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A major transformation is underway at the University of Colorado’s Folsom Field, where crews are removing the stadium’s natural grass for the first time in over two decades.

After 25 seasons of real grass, CU is installing artificial turf ahead of the 2025 football season, signaling a shift in both athletics and stadium versatility.

The decision, announced this week, is driven by a desire to better preserve field conditions throughout the season while opening the stadium to more non-football events, including concerts and large-scale community gatherings.

Folsom Field, one of college football’s most scenic and historic venues, has hosted 101 seasons of play, with only 28 of those taking place on turf during the Astroturf era between 1971 and 1998.

Now, CU is embracing a modern synthetic upgrade that also comes with a bold new field design. The updates include a gold Buffaloes end zone with a black backdrop, the Ralphie logo at midfield, and Big 12 Conference logos to commemorate Colorado’s official transition to the Big 12.

The move comes just in time for a packed 2025 football schedule, kicking off on August 29 when the Buffs host Georgia Tech at 6 p.m. on ESPN. Other notable matchups include home games against Delaware, Wyoming, BYU, Iowa State, Arizona, and Arizona State, as well as away games at Houston, TCU, Utah, West Virginia, and Kansas State.

For a program steeped in tradition but evolving with the times, the turf transition marks both a literal and symbolic fresh start, one that aims to balance historic pride with modern flexibility.