So as many of you know we're thinking about coming to the US next August for two weeks. We can see more that appeals to our 6-13 year old kids in the Colorado option than in Virginia option so it seems that will be the place we aim to get to.
Now the exciting college season has kicked off it's got me thinking about taking the family to a game out there. So I have many questions:

1 - do high school/college play pre season matches as we may have returned before first Saturday in Sept?

2 - are college games safe to go to with a family? They look fab atmosphere but full of college youngsters loaded with drink (?)

3 - do high school games have bands too as I'd love to see a game with all the traditional band stuff

4 - are high school games worth going to as a tourist trying to catch a game or are they too low key - we do want some Americana razmatazz after all!

5 - we can't afford the big stadiums like auburn I've seen tonight but look like we could afford some of the lesser teams in Colorado. Any advice on best team/ stadium to visit out there? There's air force falcon and about 4 Colorado state uni ones (one something to do with mines one something to too with buffaloes and one state uni I think).

6 - I'd love to see all the pre game stuff coming into towards stadium like I've seen some teams do (Michigan?) Where crowds cheer them in- is that only the big 10-15 teams that would do such a thing??

7 - I know of the concept of tail gating in nfl - does the same happen in college football etc or not? I suppose that might not be suitable for young kids right?

Basically I want a great show/ atmosphere but for little money and safe! Then I can return alone to see the likes of Michigan or Seminoles or Penn white out!! :))))

Thanks I advance
Joe

1. States have different rules for HS football. In Ohio we start games the 4th week in August, there is usually a scrimmage the week before. Colleges do not start until 1st weekend in September.
2. Yes, students are in their own sections, usually.
3. Yes, some HS bands are phenomenal.
4. It all depends, some communities have amazing atmosphere at HS games. Some ****.
5. I don't know
6. That varies
7. College tailgating is pretty fantastic also.

Thanks for first reply :)

Tailgating is fine for kids usually, saw them all the time at Bengals tailgates. As long as you don't mind your kids hearing swear words and seeing people drink, they'll be fine. There will probably be a cornhole game (bean bag toss) or someone will be passing a football around. Plenty of food too.