Denver

Doug and Stacy recently invited Dave and I to go to Colorado with them, to watch the Chicago Cubs 3-game series against the Colorado Rockies.  As we anticipated our 5-day stay in Denver, we started looking around for other activities to do there, and in between baseball games.  When we learned that the Broncos would be hosting the Houston Texans, we decided to get tickets.  Thankfully, we were able to get tickets before they sold out.  None of us had ever been to an NFL football game, so we were excited to be part of that atmosphere as well.  

We went to the football game on the first day in Denver.  Sports Authority Field at Mile High is a beautiful stadium.  The energy and excitement throughout the entire game was incredible!     

                             The Broncos certainly have their share of die-hard fans.

                  Dave and Doug had pictures taken with a couple of the Broncos Cheerleaders.

Below is one of the many escalators within the stadium.  Staff members told us that since Peyton Manning signed with the Broncos, they have had a huge surge in ticket sales.  Consequently, the massive crowds have taken a toll on the escalators; so, they now have to limit the number of people allowed on an escalator at any given time. 

When we finally arrived at our seats, I thought I was going to die!  I don't know if it was because our seats were at the top of an almost straight-up ascent, or if it was because I was a little more oxygen deprived, being that we were literally "a mile high".

We arrived at the stadium early enough to watch the Broncos and Texans warm-up.

                                                                            
                                      The Broncos first play from scrimmage. 

                                                                         

During the halftime show, the Broncos honored #80, Rod Smith, and inducted him into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame.  As a wide receiver, Smith played his entire 14-year NFL career with the Denver Broncos.  Among other notable accomplishments, he is ranked 15th in NFL history in career receptions, and 16th in receiving yards.

                                                                                 
Manning, discussing the next play with coaches on the sideline, then returning to his offense.

Hook pass, from Manning to running back Lance Ball, good for a 2-yard gain.

On 3rd and 12, Matt Schaub throwing a hitch pass to rookie wide receiver Keshawn Martin, moving the ball 2 yards for the Texans, but still 10 yards shy of a first down.  Three and out.......bring on the punt team!!

                      

Although Dave and I aren't Broncos fans, we were definitely supporting the home team for this game, so it was sad to watch them lose such a hard-fought battle to the Texans by a final score of 31-25.  We had a lot of fun being part of the NFL excitement at Mile High, and watching Peyton throw for 330 yards!  For a while, we thought the Broncos might come back in the 4th quarter, but, unfortunately, they just didn't quite have enough momentum to finish on top.




COLORADO ROCKIES VS. CHICAGO CUBS


Before the 3-game baseball series began, we went on a tour of Coors Field. Our tour guides took us down onto the field, and let us sit in the dugouts.  They then took us into the clubhouse, press box, and finally into some of the suites.  The grounds crew was prepping the field for the game later that evening, so we weren't allowed onto the grass or infield dirt.

Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies, was completed in 1995.  Prior to 1995, the Rockies played their first two MLB seasons in Mile High Stadium.

Coors Field is located in Denver's Lower Downtown neighborhood, and was built to resemble a 1940's-style ballpark.  The stadium and surroundings are beautiful!  Behind the center field wall is a landscape decoration that reflects the typical environment of the Rocky Mountains.  This landscape area consists of a waterfall, fountains, pond, and pine trees.  The 7 fountains shoot water almost 40 feet in the air before all home games, after a Rockies home run, during the 7th inning stretch, and after a Rockies win.  It is gorgeous!

(L-R) Me, Dave, Doug, and Stacy.....standing in the visitors dugout.  I think this really caused Dave to reminisce about the years that he played competitive baseball.

                                          Dave, on the phone, calling the bullpen.

Manny Corpas, a relief pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, warming-up in the stands before the game.

                                          Colorado Rockies All-Stars Wall.

                                          Sitting in the press box.

                                         View of the field from the press box.

This is one of the many Rockies memorabilia cases that we saw in the clubhouse.  Displayed in this particular case, among other things, is a home plate and pitching rubber.  Generally, when you see a pitching rubber, most of it is positioned beneath ground level on the pitcher's mound.  I didn't realize that it is actually 6" tall (and 24" wide).

We were able to get a great view of the starting pitcher for the Cubs, warming-up before the game......

                 ......as well as the starting pitcher for the Rockies.

"Play Ball"!!!  The first nights game ended prematurely, called in the 7th inning, due to rain.  Rockies won 10-5.  Being that the game was called early, they gave everyone in attendance free tickets to Wednesday nights game. 

   

  

On Wednesday night, there was another huge thunder & rainstorm.  After a 2-hour rain delay, the remaining innings of the game were played.  Rockies won 6-0.  As a result of the inclement weather and long delay, at the conclusion of the game they gave all of the faithful fans, who had stayed for the duration, free tickets to Thursday's game.  SCORE!!!!

Thursday was the day of our flight back home.  Nevertheless, being that we received free tickets to Thursday's game, coupled with the fact that it was an early game and our flight was later that afternoon, we headed back to Coors Field, to watch the third and final game of the series.  Stacy and I were glad we came back, because this was the day that we both caught a ball during batting practice.  SCORE AGAIN, BABY!!!!  Rockies won 7-5.

We were all sad that the Rockies swept the Cubs.  It was a lot of fun though; a little wet, but definitely fun!  We had a great time with Doug and Stacy, and would go again in a heartbeat!  Perhaps next time, to watch Derek Jeter at Yankee Stadium.......