Being A Broncos Fan in Enemy Territory
By Tylor Walden
Sep 14, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos fans hold up signs in support of the team during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Broncos are known to have a great fan base. But what if the fan does not reside in Colorado or the surrounding area? It can make it difficult for them to travel out to Colorado to see a game unless the team travels nearby.
I attended my first Denver Broncos football game on October 12th when they played the New York Jets. Living on the east coast is especially difficult because the Broncos rarely travel to this portion of the states. Due to the lack of travel to the east coast, I went into this game thinking that the stadium would be surrounded in a sea of green and white. Not to mention there was word about how New York fans were similar to those in Philadelphia and the Broncos division rival Oakland fans are. Brutal no matter whom the opposing team that traveled to their stadium.
For so many years, I have been accustomed to watching the games on television, so actually getting the chance to watch a game right before my eyes and live was breathtaking. I even got the chance to get closer to the field before I took my seats and watch the players practice only a couple feet away. Watching players on both sides interact with each other was awesome. Seeing Eric Decker interact with former teammates showed me that even though they are on opposite sides, that they remain friendly towards each other.
When I got up to my seats and watching the game go along, I noticed that there was a good amount of orange mixed in with the sea of green and white. The fanbase of the Denver Broncos is remarkable as some traveled from Colorado to see the game and fans of the team that are from the east coast area. During the game, I got to interact with a fan who sat in the same row as I did and even interacting with one that sat a row behind me. Being able to engage in talking about what the team can do to win the game, how to stop the Jets offense, and standing up and cheering with the others in their orange apparel made it a lot of fun for a fan who is miles away from where the team is located.
The best part was after the game, when the Broncos completed the 31-17 win was giving high fives to fans of the Broncos in Metlife Stadium to celebrate another Broncos win.
Perhaps being a fan outside of Colorado is not the end of the world. Because there are plenty of people in the world who like a team and do not live in the nearby area. Seeing the orange in Metlife Stadium that Sunday afternoon showed me that Broncos Country does not only reside in Colorado, but in other places too. Being a fan of the Broncos and being a part of the family that is Broncos Country is amazing, no matter where you live. I enjoy every second being a Broncos fan.