The NCAA has declined to grant a waiver that would have permitted a spring football game between the University of Colorado and Syracuse University. This decision comes despite a push from Colorado's head coach, Deion Sanders, who believed the game would benefit both programs. Spring football games, designed to give teams a chance to showcase their talent and prepare for the upcoming season, have seen varying levels of interest in recent years.
Colorado's spring game in 2023 drew an impressive crowd of over 47,000 fans, even with snowy weather conditions at Folsom Field. This demonstrates the potential appeal of such events. However, attendance and enthusiasm for spring games have decreased at many universities nationwide. The NCAA's ruling underscores the organization's stance on these types of exhibition games and the requirements for them to be sanctioned.
The specific reasons for the waiver denial were not immediately disclosed. The decision effectively cancels the proposed Colorado-Syracuse spring football game.
NCAA Denies Waiver for Colorado-Syracuse Spring Football Game
The NCAA has denied a request for a waiver that would have allowed Colorado and Syracuse to play a spring football game. Colorado's coach, Deion Sanders, supported the game. While spring games can draw large crowds, like Colorado's 2023 game with over 47,000 fans, their popularity has been declining across the country. The NCAA's decision means the game will not take place.