The heart of Broncos fandom rarely beats with more vigor than at Fan Fair.
Thousands of Broncos fans teemed at the INVESCO Field at Mile High, with nary a game in sight. And while the building bustled with Broncos players and coaches being squired about from autograph stations to bingo sessions to on-field clinics and beyond, there’s a reason why the event is most often referred to as “Fan Fair,” and not “Broncos Fair.”
The fans are the stars — as I learned during my two hours perched upon a barstool on the East Club level, attemping to answer any and all trivia questions flung at me by Patrick Smyth, the statistical guru of the organization whose number-mashing is vital to media relations, the Web site and the coaching staff all the same.
There is Elmer Gonzales, Jr., a lifelong Broncos fan whose basement is a museum to all things Broncos. When it comes to Broncos trivia, he seized his share of victories, taking six questions to knock me off and then winning twice more for nearly half a week’s worth of T-shirts. He was better on his knowledge of the Broncos in the 1960s and 1970s; I knew more about draft picks and alma maters.
People seem to have fancied me as a repository for sports trivia — and minutiae in general, as I’ve been a ringer in more than one trivia contest. But with Gonzales and some other Broncos fan, I met my match, and it was easy to see why. Many of you have a lifetime of Broncos trivia in their mental Rolodex; I have five years’ worth — although I could relate to the way Gonzales and others have such an amazing comprehension of their favorite team.
Some of you may know, and others who don’t — I’m not from Denver, and did not grow up a Broncos fan. Those youthful allegiances belong to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, whose history I can disseminate encyclopedically. I can tell you who their punter was in 1987 (Frank Garcia, with Ray Criswell kicking in the replacement games), how many interceptions Vinny Testaverde threw in his first season as a starting quarterback (35) and the tight end who caught a touchdown pass in the Bucs’ Dec. 26, 1993 win at Mile High Stadium (Dave Moore).
So when it comes to the Broncos, I have decades of catching up and many more skull sessions with the media guide still to come. But I held my own. Probably more than that, as I could hear one contestant utter an exasperated epithet as I answered several questions in rapid-fire succession.
I was starting to feel pretty good about my trivia command … and the fact that if I didn’t have the answer, the odds were in my favor that no one else in the rapidly expanding group around my bar stool would.
Then, along came a middle-aged sprite of unbridled Broncos enthusiasm wearing an orange wig and asking me who the Broncos’ three 1980s draft picks from the University of Houston were. I knew just one — Simon Fletcher. The other two names I’d never heard before and may never hear again.
The trivia game was called “Stump the Mase,” and she had done just that. Of course, the weisenheimer within had to ask, “Is that orange your natural color?” but she didn’t take offense such a query.
Her name is Kara Christian, but here at INVESCO Field, she answers simply to “Bronco Lady.” In late March, she earned a brief measure of local fame when she tried out for the cheerleading squad against women 30 years her junior.
“It was a serious effort by me to say if they want a true cheer-leader, I’m your head cheerleader,” she said.
Few are more successful at convincing hundreds to yell “Raiders!” immediately followed by a word that begins with “s” and rhymes with “tuck,” as in “tuck rule.” She held season tickets for two decades when she lived on the East Coast, but now calls Denver home, which allows her to more readily indulge in the team she adores.
Unlike Gonzales, Christian’s museum is one she carries with her to Fan Fair — an early-1990s era white John Elway jersey flooded with signatures from Broncos players and coaches encompassing all eras.
This thing has to be worth at least 75 large. “Holy crap!” were the only words that initially passed from my lips as I scanned the jersey, which carries on it virtually the entire history of the franchise.
With room left for only about 13 signatures, the jersey is so full now that she has to be selective on who signs it, focusing on players who contribute for multiple years, without whom the history of the franchise would be incomplete.
Christian said she had it spelled out in her last will and testament that upon her passing, the jersey will go to Denver Broncos Charities to be auctioned to the highest bidder — minimum bid, $50,000. Something tells me that a jersey with more Broncos signatures than any in existence — including those of Hall of Famers and some who surely will be — will be a bargain at no matter what lofty price it beckons.
But no price can be put on her loyalty or everyone else who donned a Broncos hat, t-shirt, jersey, shorts or all of the above for a day out at the stadium.
Above all, Fan Fair it’s about fans like Gonzales and Christian, people whose heart pounds for the Broncos, whose blood is bound to have some orange hue amidst its corpuscles, whose love for the franchise makes the aura surrounding the Broncos so unique. Unlike the more vitriolic passion endemic to some other fanbases, Broncos Country is defined more by its loyalty and communal spirit, and less by hatred (well, except when the Raiders are discussed).
After this weekend, it’s clear that the heart of Broncos fandom is healthy. Entering their 48th season, the Denver Broncos are at what for a human would be middle age, but their collective heart is healthy like that of someone at least a quarter-century younger.
Back on Monday night with a glance at the Mike Shanahan Golf Classic.
Tags: 2007 Fan Fair
I am a big broncos fan and I was completely dissapointed in the fan fair. I drove 4 hrs with family 9, 14, and 1yr old and stood in line to get autographs 4 more that 2 hrs. Come to find out after we get past the first 100 yards of the line we are in the picture line, no announcement or signs to let people know whats going on suprise suprise saaddddd!!! Never go again!
At least you got to go immortal, I wish I could have went with my family. Where I’ve lived the past 4 years im simply known as “the Bronco fan” or that guy from Denver cause of my loyalty. My wifes in the Air Force and we seem to never be in Denver this time of year. We’ll get there one day and if I got to stand in line for a lil while just to say I actaully stepped onto that field then so be it…GO BRONCOS!!!
immortaloutkast,
There were signs posted that read ” picture opportunities” and a sign that read “autographs”. There were big 8-10ft banners that were hung above the
entrance of both areas. I guess you were not paying attention.
i went both days and they rocked for me. but the first day i got ether rookies, a back up. but the second day was the best because i got a picture with Rod Smith, and i got Rod Smith to sighn my Rod Simth jersey, and other good players to sign my Denver Bronco football!!!!
Good for you broncofan!! I as well had a great time! The lines are lengthy and timely but to me it was worth it! I came home both days with sore feet but got some good autos and pictures!!
I too wish I could go, but being stuck in Knoxville, TN doesn’t allow for many trips to the Mile High City.
Most interesting in your post, Andrew, is that you grew up a Bucs Fan. I have a HUGE respect for those fans. My wife and I lived in Tampa for three years (during their super bowl win) and it was great to see such loyal fans finally get a ring.
I never was able to get into the bucs enough to be called a ‘fan’ myself — my heart belongs to the Broncos I guess, but those fans in Tampa are some of the best people I’ve ever met. In an age of wishy-washy fandom, it’s nice to know that their are still places in the US where 14 losing years in a row can’t shake the belief in the home team!
Much Respect.
well that would be great if the line actually started at the entrance but the line on sat morning ended at about the team store! I actually felt good about one thing, after we got a pic with d. veal my family and I walked out and past the team store. I was ahead of my fam and my wife yelled my name and told me a lady fell. She was having a stroke or seazure (spelling), nobody was doing anything, a women came and I asked her to help me turn her to her side we did and she started to breath easier, as we held the woman a paramedic came and took over, that felt good to help someone! If i wouldnt have been with my son of 1 yr we probably would have had more fun, I did pay for a autographed Champ bailey poster w/frame 175.00 well worth it my son named Bailey after the champ!!
I went both days and had a great time both days. I am not really sure how many other teams actually do this for their fans, but I think it is awesome that the Broncos do it. I have been a fan since I was a teenager and I loved the opportunity to take part in something like this. Yes, the lines were long, but that is because the Broncos have so many wonderful fans. Plus all proceeds from the tickets went to charity which is awesome.
This was my first Bronco Fan Fair and I LOVED it!! I am from St. Louis, and I attended with my sister, who is from Southern California. We are both die-hard Bronco fans, and we attended both days. Yes, the lines were long, but we really enjoyed talking with other Bronco fans from all over the country. It actually took us a while to find some from Colorado!!
The highlight of the weekend for the two of us was having our picture taken with Jason Elam. Not only was he completely gracious, but he also handed each one of us his Super Bowl rings from ’97 and ’98 to wear in the picture!! What an amazing honor and thrill that was!! While the Rams fans that I am surrounded by here in St. Louis do not understand my addiction to all things Bronco, even they have been awed by that photo!! Thanks for a wonderful weekend. We definitely want to make this a yearly tradition. Maybe someday, we will have as many signatures as the “Bronco Lady”.
#1MissouriBroncoFan
That is a great story! Shows the class act that Jason Elam is! To put his rings up like that for fans is awesome! I say you two were very lucky and that is something you will not forget anytime soon! Congrats!
Fan fair was awsome, it was my second time along with my girlfriend, and the first for my son. On the first day we were able to get Javon Walkers auto twice which is pretty rare as some of you might know with the lines and all. In just one day we were able to score 12 autographs from new and old players. The second day we missed a picture with John Lynch by 5 yards, but he did come and shake our hands along with everyone that was in line up to a point. Then our mission was to get a Champ Bailey auto but we fell short about 20 yards. Thats all right though because any autograph is better then nothing. I was also able to win at bingo before the day was over. I can’t wait till next year, watch out Champ!!!
“DenverRob, Mas and me”. Born (the same year as the Broncos) and raised in Denver, I too have the Tampa tie. Moved here in 96, and spearhead the local Bronco fan base with several other Broncomaniacs. How close this tie? Dave Moores been over to view the Bronco regalia and go fishing from our back yard (Drafted by Shula with the Dolphins, and spent a year with the Bills). He was with the Bills that year and he signed a photo for me, what did I ask him to write? “Proud to be in the A.F.C.” Bronc-On!!!
I love the Fan Fair, I have been to them all cept one.. I cant member why i missed that one.. hmmm.. anyway lines are long but well worth it all! I have got Jason Elam’s auto and pic, Van Pelt’s pic, Rod Smith’s auto, Champ Bailey’s auto, Ed Mccaffrey’s auto (years ago) and a lot of others. I must say Nate Jackson is very personable, asking me how my day was going, and Jason Elam, ever so gracious, let me wear his Super Bowl Rings in the pic, they are VERY heavy! hehe A wonderful time, and I brought my boyfriend along who hadn’t ever been, and he was so sweet standing in every line with me! I plan to go every year they have this for Broncos fans, and I am very appreciative the players and coaches take the time to do this for all of us. Thank you.
How do I become a member? Would love to. I am a Bronco fan!! Love each and every one of them. My e-mail addressis donnamaeptbr@aol.com Please let me know how to be a member!
denverobsession:
Someday, I’m going to write something substantial about growing up a Bucs fan. It’s one of the reasons why I enjoy talking to Broncos fans who’ve been there since the 1960s, since they understand what it’s like to invest your heart and energy into a chronically undermanned side. In spite of all the losses, I wouldn’t anything about those Sundays for all the gold at Fort Knox. And I can tell you from experience that the 1997 season when the Bucs snapped a run of 14 consecutive losing seasons was every bit as sweet to a Bucs fan as winning Super Bowl XXXII was to Broncos Country.
Well thanks for the kind words Mr. Mason, this is Elmer Jr. I just want to say that I enjoyed the trivia very much and look foward to more next year(I’ve already started studying my draft picks) As a five year veteran of the Fan Fair I must say that it gets better every year! I don’t get as many autographs as the first year but it seems like I can experience something different every year! Whether it’s taking pictures, playing video games, or playing bingo there is so many things to do! This year I was able to sleep on the field friday night (Thanks KBPI), and add some old school practice jerseys to my museum from the two minute drill sale, and I got to be the first to stump the Mase! Plus I still got a lot of autographs and even better I have gained many more friendships with fans from everywhere around the country! The friendships that I have gained at fan fair’s past have been well worth the time spent in lines because these friendships will last a lifetime. Broncos Country is everywhere and all fan fair does is bring everyone together! I hope it goes on forever!
Elmer Jr, I would love to see your basement museum! Please let me know if I can one day
My email is Br7nc7sGirl@hotmail.com. And any other Broncos fans out there can drop me a line any time. GOOOO Broncos!!!!!! 
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