A Milestone on the Gridiron
Colorado State University (CSU) will open its 2026 football season with a Military Appreciation Game against Wyoming on September 5, marking the tenth anniversary of the tradition and the Rams’ debut in the Pac‑12 Conference.
The game will be played at Canvas Stadium, where the university plans to unfurl one of the world’s largest American flags during the national anthem, a visual tribute that underscores the event’s patriotic tone.
Honoring Service and Legacy
Military‑themed activities will begin before kickoff, featuring Ram Town, a showcase of Army units and personnel from the 4th Infantry Division, Fort Collins Army Recruiting, and Special Operations Command North.
A highlight of the pre‑game schedule is the Bronze Boot Run, in which CSU Army ROTC cadets will meet their Wyoming counterparts near the Colorado‑Wyoming border on Friday, September 4, before a ceremonial handoff of the game ball at noon at the state line.
The handoff will see cadets carry the ball into Fort Collins, where it will be part of the Old Town Ram Rally on Saturday, a festive street‑level celebration that includes performances by the band and cheer squads.
During the contest, CSU will recognize active‑duty service members and their families, and will conduct a Contracted Cadet Oath ceremony that ties the university’s ROTC program to the broader military community.
Retired General James H. Dickinson will receive the 2026 Founders Medal and will be honored as an honorary cannoneer, adding a senior military voice to the ceremony.
Two CSU alumni will be inducted into the Stalwart Ram Wall of Fame: Darell Zimbelman, a water‑resources engineer and Vietnam veteran, and retired Capt. William Eric Mosley, a distinguished Air Force ROTC graduate whose family has deep ties to the university.
Community Engagement
The Adult Learner and Veteran Services (ALVS) office will host a Military Appreciation Tailgate, distributing new challenge coins that commemorate ten years of football at Canvas Stadium and promoting participation in the Campus Ruck Challenge through Veterans Day.
Beyond the game, the event reflects CSU’s broader commitment to veteran support, as highlighted by the involvement of the university’s ALVS office and its partnership with the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force.
A New Era in the Pac‑12
The 2026 season marks CSU’s first year in the Pac‑12 Conference, a move that has generated heightened excitement and a renewed focus on competitive excellence across the university’s athletic programs.