It’s that time of the year again when young football players across Colorado — NFL stars in the making — take the field for a day of NFL-like game experience at INVESCO Field at Mile High in Broncos Bowl.
This year’s Broncos Bowl, to be held this Saturday, August 11, from 8am-3pm, will showcase the most-senior-age division in youth leagues from Aurora, Arapahoe, Jefferson County, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Grand Junction, Denver PAL, Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Denver, Broomfield and Fort Collins. The state-wide representation of this Bowl allows each team the opportunity for rare cross-league play.
One of the big highlights of the day for the kids is having their names announced individually before they dart out to the 50-yrd line from the southeast tunnel, just like in the pros. I have seen many a child over the past several years with that championship look and those stars in their eyes.
Before each game Saturday, the national anthem will be performed in an effort to truly make the experience NFL-like. Fans can come support these kids, too — at no charge and concessions will be available, so there is really no excuse not to be there!
While Broncos Bowl teams are competing, Coca-Cola has been gracious enough to partner with us on a special skills competition for the other teams of participating leagues, which will occur on the east side warning track. A special obstacle course, timed 40-yard dash and punt catch competitions will give kids who are not on Broncos Bowl teams a special experience that day, too.
Finally, all Broncos Bowl teams, Broncos NFL 7-on-7 team and skills challenge participants will be recognized on-field during halftime of our preseason game against Cleveland on August 25. What a great way for fans to show appreciation for the hard work of these young up-and-coming players, so NO EXCUSES — CHEER LOUD!!! They deserve it.
GAME TIME IN BRONCOS COUNTRY…LET’S GO!!!
Hats off to the Denver Broncos and their outstanding show of support for Youth Football!
My 14 year old son, Marc, was one of the fortunate young athletes competing in this years Bronco Bowl. What a thrill for these boys! Football is Marc’s life. He, like many of these boys, aspires to play professionally one day.
We arrived in Denver on Friday, staying at the Red Lion just across from the stadium. Marc was dying to get over there and “check it out”. He walked over to the stadium from the hotel and was lucky enough to run into one of the Denver Pirates players who invited him inside. He was bursting with excitement when he returned, telling me about how he stood alone on the field, in the deserted stadium, feeling a
wave of anticipation come over him.
My boy hardly slept all night, he could hardly contain his excitement. It was such a surreal experience for him and his teammates. Playing their first of what they all hope and dream to be many football games in an NFL stadium.
The day went off fantastically. Seeing my son run out of the tunnel as they were announcing his name was an experience I am not sure I can find words to describe. I think I must have been as nervous and excited as he was… if not more so. Our boys played well, they played hard and came away with a win.
The boys were all looking forward to the following morning. The paperwork we received (detailing the course of events for the 2007 Bronco Bowl) stated that the “teams and coaches were invited to a “wrap up” party at ESPN Zone in downtown Denver the morning of Sunday, August 12, from 9-11 a.m.”. Our team had travelled from Colorado Springs for this event and some teams had travelled from as far as Grand Junction to be here. Most parents had made hotel reservations for Saturday night so that the boys could attend the party on Sunday morning to celebrate this amazing experience together. Without warning, we were informed following our game that ESPN Zone had “backed out” and there would be no party the next morning. WOW! What a disappointment for the boys. What an inconvenience for the parents. Not to mention the financial aspect of it all. I am certain that most parents would not have spent the additional money to stay over Saturday night had they known ESPN Zone was going to let the boys down like that.
Many thanks to the Denver Broncos for the incredible memories they’ve given us from this once in a lifetime experience. It is a shame that the last memory we were left with from this astounding day, was dealing with our boys disappointment in ESPN Zone.
Stratumseind Miller Time Cafe
Fry up the ground lamb, while this is frying, mince the onion. When the lamb is browned, add the onion, continue cooking on medium heat until onions are translucent. Add the garlic, saute a few more minutes.