BOULDER, Colo. — Colorado Buffaloes football head coach Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders' impact extends well beyond the football field, according to a recent study.
Visit Boulder said in a release Friday that with all the increased attention Sanders has brought to the Buffs, home CU football games are estimated to have generated an economic impact of $113.2 million during the 2023 season.
The release said that number represents the estimated economic impact on the broader Boulder region and encompasses various facets of economic impact including direct, indirect and induced effects.
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Visit Boulder said the direct economic impact, estimated at $72.1 million, is comprised of direct spending by visitors, organizers, media and sponsors for purchase transactions related to lodging, transportation, food and beverage, retail and recreation.
The indirect and induced impact is the additional spending by local businesses and employees of those businesses through generated income, the release said. It also includes spending that leaks outside of the local economy due to the purchase of goods, services and raw materials by locals and event organizers.
The biggest economic impact was generated by the Buffs' games against Nebraska and USC, each estimated at $21.6 million.
Here's a breakdown of the economic impact of each of CU's home games in 2023:
CU vs. NE, Sept 9:
- Total economic impact $21.6 million
- Direct economic impact $13.7 million
- 53,241 attendees
CU vs. CSU, Sept 16:
- Total economic impact $17.8 million
- Direct economic impact $11.3 million
- 53,141 attendees
CU vs. USC, Sept 30:
- Total economic impact $21.6 million
- Direct economic impact $13.8 million
- 54,032 attendees
CU vs Stanford, Oct 13:
- Total economic impact $16.7 million
- Direct economic impact $10.7 million
- 53,154 attendees
CU vs Oregon, Nov 4:
- Total economic impact $16.9 million
- Direct economic impact $10.8 million
- 52,725 attendees
CU vs Arizona, Nov 11:
- Total economic impact $18.6 million
- Direct economic impact $11.9 million
- 52,788 attendees
"Coach Prime's impact in Boulder has been nothing short of transformative," said Charlene Hoffman, CEO of Visit Boulder. “The economic boon generated by just six home CU football games is cause for celebration in itself. However, what truly sets this experience apart is Coach Prime’s far-reaching influence, touching the lives of people from all walks of life, elevating our collective perspectives, and uniting our entire community in celebration.”
CU has also seen a sharp increase in interest from prospective students since Sanders took over head coaching duties this year. The university recently reported a 26% rise in new student applications. Applications from African American students are up 80%, and international applications are up 38% from last year.
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