Rocky Mountain Showdown fans: Leave your marshmallows at home

Over the years, fan behavior at the annual CU-CSU matchup known as the Rocky Mountain Showdown has varied from exuberant to way too exuberant. With that in mind, the CU Police, who'll be handling security at this year's version, on Sunday at Folsom Field in Boulder, have released a document outlining some do's and don'ts for attendees. Most of the banned items are no-brainers; they include "alcoholic beverages, cans, glass bottles, ice chests and liquid containers that are a gallon or more in size." But also on the list are "marshmallows and other items that could potentially injure other people if thrown."

Marshmallows? Maybe they would sting if they were really old -- like from the Pleistocene era. But it's hard to imagine even Randy Johnson in his prime doing much damage with one of the Jet-Puffed babies seen here. And if I'm wrong about that, perhaps some other seemingly safe things should be outlawed, too. I mean, the pointy part at the bottom of feathers could put someone's eye out.

Look below to read CU's Showdown rules and regs.

CU Police Will Strictly Enforce Stadium Rules at Sept. 6 CU Vs. CSU Game

September 2, 2009

The University of Colorado vs. Colorado State University football game at Folsom Field on Sept. 6 will follow the model for all home games of recent years. Fans are reminded that violations of banned substances and materials, or disruptive and unruly behavior, could result in fans being ejected from the game, according to CU Police officials.

Banned materials include alcoholic beverages, cans, glass bottles, ice chests and liquid containers that are a gallon or more in size. Fans may bring only one non-disposable container no larger than two liters -- or one-half gallon -- into the stadium.

In addition to the ban on alcohol in the stadium, whole fruit, marshmallows and other items that could potentially injure other people if thrown, also are banned.

"Our goal is to maintain a safe and enjoyable stadium environment for all of the fans attending the game," said CU Police Chief Joe Roy. "We'd like everybody to enjoy the game without disturbances and unsafe distractions created by other fans."

Police and security personnel working games at Folsom Field will check for alcohol and other banned articles at all entry gates. An "amnesty" arrangement will allow people entering the stadium to discard those items before going in for the game.

However, visibly intoxicated people will be denied admission to the stadium and people visibly intoxicated inside the stadium will be ejected. Underage persons caught with alcohol also will be ejected and issued summonses for "minor in possession."

"In our experience there has been a correlation between excessive alcohol consumption and dangerous behavior in the stadium and after the game," Roy said. "We won't turn a blind eye to alcohol possession or abuse."

CU-Boulder students who are issued alcohol summonses also face judicial action by the university.

Fans ejected from a game may be denied access to subsequent games and their tickets may be confiscated, depending on the severity of the infraction. Unruly fans also may be arrested and face criminal prosecution.

The CU "Compete Like a Buffalo" program also urges fans to show good sportsmanship and present a welcoming environment to all fans on game day. Fans also are encouraged to be aware of their game-day actions, especially around families with children and opposing fans.

"Compete Like a Buffalo," formerly called "Compete With Class," was initiated in 2003 in an effort to promote pride, excitement and respect among students, fans and players alike.

A hotline will be available to fans again this year to report unruly behavior at 303-735-BUFF (2833).