By Mark Pszonak
Whenever a new head coach arrives in town, there is immediate excitement regarding the future of the program. That magnified tenfold when Deion Sanders was hired by Colorado on December 3, 2022. However, after two seasons, there is evidence that the excitement that existed in 2022 and throughout 2023 is waning.
An example of this surfaced in mid-April when the Buffaloes hosted their annual spring game. The reported attendance was 20,430, which in the overall scope of things is still very good. But when you look at the spring game attendance during Coach Sanders first two seasons it is easy to see a trend that is discouraging.
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During the height of the excitement in the spring of 2023, Colorado reported an announced sellout of 47,277. Then last year, after a disappointing 4-8 season, Folsom Field hosted 28,424 fans. Now, with Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter gone, Colorado had 26,847 less fans than they had only two years ago.
While it isn’t surprising to see a drop, what has occurred is a complete plummet in attendance. Coach Sanders has done an incredible job bringing excitement back to Boulder since his arrival, but could this be a sign that there are now doubts within the fanbase?
With the star power of Hunter and Sanders gone, Coach Sanders and the Buffaloes have to rely on players like Kaidon Salter, Dre’lon Miller, Omarion Miller and Joseph Williams to keep the buzz in Boulder in place. But on April 19th they weren’t enough to bring in the fans.
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2025 is a potential turning point season for the program and Coach Sanders. After a much-improved 2024 season, can they remain relevant after the departure of their star quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner? How they adjust will determine if the spring game’s attendance drop was just a sign of things to come in Boulder.
