5 Reasons You Should See the Broncos Play at Mile High Stadium
By Amy Richau
I know for many people going to see the Broncos play at Mile High Stadium may not be an option due to travel time and expense, or let’s face it, just the expense. For the last two years Broncos season ticket holders have renewed almost 100 percent of their seats and the secondary market for tickets has been insane.
But if you are able to get to Denver and get a ticket to a Broncos game in Mile High Stadium I guarantee you won’t regret it. Here are the 5 top reasons you should go see the Broncos play at Mile High Stadium this year.
Jan 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) signals at the line of scrimmage in the second half against the New England Patriots during the 2013 AFC championship playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
1. PFM
This is the most obvious one but I still don’t think most people realize how lucky we are to have him. Peyton Manning is here right now and we don’t know how long we will have him because you never really know in football. One missed block or one dirty hit and Manning’s career could be over.
There’s a first round Hall of Famer, a GOAT contender (if not winner), and one of the best sports role models you could ask for playing at Mile High Stadium. If you think it’s fun to watch him at the line of scrimmage on TV you’ll think it’s amazing to see everything that goes on live.
Bring your binoculars, crack open a beer, and enjoy the view knowing that you can tell your kids or grandkids some day that you were there when Peyton Manning broke a record, or got that touchdown pass placed so perfectly, or led his team to a 4th quarter comeback. There are only so many more games where this will be an option.
Jan 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; A Denver Broncos fans celebrates in the game against the New England Patriots during the 2013 AFC championship playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
2. The Fans
Denver Broncos fans are simply fun to watch a game with. Season ticket holders have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly but they will always stick with their team. They are knowledgable about the game and know when to be quiet and when to get loud. From the super fans in costumes to the grandma bringing her grandson to his first game I’ve seen it all at Broncos games. It’s a wonderful melting pot of fans who might not have anything in common except for their love of the Broncos.
Sure there are some fans who are annoying (or worse), but I’ve been impressed with how quickly these situations get worked out – either by event staff or a friend of the person who perhaps had one too many. I look forward to seeing my fellow season ticket holders every game – we are a little community for a few hours – giving high fives, sharing injury info, shaking our heads in disgust together, and even giving the spur of the moment hug after something truly amazing just happened.
Sep 23, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos arabian horse mascot Thunder ridden by Ann Judge-Wegener during the game against the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
3. The In-Game Entertainment
Two words sky divers.
It’s practically worth the cost of admission to see the Denver Broncos Thunderstorm parachute into Mile High Stadium before every game. It never gets old. If you don’t believe me check out the video below. I feel similarly about the flyovers we used to get at the end of the national anthem but those disappeared last year and I fear they won’t be coming back soon. But speaking of the national anthem . . .
Displays of patriotism are getting harder and harder to come by outside of Memorial Day and the 4th of July. But at Mile High Stadium you not only get a great rendition of the National Anthem but the military is saluted throughout the game with messages from men and women serving abroad and a salute to their families who are usually at the game.
But that’s not all. The Denver Broncos Cheerleaders are fun and entertaining to watch – and about as classy as you can get for a dancer not wearing a ton of clothes. The cheerleaders are joined by the Stampede Marching band, The Mile High Tumblers (there’s one guy in particular who is a crazy, amazing tumbler), Miles the Mascot, and of course Thunder the horse who rides out onto the field after every Broncos score.
Dec 12, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; General view of pillars of former Denver Broncos players at the Ring of Fame at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
4. The Stadium
Mile High Stadium is a beautiful place to see a game. It’s centrally located in Denver and has a ton of parking within walking distance and plenty of places to tail-gate. Don’t arrive right at kick-off, make a day of it if you can. The stadium recently went through several upgrades including new jumbo-trons and over 1000 flat screen TVs throughout the stadium.
If you have been a fan of the Broncos for a long time you will appreciate the history you see at the stadium. From the ring of fame around the interior of the stadium to the new Ring of Fame Plaza, Broncos from the past are honored practically everywhere you look.
If you have extra time before game day you can take a tour of Mile High Stadium and see the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame, Thunder’s Stall, the Club Levels, the tunnel the team enters, and the visiting teams locker rooms.
Jan 12, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; General view of the Broncos logo on seats as fans enter the stadium for the game with the Denver Broncos playing against the San Diego Chargers for the 2013 AFC divisional playoff football game. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
5. Denver
Denver is a great town to visit. You’ll meet all kinds of people and almost always be greeted with a smile. The weather is usually wonderful for watching a football game but it obviously does also get cold. But cold football games can be the most memorable and fun. Even when it’s freezing, or below freezing, Broncos fans are in their seats cheering for their team until the end. If you do go to a game with a cold forecast come prepared! You’ll have more fun and have a great story to tell on Monday. You also might get a deal on last minute tickets – I couldn’t give away one extra ticket I had for the Broncos/Ravens playoff game because no one wanted to brave the cold. Put on some snow pants and toss in some hand warmers – you’ll survive and might see an amazing game.
If you’re local, going to a Broncos game must surely be on your bucket list. If you’re not local and can make a trip out of it, take some time to explore Denver and other parts of Colorado. Go to a national park, take a tour at the Coors Brewery, see a show downtown, or try out the numerous amazing local breweries.
If you can’t get your hands on a ticket to a game do the next best thing and watch a Broncos game with other Broncos fans. If you have been to a game at Mile High Stadium what’s your favorite memory of the experience?