Buffs buck trend by emphasizing spring game
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Fans watch players warm up before the Black and Gold Spring Game at Folsom Field on April 19 in Boulder. Photo: Dustin Bradford/Getty Images for ONIT
The University of Colorado's Black and Gold Spring Game saw more than 20,000 fans gather for the third consecutive year under head coach Deion Sanders.
Why it matters: While other schools have moved away from spring games, CU's has never been more popular, and school officials plan to continue the tradition.
State of play: Other universities have begun rethinking spring games if not canceling them altogether, citing the transfer portal, injury concerns, finances and lack of competition.
- Nebraska coach Matt Rhule said other teams poaching his players was the reason he called off the Huskers' spring game, even though it routinely drew more than 60,000 fans. Rhule noted that televised spring games allowed scouts to see players, especially backups and new arrivals, who didn't have prior film.
- Other big-time programs like Texas, Oklahoma, Ohio State, Florida State and USC made the decision this offseason to call off their spring games or replace them with combine-style "showcases" or fan events.
Friction point: Sanders was disappointed with the slight attendance dip this year, according to Sports Illustrated, blaming other schools' spring game cancellations.
- "I know it's tough when they announced that multiple schools are canceling the spring game," he told SI, adding, "fans start hearing that stuff, and it damages you."
The latest: The April 19 game, which aired on ESPN2, was the traditional intrasquad-style matchup, but Sanders originally floated inviting Syracuse for a pro-style practice and game to make the game more competitive and interesting for fans and players.
- The NCAA nixed the idea, primarily citing the timing of the request, leaving open the possibility that Sanders could try again.
- CU athletics spokesperson Steve Hurlbert told Axios the university would "definitely be open" to trying to organize a spring game against another team.
The bottom line: CU's spring game attendance remains light years ahead of the pre-Prime era. And between increased fan attendance and media interest, CU's spring game is not likely going anywhere.