CU Boulder Intramural Sports

CU Boulder intramural sports give students, faculty, and staff the chance to stay active while forming meaningful connections on campus. Participants can choose from a wide variety of activities, ranging from structured leagues in basketball, soccer, flag football, and volleyball to casual tournaments like yard games and wiffleball.

In addition to traditional competitions, special programs such as Unified Sports highlight the university’s commitment to inclusion by bringing together participants of all abilities. Whether you’re an experienced athlete or trying a new sport, intramurals provide a fun and supportive environment to compete, connect, and build community.

How Intramural Sports Work

Eligibility & Participation

Intramural sports at CU Boulder are open to all students, faculty, and staff, making them one of the most inclusive ways to get involved on campus. You don’t need a pre-formed team to join, “free agents” can sign up individually and will be placed on a roster, ensuring everyone has a chance to play.

IM Sports Pass & Costs

To participate, players purchase an IM Sports Pass, which costs $25 per semester or $45 for the full academic year. This pass gives unlimited access to leagues and tournaments throughout the term, allowing participants to try multiple sports without paying additional fees.

Registration Process

Registration is simple and handled through the FusionPlay app using a CU email address. Participants can either create a team or join an existing one, with deadlines posted before each session. Once registered, players are ready to compete and enjoy the season.

CU Boulder Intramural Sports - Flag Football, Soccer, Volleyball & More - CUBoulderMap.com

Sports & Leagues Offered

Fall Session Sports

Each fall, CU Boulder intramurals feature a wide range of team and individual activities. Popular leagues include flag football, volleyball, ice hockey, pickleball (indoor and outdoor), ultimate dodgeball, and ultimate frisbee. In addition, students can join tournaments such as casual yard games or the competitive Wiffleball World Series, offering something for every level of play.

Spring Session Sports

The spring schedule shifts to include basketball, indoor soccer, broomball, table tennis, and wallyball.

Special Tournaments & Events

Beyond the standard leagues, CU Boulder organizes seasonal competitions and one-day tournaments. These events provide a fun, social way to get involved without the longer commitment of a league, making them ideal for students with busy schedules or those looking to try something new.

CU Boulder Club Sports vs. Intramurals

Club Sports

CU Boulder club sports are competitive organizations that often travel to play other universities and colleges. These teams typically require tryouts, higher levels of commitment, and financial contributions such as dues or equipment costs. Club sports resemble varsity athletics but are student-run, blending serious competition with strong team culture.

Intramural Sports

In contrast, CU Boulder intramurals are recreational and designed for anyone looking to stay active in a more casual, flexible environment. All games are campus-based, making them easy to fit into a busy schedule. Instead of focusing on competition, intramurals emphasize fun, fitness, and community, offering a low-pressure way to enjoy sports with friends or meet new people.

Benefits of Participating

Physical & Mental Health

Joining intramural sports is a great way to stay physically active while also supporting mental well-being. Regular play improves overall fitness, helps manage stress, and provides a much-needed break from academic responsibilities. Sports also encourage healthy routines that boost energy and focus throughout the semester.

Social Connection

Intramurals create opportunities to meet new people and strengthen existing friendships. Whether playing on a team with classmates or joining as a free agent, students experience camaraderie, teamwork, and bonding. These connections often extend beyond the field, building a stronger sense of belonging at CU Boulder.

Career & Skill Development

Many students gain leadership skills by working as referees or officials, developing confidence, decision-making abilities, and teamwork experience.

Inclusivity & Special Programs

Unified Sports

CU Boulder partners with Special Olympics Colorado to host Unified Sports, which bring together students with and without intellectual disabilities on the same teams. These leagues, such as flag football in the fall and basketball in the spring, foster inclusion, teamwork, and meaningful friendships through shared competition.

Inclusive Rec

The university also emphasizes Inclusive Recreation, ensuring all students have access to safe, supportive, and welcoming opportunities. From adaptive programming to accessible facilities, the goal is to create an environment where every participant feels valued, respected, and empowered to take part in campus recreation.

Rules & Conduct

Each intramural sport at CU Boulder follows its own specific set of rules, ensuring fair play and consistency across leagues and tournaments. The Intramural Sports Handbook provides detailed guidance on eligibility requirements, game rescheduling, team composition, and overall expectations. A strong emphasis is placed on sportsmanship, respect for teammates, opponents, and officials is central to every competition. By following these guidelines, participants help create a safe, fun, and positive environment where everyone can enjoy the benefits of intramural play.