Prolific jam band Phish will play three nights of shows starting tonight at the University of Colorado's Folsom Field.

Why it matters: While Phish seems like a natural fit for Boulder, this will be the jam band's first gig in the city since 1993 after a lengthy run in Commerce City.

Catch up quick: Phish halted a 13-year, 42-show run of Labor Day weekend concerts at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.

• The band's promoter, Don Strasburg, president of AEG Presents' Rocky Mountains and Pacific Northwest regions, told the Denver Post the move was "worth trying," but did not elaborate on the venue change.

The intrigue: Steve Hurlbert, a spokesperson for CU athletics, told Axios Boulder there are no agreements with Phish beyond this year.

• The band will see how this year's Folsom Field run goes before committing to future shows. "There's always risk involved because we don't know how it's going to go," Strasburg said, per the Post.
• Folsom Field has a capacity of roughly 50,000 people per show — about twice Dick's 24,000.
• Hurlbert told Axios Boulder ticket sales "have been strong," but there are still seats available for all three nights. Individual tickets start at $110, with multi-day packages at $330.

The big picture: Phish marks the fourth band or artist to play the stadium since Folsom Field reopened to concerts in 2016.

• Folsom last year hosted Odesza and Tyler Childers, and this fall will feature DJ and songwriter John Summit.

What's next: No other shows are currently booked, but Hurlbert told Axios Boulder: "Folsom Field is back on the map as a premier major concert venue in Colorado and we're anticipating an increase in shows representing a variety of genres taking place here in the years to come."

Phorward to a phan

The University of Colorado has finished replacing the grass at Folsom Field with a new, artificial turf surface.

By the numbers: CU athletics spokesperson Steve Hurlbert told Axios Boulder the installation wrapped in mid-June at a cost of $1 million.

Between the lines: CU made the move to allow for more flexibility to host fall and winter games and concerts.

What's next: Jam band Phish will be the first act to play on Folsom Field's new field, though the turf will be covered by flooring.

• John Summit will play in October during a bye week for CU's football team, the first time the stadium will host a concert while school is in session this century.
• "Not only does the turf increase our window to host concerts, but it also enables us to host more shows when students are on campus," Hurlbert told Axios Boulder.

Surf the turf

⛰️ Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks announced Mount Sanitas will undergo a multi-year project including trail improvements, summit maintenance and new trails. (Denver Post 🔑)

🗳️ Boulder City Council won't pursue a property tax measure that would have funded projects in parks, civic buildings and public spaces after a survey found the proposal lacked support. (Boulder Reporting Lab)

🛰️ Three NASA space missions supported by teams at CU Boulder, including the MAVEN mission to Mars, could be canceled in October as part of cuts proposed by the Trump administration. (Daily Camera 🔑)

🌎 Proposed budget cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration could close four climate research labs in Boulder, which develop computer models and other tools for meteorologists. (CPR)

🔎 The CU Board of Regents censured Regent Wanda James following an investigation into policy violations. She will be removed from all committee assignments and cannot attend events as a regent, but she will still be an active voting member of the board. (Daily Camera 🔑)

⛪️ Longmont's Recovery Cafe has launched a 10-week pilot program in Boulder at the Community United Church of Christ for individuals recovering from substance use, mental health challenges, trauma or other life experiences. (Boulder Reporting Lab)

A federal judge has cleared the way for authorities to continue the deportation process for the family of the suspect in the fiery June 1 attack in downtown Boulder, Colorado.

The latest: U.S. District Court Judge Orlando Garcia nixed a prior ruling out of Colorado that halted the deportation proceedings for the Egyptian citizens.

• Garcia ruled yesterday that the court hearing for Mohamed Sabry Soliman's family was not improperly fast-tracked.
• The family — the suspect's wife and five children — was taken into custody last month after they were found to have overstayed their visas.

Between the lines: Wednesday's ruling stated confusion stemmed from White House social media posts that erroneously claimed that the family members were "now in ICE custody for expedited removal" and "COULD BE DEPORTED AS EARLY AS TONIGHT."

• Garcia said Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Department of Homeland Security officials clarified that the family would appear before an immigration judge next week and would have the opportunity to petition for release, per the ruling.
• Garcia also determined the family could be held in ICE detention during the proceedings.

Full story

Record-breaking July 4 travel is expected to clog Colorado's streets and skies — so plan ahead.

State of play: Denver ranks among the top 10 most in-demand cities for summer travel, AAA data shows.

• It's also in the top five for car rentals alongside Boston; Oahu, Hawai'i; Seattle; and Orlando, Florida.

✈️ Take-off tips: Denver International Airport expects more than 900,000 passengers to move through its security checkpoints by next Monday — on par with last year. The busiest day is likely Sunday.

• Travelers can make a reservation at the West Security Checkpoint for a smoother experience.
• Parking is expected to be tight — so book ahead, or better yet, take the RTD A-line. Real-time parking updates are available online.

Tell a traveler