Adventure of the Day: #BroncosParade

Image

Denver Broncos’ Parade

The voices on the radio strongly suggested getting to the noon parade at 9 a.m. I figured I’d be safe if I left the house shortly after 9 to take the RTD light rail into Denver. It was a beautiful day, closing in on 60 degrees with the bright Colorado sunshine I’ve grown accustomed to.

I wore my Broncos’ 50th super bowl champion shirt that might get me evicted by my Chiefs-loving housemate, Craig. And just a few minutes into my journey, I was already shedding layers. It was a short-sleeve February day in Denver. I arrived at the parking lot for the light rail and saw the fruitless circling of the lot by others. I went forward to the Aspen Grove shopping center lot. It’s a huge lot, and I had to park on the far side, a half-mile away, feeling lucky to find a spot.

Denver fans of all ages wait for their light rail tickets. Eventually, RTD said “Screw it!” and let people ride for free.

Oh, and then the light rail ticket line. It stretched from the automated kiosk to the far end, and a short ways back again. I waited nearly 2 hours and became buddies with the guys in line behind me. It was clear that this day was one of excitement for people all over the area known as Broncos Country. There were lines on both sides of the tracks, and one of my new friends sent his bride and little boy to the other side, where the line was shorter but moving at a slower pace. As we got within sight of the kiosk, the line on the other side dispersed, and people went to the tracks. Apparently, a lady purchased 100 light rail tickets and handed them out to the people in line behind her. With that line almost vacated, I crossed the tracks and got in it. Shortly after that, an RTD security cop asked who was taking the C Line to Union Station. “Go ahead and get on. Don’t worry about having a ticket.” Having been busted once before for jumping a train, I asked, “Is this a trick?” He laughed, and said, “No, it’s not a trick. Go on. Have a good time and be safe today.”

To the lady who bought the 100 tickets: “Sorry, babe. You’re out a lot of cash, but what a fine gesture!”

Getting close to Civic Center Park, where crowds and excitement were building.

The train was packed, but I was fortunate to have a seat. I offered it to some of the strap hangers, but they declined. It was a 15-block walk to Civic Center Park, which stretches about six blocks between the Colorado State Capitol and the City County Building. As I drew closer, excitement built. I was most excited to learn that many of the port-o-potties were immediately available. The entire trip took about 2 hours, and I arrived well before the parade hit full stride.

Here, I must confess, I’m not a huge Bronco’s fan. I hated the team and its iconic QB John Elway for two decades for what they did to the Cleveland Browns two years in a row in the ’80s. As VP of Football Operations, Elway signed Peyton Manning and continued to sign a string of support players around him that made the team a powerhouse. What’s not to like about them? So I let bygones be bygones and started rooting for the home team. On this day, having heard that a crowd of 1 million people was anticipated, I felt an obligation to make this my Adventure of the Day because I had never been anywhere with a million people before.

A large crowd gathers in Civic Center park during the Denver Broncos Super Bowl championship celebration and parade on Tuesday February 9, 2016. (Photo By AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

The crowd was incredible. The parade route was lined 15-deep from Union Station to the State Capitol. At Civic Center Park, the entirety of the grassy area was filled with humanity. Some of the younger folks climbed trees, or scaled statues for a better view. Six or maybe eight Jumbotrons were set up in various places, with huge speakers. Large media bleachers were erected near the stage at the City County Building, where TV teams broadcast live coverage. Ebullient wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders commented, “I heard there was a million people and I couldn’t believe it. But I think I saw a million people out there.” Former Rochester news guy Kyle Clark later announced on the air that Mayor Michael Hancock announced there were a million people, but that a Denver police spokesperson estimated the crowd at 800,000. The spokesperson later called back, and said, “If the mayor says there were a million people, then that’s what it is.” Ha! That’s funny!

One lovely Bronco fan getting a selfie!

My view.

Yours truly, at what could be a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Regardless, the size of the crowd prompted Denver Police to call in reinforcements across the state for crowd control.

A motorcycle cop high-fives fans along the parade route.

Rooftop security at the parade site. Helicopters and undercover security were also utilized.

The officers there were polite and embraced the spirit of the day, with motorcycle cops high-fiving the people along the parade route and others joining in good-natured chants of “Let’s Go Broncos!” Homeland security played a role, as well, with men in army green with binoculars and presumably with rifles stationed on the rooftop of a federal building.

The grassy areas still had unmelted snow that was trampled down to ice, blotched by patches of mud. My biggest concern on this gorgeous day was slipping on the ice and falling into the mud, and I was able to avoid any mishap.

If there were a million people there, the combined value of their NFL Broncos’ merchandise was at least half a billion dollars worth. The fans cheered as the jumbo screens showed the parade getting underway at the train station. Occasionally, the screens would divert from shots of the crowd to show players riding atop huge vehicles, or a fire truck with the owner’s wife and Super Bowl MVP, Von Miller. Cheers and chants of “MVP! MVP!” erupted. More than a few people wondered if anybody was working, or if there were any kids in school.

The people on the grass basked in the triumphant moment as well as the warming sun. Little children sat on their daddy’s shoulders. People danced and sang to the music. “All we do is Win! Win! Win!” and “Let’s Get This Party Started.” The first glimpses of the motorcade created a swelling wave of cheers. Moments later the tributes began on stage. A national recording artist sang the Star-Spangled Banner, followed by an unforgettable rendition of “We Are the Champions” by myself and one million backup singers. Magical.

The mayor and the governor came out of their offices to make proclamations. Then, a few of the players were brought up on the stage, with Von Miller encouraging the crowds manic enthusiasm. The finale was a joint interview with aging superstars Demarcus Ware and Peyton Manning. Why they didn’t give them the individual spotlight is beyond me, but These two leaders stoked the fire in the hearts of their fans.

And then it was over. The throng retreated in orderly fashion to the light rail and to the bars. And eventually to their homes, to think about the team’s prospects of earning another parade next February. As I waited in line for the D-Line train, I wished my Buffalo and Rochester and Cleveland friends could experience the same civic pride and exhilaration that the Denver people did.