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Axios Boulder Partners

CU Boulder falls out of top 100 universities

A methodology change complicates CU Boulder's slide in the latest rankings.

News

CU Boulder fell off U.S. News &amp; World Report&#x27;s top 100 national universities list this year as the publication changed how it calculates the closely watched rankings.Why it matters: College rankings can shape how prospective students and families see schools, even as critics question <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="how much they really reveal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/01/18/harvard-medical-school-ranking-us-news" data-vars-content-id="9b6effcf-64e8-49c4-a510-c42c7ab8713a" data-vars-headline="CU Boulder falls out of top 100 universities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/01/18/harvard-medical-school-ranking-us-news" target="_self">how much they really reveal</a> about the quality of an education.

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Boulder

Meet fellow locals over dinner at a restaurant we hand-picked.

Things to Do

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Social Club" data-vars-click-url="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" data-vars-content-id="1e95a824-1877-46dc-ad33-b8653bca502e" data-vars-headline="Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Boulder" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" target="_blank">Axios Social Club</a> is bringing readers together for dinner in Boulder&#x27;s Pearl Street Mall on Tuesday, Oct. 6.Why it matters: Your city is full of interesting people you haven&#x27;t met yet. We&#x27;re making it easier to change that.

Boulder arts district moves closer to reality

The project could bring a major Sundance venue next to Boulder's future rail station.

The proposed Pearl Arts District is moving closer to reality as developers bet on two major changes coming to town: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sundance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/07/31/boulder-sundance-2027-festival-dates-venues-programming" data-vars-content-id="7dbdb4ff-f28c-4bb1-9221-c0ac6f57e020" data-vars-headline="Boulder arts district moves closer to reality" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/07/31/boulder-sundance-2027-festival-dates-venues-programming" target="_self">Sundance</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new passenger rail service" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/20/colorado-connector-train-cost-5-billion" data-vars-content-id="7dbdb4ff-f28c-4bb1-9221-c0ac6f57e020" data-vars-headline="Boulder arts district moves closer to reality" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/20/colorado-connector-train-cost-5-billion" target="_self">new passenger rail service</a>.Why it matters: A 2,500-person performing arts venue could be the first major Boulder venue built with Sundance in mind.<ul><li>The district will also create an arts and entertainment destination directly across from our future passenger rail station.</li></ul>

BVSD votes for sweeping school changes

The plan will close four elementary schools and consolidate others.

The Boulder Valley School board is moving ahead with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a controversial plan to close four elementary schools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/08/26/boulder-bvsd-elementary-school-closures" data-vars-content-id="657a9c5a-c0c1-43c9-95ef-ef07fbc9e118" data-vars-headline="BVSD votes for sweeping school changes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/08/26/boulder-bvsd-elementary-school-closures" target="_self">a controversial plan to close four elementary schools</a> and consolidate or relocate several others.Why it matters: District leaders say the sweeping changes are necessary as enrollment declines, but parents argue the district hasn&#x27;t exhausted other options before closing or merging schools and upending students&#x27; lives.

CU women's teams eye a big fall

Soccer and volleyball return star power after standout 2025 seasons.

Forget football: This fall could belong to the women&#x27;s soccer and volleyball teams at the University of Colorado Boulder.The big picture: Both teams enter the year with high postseason expectations after standout 2025 seasons.

CU enters a pivotal Year 4 under Sanders

The Buffs have new coordinators, another remade roster and plenty to prove.

The hype has cooled, the roster has churned and the Colorado Buffaloes enter the 2026 season with something new for the Coach Prime era: Low expectations.Why it matters: Year 4 could reveal whether Sanders&#x27; nine-win 2024 season was the start of something real or the high-water mark of his CU tenure.

Ralphie preps for Buffs season debut and a soccer cameo

CU's young buffalo returns to the soccer pitch before the Buffs' home opener.

Julian Lewis isn&#x27;t CU&#x27;s only young phenom preparing to fully step into the spotlight this fall.The big picture: Ralphie VII, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="aka Brandy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2025/10/08/new-ralphie-nickname-brandy-cu-buffs" data-vars-content-id="c3d498e4-6e31-4509-8771-c02668febfd3" data-vars-headline="Ralphie preps for Buffs season debut and a soccer cameo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2025/10/08/new-ralphie-nickname-brandy-cu-buffs" target="_self">aka Brandy</a>, is preparing for her first full season as the Buffs mascot.

A sneak peek at Rodeo Dunes

The destination plans six courses, lodging and dining on Colorado's eastern plains.

Rodeo Dunes, a multicourse golf complex in Weld County, is preparing to open its first course to the public in 2027.Why it matters: Rodeo Dunes represents a big-time Colorado bet on growing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="golf tourism" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ngf.org/short-game/travels-expanding-golf-economy-impact/" data-vars-content-id="f0ffb4af-b95e-4bff-8592-9cd0d0db2d65" data-vars-headline="A sneak peek at Rodeo Dunes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ngf.org/short-game/travels-expanding-golf-economy-impact/" target="_blank">golf tourism</a>, with customers seeking inclusive experiences rather than individual courses.

PGA Tour puts Colorado on short list for new event

The Front Range is in the mix as the PGA Tour reshapes its schedule.

Colorado could become a regular stop for the world&#x27;s best golfers as the PGA Tour considers Denver for a coveted spot on its dramatically revamped schedule.Why it matters: Landing a PGA event would give Colorado something it hasn&#x27;t had in two decades: a consistent presence on golf&#x27;s premier circuit.

Coal Creek heads to Little League regionals

The Lafayette team is hoping to become Colorado's first to reach the Little League World Series

Lafayette&#x27;s Coal Creek Little League team is headed to California to try and make Colorado baseball history.Why it matters: Coal Creek carries Colorado&#x27;s hopes of finally breaking through to the Little League World Series — something no team from the state has ever done.

Deion Sanders: Buffs "better win"

Colorado's coach says he has his swagger back entering a pivotal season.

Sports

University of Colorado head coach Deion Sanders said he feels good about his team heading into the season, even if oddsmakers and sports pundits don&#x27;t.The big picture: After <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="missing a bowl game" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2025/11/19/deion-sanders-colorado-future" data-vars-content-id="dd2f1681-2b5b-42fa-916c-35399ec66629" data-vars-headline="Deion Sanders: Buffs &quot;better win&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2025/11/19/deion-sanders-colorado-future" target="_self">missing a bowl game</a> last year, Coach Prime enters a crucial season with a revamped roster and staff.

CU taps Derrick White to refresh basketball program

White brings NBA experience and a $2 million investment to the Buffs.

Former University of Colorado star Derrick White is returning to Boulder as the men&#x27;s basketball program&#x27;s first president of basketball strategy — while donating $2 million to help reshape the Buffs&#x27; future.Why it matters: CU is betting White&#x27;s NBA pedigree, fundraising power and stature with recruits can help the program compete in an era dominated by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="name, image and likeness" data-vars-click-url="https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/axios-house-nil-changed-everything-220614524.html" data-vars-content-id="1a23c48b-d37b-4860-b1c6-8ae6fa9d070e" data-vars-headline="CU taps Derrick White to refresh basketball program" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/axios-house-nil-changed-everything-220614524.html" target="_blank">name, image and likeness</a> (NIL), revenue sharing and the transfer portal.

CU football spring game to showcase new roster

Fans get a first look at new players, staff and a key quarterback competition.

The University of Colorado football team holds its annual spring game Saturday, giving fans an early look at the 2026 roster under coach Deion Sanders.Why it matters: The scrimmage offers fans the first real glimpse of an overhauled team — with dozens of new players and a revamped coaching staff — as Sanders <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="enters a pivotal season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2025/11/19/deion-sanders-colorado-future" data-vars-content-id="ec3976e3-08d0-4f17-b476-9864feb4d345" data-vars-headline="CU football spring game to showcase new roster" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2025/11/19/deion-sanders-colorado-future" target="_self">enters a pivotal season</a> after a disappointing 3-9 2025 campaign.

Foundation honors CU quarterback's legacy

The foundation will fund scholarships and promote safer decision-making for athletes.

The family of University of Colorado quarterback Dominiq Ponder, who died in a car crash last month, has launched a foundation in his honor to support student-athletes and promote responsible decision-making.The latest: The Dominiq Ponder 722 Foundation aims to support student-athletes, with funds going toward scholarships for players who demonstrate &quot;resilience and character, community awareness initiatives about responsible decision-making, and support for children&#x27;s hospitals.&quot;

Sports 🏅

Colorado ski resort opening dates for the 2026-27 season

The case for Denver Broncos optimsim

CU women's teams eye a big fall

CU enters a pivotal Year 4 under Sanders

Ralphie preps for Buffs season debut and a soccer cameo