can access the field for photos, especially during band practice.
🍔 VIP Box Buffet
Consider a VIP box for an amazing buffet and service experience.
⛰️ Scenic Mountain Views
Enjoy the beautiful mountain backdrop during events.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Canvas Stadium is praised for its beautiful design, excellent mountain views, and well-managed parking. However, many visitors find the stadium excessively loud due to frequent sound effects, recommending earplugs for a more comfortable experience. The food and overall event execution receive positive remarks, though some note that announcing quality could be improved.
"Bring earplugs! SO LOUD. The stadium is beautiful and professional but the jarring 5 second clips of music and fireworks and CANNONS (at touchdowns, which were mercifully infrequent) are extremely disturbing. Then they thought it would be cool to blast a train horn sound effect every opponent’s 3rd down. Totally not post-trauma friendly. I thought half of everyone under 30 was on a spectrum? Wish we could just hear a marching band and 5,000 drunk college students screaming, but I guess that isn’t loud enough? Not sure who they’re catering to. The announcing was frustrating, almost zero replays. I guess you can build a professional stadium but it doesn’t mean the announcing or playing will be professional-quality. And I could get past that if the experience wasn’t intentionally traumatic. Bring earplugs or stay away if you have trauma."
Carrie Larsen
"Great place to watch football. One of the best Group of 5 stadiums. The New Belgium Plaza is the best place to watch a game and one of the best places to watch football"
Trevor Lane
"On a hiking trip to RMNP in 2022 I stayed in town and decided to go check it out. Walked right into the stadium, entered through the player’s tunnel lol and snapped a bunch of pics right on the field as the band practiced on the other end. Nice place. Looks like a cool venue to see a game, was a couple weeks too early to see one."
FFKDTP1
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Canvas Stadium is located on the main campus of Colorado State University in Fort Collins. It's easily accessible by car, and public transportation options are available within Fort Collins. Parking is generally well-managed, even on game days.
Yes, many visitors have been impressed with the parking and traffic flow around Canvas Stadium, even during busy events like the opening game.
If you are already on the Colorado State University campus, Canvas Stadium is within walking distance of many academic buildings and dormitories.
Fort Collins has a public bus system that serves the university campus. Check the Transfort website for routes and schedules that stop near Canvas Stadium.
Canvas Stadium is designed to be accessible, with accessible seating options and facilities available. It's recommended to contact the stadium directly for specific accessibility needs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for CSU Rams football games and other events can typically be purchased through the official CSU Athletics website or authorized ticket vendors.
Canvas Stadium is primarily an event venue. For non-event days, access might be limited. It's best to check the CSU Athletics website or contact the stadium administration for information on tours or public access.
Generally, you need a ticket to enter Canvas Stadium for official events. However, some visitors have reported being able to walk onto the field and take pictures when no events are scheduled.
Yes, Canvas Stadium offers a variety of seating options, including general admission, premium seating, and VIP boxes, catering to different preferences and budgets.
Like most modern stadiums, Canvas Stadium likely has a clear bag policy to ensure security. It's advisable to check the official CSU Athletics website for the most up-to-date bag policy before your visit.
🎫 🏟️ Onsite Experience
The atmosphere can be very energetic, especially during CSU Rams football games. Be prepared for loud music, cannons, and fireworks, which some find overwhelming.
Yes, Canvas Stadium is known for being very loud, with frequent use of cannons, fireworks, and sound effects. Bringing earplugs is highly recommended.
The New Belgium Plaza is frequently mentioned as a prime spot for watching games. However, the 'best' seats depend on your preference for proximity to the field or overall stadium view.
Canvas Stadium features a New Belgium Brewing Company Beer Garden and offers beautiful mountain views, making it a visually appealing venue.
Photography is generally allowed, especially for personal use. Some visitors have even managed to take photos on the field.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Canvas Stadium offers various concessions, including Fat Tomato food trucks and options within the OCR Premier Club and the New Belgium Beer Garden.
Reviews suggest the food is better than expected for a sporting event, with some recommending the buffet in the VIP boxes.
Concession stands typically offer a range of options. It's best to check the specific menus available on game day or inquire at the concession stands for current offerings.
Stadium policies usually prohibit outside food and beverages. It's recommended to consume any personal items before entering the stadium.
The New Belgium Plaza and VIP box buffets are often highlighted for their quality and experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The New Belgium Plaza offers great views, and the stadium's architecture provides interesting angles. The mountain backdrop is also a key photographic element.
For professional photography, especially for commercial purposes, you'll likely need to obtain media credentials or special permission from the university.
Personal photography is generally permitted. However, flash photography might be restricted during certain events, and professional equipment may require prior approval.
Golden hour, just before sunset, can offer beautiful lighting for photos, especially with the mountain views. Game days provide a vibrant atmosphere for action shots.
While not always guaranteed, some visitors have managed to access the field for photos, particularly during non-event times or band practices.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond football, the stadium's proximity to other campus attractions like the Heritage Arboretum can offer a more relaxed experience for families. If attending a game, arriving early can help kids get accustomed to the environment before the crowds and noise reach their peak. The chance to potentially see the field up close can also be a highlight for young sports fans.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save on food costs, consider eating a substantial meal before heading to the stadium. While concessions offer variety, they can add up quickly. If allowed by stadium policy, bringing a small, sealed water bottle can also help stay hydrated without extra expense. Exploring the campus and surrounding areas for free activities before or after an event can also enhance your budget-friendly visit.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For those looking for unique shots, inquire about the possibility of accessing the field for photography, particularly during non-event times or band practices, as some visitors have successfully done so. Remember to check the stadium's photography policy regarding professional equipment and flash usage to avoid any issues. Capturing the energy of game day, with its vibrant crowds and on-field action, is also a must.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Stadium Experience: More Than Just Football
While the roar of the crowd during football games is a major draw, the stadium's acoustics can be intense. Visitors frequently mention the loudness, with frequent use of cannons, fireworks, and even train horn sound effects. This has led to recommendations for bringing earplugs, especially for those sensitive to noise or with trauma. Despite the auditory intensity, the overall experience is often described as professional and well-executed, with good site planning and staffing contributing to a positive atmosphere for various events.
Beyond the main events, the stadium's surroundings also offer points of interest. Adjacent to Canvas Stadium is the CSU Heritage Arboretum and Garden, featuring over 1,100 varieties of trees and shrubs, offering a peaceful contrast to the stadium's energy. This proximity allows visitors to experience both the excitement of a major venue and the tranquility of a botanical space.
Culinary Delights and Social Hubs at Canvas Stadium
For those seeking a more elevated dining experience, the OCR Premier Club and VIP boxes offer enhanced catering options. Visitors have raved about the buffet in the VIP boxes, describing it as amazing with great service. Food trucks, like the popular Fat Tomato, also add to the diverse food scene, ensuring there are plenty of choices to satisfy different cravings.
While specific menus can vary, the general consensus is that the food quality at Canvas Stadium surpasses expectations for a sporting venue. The availability of diverse options, from casual food truck fare to more refined club dining, makes attending an event here a well-rounded experience for attendees.
Architectural Design and Surrounding Landscape
The stadium's location on the Colorado State University campus offers a unique visual appeal, with many noting the stunning mountain views that serve as a backdrop to the action on the field. This natural beauty is a key element of the stadium's identity, making it a picturesque location for events. The stadium itself is described as beautiful and professional, reflecting a commitment to quality in its construction and design.
Complementing the stadium's design is the nearby CSU Heritage Arboretum and Garden. This green space, featuring over 1,100 varieties of trees and shrubs, provides a serene counterpoint to the stadium's energetic atmosphere. It's a place for research and appreciation of local flora, adding another layer of appeal to the university campus surrounding Canvas Stadium.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit