RALPHIE THE BUFFALO

The epicentre of the University of Colorado is Folsom Field - a 53,000 capacity stadium where the college football team - the Colorado Buffaloes - play their home games. Opened in 1924, the horseshoe-shaped stadium sits at over one mile above sea level, making it one of the highest sports stadiums in America, higher even than the Broncos’ famous home down the road in Denver. 

Until recently, the Buffaloes struggled to fill the stadium on game day, but the arrival of Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders in 2023 flipped the narrative overnight and attendance rose 25% to its 53,000 capacity. From sitting somewhat on the periphery, the Colorado Buffaloes are now very much a story in US college football. 

In October 2024, I visited Folsom Field for an evening game to film the arrival of the famous team mascot - Ralphie the Buffalo - into a packed stadium heaving with anticipation and excitement. 

I had studied video of previous entrances and made a judgement on the best position on a risk-reward basis. My preconception was that I needed to convey the sense of a stadium full to capacity as well as, of course, capturing the spectacle of Ralphie in full flow. 

I want to thank CU for its support and partnership in this project, which will raise money for the Athletic department and those that look after Ralphie. We wish Coach Prime all the best in his crusade in Boulder - he certainly has had a material impact.

~ David Yarrow