Denver Sports Culture (Colorado Springs, Boulder, Eagle: credit, how much, layoffs)
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Something that I do not thing Denver gets enough credit for is its status as a first-rate sports city. Now I am not saying that Denver is the #1 sports city in the United States, but it's easily top 10, and depending on specifics of any given criteria, it's a top 5 sports city.
I would consider a variety of criteria in making this claim. First, the presence of teams in the 4 major sports (NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA). Denver also has several additional professional clubs, including the Rapids and Crush (that is, if AFL ever resumes). There is also NCAA sports at the University of Denver, as well as University of Colorado in nearby Boulder (which I consider to be part of the Denver area) and Colorado State University just 90 minutes from downtown Denver. There is no shortage of sports options in the Denver area, that's for certain.
Secondly, the quality of the fans. Denver (and Colorado) fans generally support their teams, are very knowledgeable about the sport and the history of their teams.
Third, the quality of the teams. Not just current quality, because teams always will have ups and downs. But the overall reputation of Denver area teams is generally that they will play hard and perform well.
The Broncos, while having a dismal year in 2010 still managed to draw attendance of over 99%, and that is with the fan base divided because of Coach McDaniels even. The Broncos have not been good for a while, but these things go in cycles, and many believe that under the new management the Broncos are on the brink of being competitive again. Furthermore the team has played in 6 Super Bowls, ranking 3rd in the league in number of Super Bowl appearances behind Dallas and Pittsburgh. The Broncos two Super Bowl wins, while not as many as some teams, are two more than the Eagles, Chargers and Vikings, and one more than NFL royalty such as the Colts, Jets, and Bears.
The Rockies have recently become a very competitive team after their amazing run to the World Series in 2007. Of course we all know they came out flat against the Red Sox, but they also renewed interest in MLB in Denver. Even in their down years, they managed to draw decent fan support given the teams lack of significant history or success. In 2004 the team committed to young talent developed from within and it paid off in 2007 and the years since. One could argue that no team in MLB has a better farm system than the Rockies. Now in this young season of 2011 they are on their best start as a franchise. It's a long season, but right now the Rockies are looking like contenders. It would be great to see them bring a World Series title to Denver.
The Avalanche brought Colorado its first major league title in 1996 and followed up with a second Stanley Cup in 2001. Now they are in a bit of a down period, but that doesn't change the fact that they have greatly contributed to the folklore of Denver sports, with players such as Joe Sakic, Patrick Roy and Peter Forsberg. Avalanche-Red Wings games were legendary. No longer the NHL power house, the Avalanche has already made a significant contribution to the Denver sports tradition.
The Nuggets have been a consistent playoff contender, reaching the playoffs 8 years in a row (including this year). Now I do not follow the NBA very closely at all, but I do know that the Nuggets got better after trading away super stare Carmelo Anthony and fan fav Chauncey Billups. I do not expect that they will get far in the playoffs this season, especially if they have to pair up against Oklahoma City. With that said, this 8 year playoff run, while yielding little success, has come on the heals of 8 straight dismal seasons, including one with 65 losses and another with 71 losses. A dramatic turnaround, indeed. The Lakers, they are not. A solid team that the city can be proud of, definitely!
And of course, Denver has NCAA titles as well, with the DU Pioneers winning back to back NCAA Hockey titles and the CU Buffaloes 1990 Football title.
Like I said, Denver may not be the #1 sports city ever. But it is a city with a rich tradition in sports that I believe warrants discussion here on CD. I encourage you to share your favorite thoughts or memories of Denver sports on this thread, or talk about a favorite hang out that you like to go to when there is a game on.
Lastly, I realize that there is a sports forum. This is on the Denver page, though because it is about Denver sports, and I want Denver posters to see it!
You are missing the majority of the NCAA titles won by Colorado schools. Out of 58 NCAA skiing championships, Denver has 21 titles and CU has 17 (including this year). CU men have also won 3 cross country championships in the past decade, while the women have won 2 during the same time.
Metro State has 4 D2 national championships (2 men's basketball, 2 women's soccer).
They may not be the marquee sports, but these teams' accomplishments shouldn't be discounted.
Thank you for adding them. I realize that I was leaving many NCAA titles out, but the post was getting long, so I kept it to the 3 biggest NCAA titles in the area.
Thank you for adding them. I realize that I was leaving many NCAA titles out, but the post was getting long, so I kept it to the 3 biggest NCAA titles in the area.
What do you mean "biggest"? As a cross country runner, the success of the CU cross country team (5 championships in the last 11 years) is much "bigger" than one measly football championship 21 years ago.
I'm a long distance runner as well, but honestly, how many people take interest in cross country when compared to NCAA Football? How much $$$ does the cross country team generate for the school as compared to the football team? That's what I mean by "biggest."
I'm a long distance runner as well, but honestly, how many people take interest in cross country when compared to NCAA Football? How much $$$ does the cross country team generate for the school as compared to the football team? That's what I mean by "biggest."
Most watched - sure. In terms of money, most college football programs spend more money than they make. I'd bet CUs football program's yearly net loss is greater than it's cross country program's net loss.
In terms of success, the Cross Country program is much bigger.
Yes, I agree that Denver is a GREAT sports city. A while back I even saw it ranked very highly (Detroit was #1 I think), and deservedly so because there are the 4 major teams. But also, it's great to have such a large amount of sports and teams to choose from: Air Force and Wyoming are rarely spotlighted, but those programs are successful with excellent fanbases. CSU football on the radio was appointment listening for me before their announcer passed away. Didn't UNC make the NCAA tourney this year? Also, the Pioneers are consistently competitive in hockey and I think that the Rapids were last year's soccer champs. None of this was 'net-verified, just by memory. Still, there are alot of great teams to follow on many levels.
Unfortunately, the more I hear of the Broncos, the less I like them. Annoying also is the "Elway is God" treatment. Tebow is a close second in celebrity irritation, especially since he's accomplished.....uh, um, gimmeasecond.
I'm curious how the Sky Sox are covered in Colorado Springs- do they get any pub?
Hopefully Rockies fans can get to a St. Louis Cardinals level of enthusiasm, but that's alot to ask. Still, hope springs eternal.
IKNOWFTBLL, your top 5 or top 10 ranking sounds about right. Definitely a great sports town.
Something that I do not thing Denver gets enough credit for is its status as a first-rate sports city. Now I am not saying that Denver is the #1 sports city in the United States, but it's easily top 10, and depending on specifics of any given criteria, it's a top 5 sports city.
Depends what your definition of "first-rate sports city" is. Winning teams? Denver is FAIL. Fan support? Denver is #1. Denver is the smallest metro area, with all four major sports teams and all of the teams are fairly well supported. Enough said.
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