As the Denver Broncos get ready to play at Invesco Field at Mile High, their fans should get ready to pay.
The cost of Broncomania is going up. Maybe that's why they named the white stallion statue "Bucko the Bronco."
Bronco officials say comparisons between Mile High and the new stadium are inexact because everything will be so different.
Whereas people sat on benches in Mile High's south stands, everyone in the new stadium has a seat -- and a cup holder.
So the comparisons are not apples to apples, said Rich Nichols of the Bronco's ticket office.
However, the overall range of ticket prices has gone up. At Mile High, the cheap seats in the South Stands were $20, snowballs not included. In the new stadium, the least expensive seats are on the upper level of the north end of the stadium for $30.
The best seats at the old stadium -- field level near the 50-yard line -- went for $56. Now they sell for $68.
Parking around the new stadium has also gone up. One lot at 19th and Federal that cost $10 per game last year will cost $30 per game this season.
There are still some bargains out there, however. Colorado Ocean Journey is offering a Bronco Game Day parking package -- $100 for 10 games.
Food prices will also rise, although Volume Services Jim Cundiff points out that the menu has improved. The new concession stands will offer everything from scones ($2.75) and cappuccino ($4) to Cajun Blackened Catfish ($5.50) to spinach pie ($4.50) and horse head candy ($4).
The old Mile High used to sell iced cappuccinos as well as buffalo burgers and Taco Bell.
For a family of four with two adults and two children, say ages 12 and 13, here's the expected tab on game day.
Let's say they can get by on four "Thunder Dogs," two large beers and two large sodas.
That comes to $40, compared to $31.50 at old Mile High, where the jumbo dogs were smaller.
At the new stadium, add in $30 for parking and four seats at $30 each in section 520 and the total comes to $190. (Or $170 if they walk from one of the $10 parking lots).
That's more than a day at some of the other sports and cultural facilities around town.
A day at the Denver Zoo, where there are zebras but no Broncos, would cost that same family $44.30 and parking is free.
Or a trip to the nearby Museum of Science and Nature will cost $60.23 if the family gets the combination ticket that includes an IMAX film. But sorry, no big screen instant replays.
And if that same family goes to Colorado Ocean Journey in September, the kids go free if accompanied by an adult.
That brings their tab with parking to $59.24, Miami Dolphins not included.
And for them to catch the Avalanche, they could be set back anywhere from $113 if they watch from the upper end balcony to $733 if they want first row rinkside seats.
