Every year we try to meet up with Rudy’s daughter and son in law for an NFL game somewhere. We aren’t fussy about location but we accommodate the kids as they live in northern Alberta and like to fly anywhere direct nonstop. So the options are a bit limited. Last year we did Minnesota and the year before that, Vegas. This year Denver made the cut. None of us had ever been.

Once we decided on a date that suited everyone’s schedules (again, we accommodate their schedule since we are retired), we were able to lock down a game. The game in town on our weekend was Denver Broncos hosting the KC Chiefs. That was a bit of a bummer since a) we can’t stand KC and, b) the Chiefs make ticket prices higher than normal (Swifties??) whenever they play. But so be it! We were going to Denver!

After some discussion, we decided that the weekend would be our Christmas gift to the kids. We would cover the cost of lodging, car and tickets. It’s actually a bit liberating to find something that is an excellent gift that we can all enjoy together. We did a few of these weekends with my siblings but got derailed due to a number of reasons. It’s a great way to hang out and do stuff while enjoying live sports. A win win!!

Since we were already in Florida, our flights were from Tampa. We left on a Friday afternoon and contrary to doomsayers the airport was neither busy nor delayed. We arrived, parked our car, and headed in to security. They confiscated a peppermint lotion that I had packed for Sarah. Who knew that lotion (in an unopened container) was considered liquid. Oh well. They left her hand sanitizer and hot cocoa mix alone. Geesh.

When the plane boards, we are advised that it’s half empty so we need to spread out as much as possible. Nice having a row to yourself. even though the flight is short (3 hrs). The plan upon landing is to meet in the main terminal and shuttle to the off site car rental office. It turns out that our flights arrived within 10 min of each other making a meet up possible.

The car rental shuttle is quick and whisks us to the pick up location. I’ve rented a mini van through Costco at Enterprise. David and I step up to the counter as he will be the primary driver. It was cute when the clerk asked if we were married. Well, cute for me at least! David and Sarah weren’t as amused.

It’s dark. Just around 6:30 pm and we head to our accommodations for the next few days. We make a quick stop for a few provisions at Target. I always forget how exciting it is for Canadians to enter a Target store! After a very quick stop we are off again. This time it’s directly to our digs. It’s a modern house close to the stadium. David navigates us to the house and we step inside. We are pleasantly surprised to find a beautiful open concept with a large kitchen with island and integrated appliances. The fridge is cleverly disguised as a cupboard and all of the fixtures are like new.

There’s three levels. The first floor is made up of kitchen with island seating, a dining table, powder room living room with a giant tv and two entry ways to the outside. The second floor is a queen bedroom, full bath, laundry and another room that was inaccessible. The third floor had a king bedroom, ensuite with a walk-in shower, sliding doors to an outside deck and seating area with mountain views. We took the top floor.

When booking the trip we were slightly concerned (Rudy more-so) about weather. On the car rental shuttle we met a lady travelling with skis so we were all wondering what game day conditions would be. The great surprise was that summer like conditions were in full force. We packed toques and scarves but really needed shorts! It was a good surprise and Rudy was delighted.

Saturday was a free day. My sister (who worked in Denver frequently) asked what our plans were. I told her the kids usually plan stuff they want to see and do; we just tag along happily. As it turns out, Sarah had her mindset on a certain sporting store that featured licensed merchandise. She wanted some Broncos Bling. The store was jammed with everything sports from apparel for him and her as well as man cave gear and women’s jewellery! They also sold gimmicky items and accessories as well as regulation bags (clear and certain size). I cajoled Rudy into modelling a fan get up.

After that plans were loose, so we decided to take my sister’s suggestion and head to Boulder. Boulder is a nearby (35 min drive) university town; it’s where the infamous Deon Sanders now coaches. The place was teeming with people (mostly young) and dogs. So many dogs. All shapes and sizes. We park and walk through the bustling Saturday market checking out artisan wears at the tent style booths lining the pedestrian only street and the retail shops in behind. The place was packed! There was live music, street food and coffee shops and restaurants. The energy was vibrant and we enjoyed the fantastic weather as we strolled and shopped.

Within a few hours we were pooped and hungry. So the decision to head back was unanimous. We found a casual gastro pub in the Sloan area (a regentrified area with lots of eateries and a lake). Once we were suitably fed and watered, we thought it best to return “home”. We needed to strategize about game day and plan our outing.

Discussions were quick. Do we want to home to the game (likely a 45 to 60 min walk), uber or self-drive and park. We ruled out walking. Our neighbourhood seemed safe enough but being tourists we didn’t think it wise. We ruled out uber as it’s a nightmare when the game is over. So self-drive it is. Now the question is do we park at the stadium or near a train station? At issue was the cost and availability of parking. Parking passes were being sold in Ticketmaster for upwards of $250US. However, I brought my handicap parking pass which would allow us preferred parking access for $40. So we opted to try the accessible lots. On the team website it said that accessible spots were limited and on a first come basis. As such, we were advised to go early. Decision made.

We spent the rest of the night snuggled on the sectional watching movies. And, in my case, drinking some delicious California Chardonnay.

The next morning we get organized and pack a cooler (handy that there was one!). What to wear is still a quandary: shady or sunny? Cooler after dark? so we opted for layers and figured that any excesses would be left in the van. David was driving and he was a bit trepidatious about the validity of my parking pass. His concern was that the website called for “state issued” passes and mine was Canadian. But once we entered the lot his fears were allayed: they checked the pass against my id and we were in! Right near the entry gate as well I might add.

The tail-gaters were in full swing. Some with elaborate tents and bbqs and others with awnings, chairs, buffet tables and music. The sun was shining warmly and brightly. We busted open the cooler and savoured cold beers and Pringles. David did some recon and reported back that the main action was very close by. Once the stadium opened there were hoards and clusters of fans everywhere. Mostly decked out in Broncos colours but a few Chiefs fans as well.

The stadium is very well laid out. There is zero car traffic past the parking lots which encircle the entire building. It’s a massive steel behemoth. At the main plaza in front of the stadium there’s tons of activities, tv personalities, tents with vendors and lots of music and noise. I don’t recall seeing one scalper or beggar. The security and police presence is huge and we feel very safe. We meander around the building in search of the famous galloping broncos and once we tick that box we head inside of the stadium.

The first area is security. You walk through a scanner machine similar to the airports and end up in another large area before you can choose a gate to enter. The flow is remarkable and people are moving quickly and efficiently about.

Inside the stadium there’s reps handing out flags in support of the troops (it’s a special day in the NFL) and programs. We grab our stuff and keep moving.

Our seats are in section 318 at the club level. Two levels up from the lower bowl. We find our seats easily and the guys set off in search of beverages and snacks. The seats are tucked nicely under the overhanging rim of the next level so we are in the shade. This is a good thing. I look up to the nosebleeds and remember a soccer game at Soldier Field where we sat up against the metal and fried!! We are early so there’s lots of room to settle in and get a lay of the land. There’s also the warm up on the field and game day gimmicks to enjoy. And in no time, the place starts to fill up. Right next to me: chiefs fans oh great.

The preamble to the game was exciting. The entry of the giant flag being carried by troops. Parachuters swooping into the bowl. A fly over that was awe-inspiring. The national anthem. And, of course, the galloping horse in full regalia. All a spectacle worthy of professional football.

Then the game begins. It’s a critical game for both teams because it’s a division match up. Both teams are vying for playoff spots. The Chiefs are having a rough start to the season and urgently need a win. The Broncos are off to a stellar start and are looking for first place in the division. Tensions are high and expectations are huge in both sides. Each team scores a field goal on their first drive. But the noise in the venue is staggering. They call it the mile high thunder for a reason. Fans stomp the metal floors with their feet and yell and scream for dear life. The Chiefs can’t hear their audibles and penalties as a result are announced on the jumbo tron as “fan induced”. The Chiefs fans are way outnumbered so they can’t retaliate. They are frustrated. The jumbo tron messages are taunting and engaging fans to make noise. Peyton Manning is on the screen explaining how stadium noise is a huge factor and when fans need to get loud! I’ve never heard anything like it.

The game is a barn burner! Both teams up and down the field and the score staying tight throughout. The refs making some nasty calls (which is the saving grace for the chiefs and something it seems they rely on as part of their game strategy) resulting in the Broncos having more than double the penalty yardage of the chiefs. Super annoying. But in the end, the Broncos take the game down to 12 seconds and make a final play to score a field goal beating the Chiefs by 3 points with no time left on the clock for Mahomes to retaliate. The Chiefs lose. Aw shucks.

Leaving the stadium was a piece of cake. They were so well organized with one way traffic lanes managed by police and pedestrian traffic managed by police. Only the odd rogue (and inebriated) fans dared step into the steady flow of cars. David maneuvered us out of melee and we made our way back to the house. With no energy and no voices from shouting, we relax and unwind. Tomorrow is it. Parting is such sweet sorrow.

The instructions to close the house are simple: turn off lights and take out trash. Then we gather our personal items and load up the van. David and Sarah are spending one more night in Denver at a downtown hotel; Rudy and I are heading back to Florida.

Another memorable and fun NFL weekend is in the books. Thanks, Denver, it’s been a slice.