By Emily Duvall

Fall sports at the University of Colorado Boulder are in full swing, and the university offers a program, known as Chip’s Kids Club, that makes kids feel extra special when cheering for the Buffs. 

Chip’s Kids Club is a way for kids who are big Buffs fans to showcase their spirit for CU Boulder. Founded in 2014, the exclusive membership for the university’s sports scene gives kids ages 12 and under insider sports access, special ticket offers and merchandise. 

Mikeitta Williams, the community outreach manager for CU athletics, oversees Chip’s Kids Club and helps it be a special experience for young Buffs each year.  

“We have a tagline that basically says, ‘we are the future Buffs for lifelong fans,’ so I feel that kids club is basically our way of identifying or helping encourage young CU fans to possibly want to stay a Buff for as long as you know how is allowed,” Williams said. 

How does membership work? 

The membership is split into two different tiers, Baby Buffs and Very Important Buffs. Baby Buffs are for those 24 months and younger, while the Very Important Buffs are for eighth graders and younger. Very Important Buffs pay $55 to join, while Baby Buffs pay $35. 

Williams explained how Chip’s Kids Club hopes to inspire young CU Boulder fans to stay connected with the Buffs without the club feeling stagnant. As kids move from Baby Buffs to Very Important Buffs, Williams works to grow the club with them. 

“Say I’ve had someone that’s been in the club since they were five, and now they’re like nine. I want them to feel like they’re growing with it, and although some things may not change, they have some other things that they can use from the kid’s club. It’s the intention of keeping it growing with the fans,” Williams said. 

The club at CU Boulder also gets insider access to information about the university’s sports. All members of the club are recipients of a special newsletter and an exclusive webpage. 

What experiences do kids get with membership? 

Very Important Buffs get free admission to women’s basketball, soccer and volleyball. Baby Buffs do not get free access to sports games, rather they receive baby clothing and a CU birth certificate.  All members get special discounts for other sports matches that do not fall under the category of free admission. 

Prior to all home football games, kids can enter Chip’s Kids Club Area. This space acts as a kid-friendly tailgate that has games, multiple inflatable attractions and football-related activities. The area is located on the Duane Physics Lawn near Folsom Field. 

Keaton Stroh, community outreach associate for CU Athletics, described why it is unique for kids to be a part of the club.  

“I think the most immersive activity is them being able to interact with Chip when he is present as from what I have seen. It is by far the most memorable and entertaining experience for the kids,” Stroh said. 

What do people say about the club? 

Delaney McKernan, a senior at CU Boulder and a Boulder native, was a member of the club growing up locally. 

“Kids love CU. Being a part of the club when I was younger was such a great bridge of this pillar in the community to me as a kid,” McKernan said. 

Chip’s Kids Club makes CU Athletics accessible to kids and helps families stay involved with the Buffs.