The annual football battle between CSU and rival Colorado has been set for 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2, at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver.

The 88th renewal of the Rocky Mountain Showdown, which dates to 1893, will be televised nationally by ESPN. It will be one of seven CSU games this fall televised nationally.

The Rams will enter the season-opening game off a 7-6 season that included a trip to the Arizona Bowl – their third consecutive postseason appearance. Several key performers off that team have graduated, while star receiver Rashard Higgins declared for the NFL Draft and was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round. Still, the Rams are expected to be a solid team with record-setting quarterback Nick Stevens returning along with most of the offense.

CU finished 4-9 last season but slipped past the Rams 27-24 in overtime in the Showdown. The Buffs lead the series 9-6 in games played in Denver but have split the past four with the Rams.

Fans can purchase tickets for the game as part of the seven-game season ticket package, or part of a three-game mini-plan. Single-game tickets exclusively for the Sept. 2 Showdown will go on sale June 14, and for all other games on Aug. 1.

Tickets on sale

Tickets can be purchased online at CSURams.com/tickets; by calling 800-491-RAMS or by visiting either the McGraw Athletic Center ticket office or the Ram Zone retail outlet in Old Town Fort Collins.