Victory: Broncos 38, 49ers 9 Finale: One last salute New digs: Owens, Bowlen join ceremony to 'top out' new Broncos stadium Stories: Broncos past and present share memories Chronology: Mile High's last day Souvenirs: Fans make a play for seats Good seats: Workers, kin watch game on big TV in new stadium Voices: Qutoes from Mile High's last day Passion: Family still has first season-ticket seats Tales: 76,000 tickets — 76,000 stories Farewell cry: Tough South Stands fans say goodbye with tears
Video & audio: Broncos, fans remember Mile High Destruction: Video montage of the stadium's demolition Interactive timelines: Game day | Through the years Slideshow: Orange-and-blue memories
Proud reign: A day at Mile High Q&A: What'll happen to Mile High landmarks Gene Amole: When Bill Redd, Bears Stadium ruled Denver's sporting world Dave Krieger: Frigid night of football frozen in time, mind Bernie Lincicome: The burning question: How to say goodbye The stars: Rating the best Broncos team ever
Forums: Reminisce with other Broncos fans Vote: What Mile High moment is your favorite? Thinking back: Readers remember Mile High Stadium
By Kevin FlynnDenver Rocky Mountain News Staff Writer Pat Bowlen may have killed Mile High, but even he will have some twinges of regret after the stadium hosts its last regular-season game Friday. "There's a lot of nostalgia in that old place," he said. The 40-year-old Mile High had a lot Bowlen didn't like, including cramped concourses, inadequate restrooms and limited concessions. But there were good things, too. The horseshoe-shaped arena that started on a riverside garbage dump in 1948 became one of the most feared places to play for visiting teams. The steep "rake" of the upper stands brought the farthest fans closer to the action on the field, enclosing the deafening roar. The steel flooring — the treads and risers of the upper seating bowl — yielded the rumbling "Rocky Mountain Thunder" when fans pounded their feet. "From my perspective," said Bowlen, owner of the Broncos since 1984, "Mile High does have a certain mystique." Not enough, though, for the Broncos to stay. Complaining that it was outdated and run-down, Bowlen and his team of lobbyists won a tax referendum to build the $400 million replacement stadium. The new arena will be more financially friendly to Bowlen. The Broncos didn't make a nickel off parking or food sales at Mile High, but at the new stadium, the organization will take in nearly all the commissions from food, beverage and merchandise sales. That puts the Broncos on par with most other teams in the league. And that, Bowlen argues, will enable him to field a more competitive team. Bowlen says he hopes to transfer as much of the mystique as possible to the new stadium. Even so, Bowlen doesn't expect to have as much fun as the fans — at either stadium. Bowlen says he can't relax until the final seconds tick off. "I have not enjoyed very many games until the final play."
Pat Bowlen may have killed Mile High, but even he will have some twinges of regret after the stadium hosts its last regular-season game Friday. "There's a lot of nostalgia in that old place," he said. The 40-year-old Mile High had a lot Bowlen didn't like, including cramped concourses, inadequate restrooms and limited concessions. But there were good things, too. The horseshoe-shaped arena that started on a riverside garbage dump in 1948 became one of the most feared places to play for visiting teams. The steep "rake" of the upper stands brought the farthest fans closer to the action on the field, enclosing the deafening roar. The steel flooring — the treads and risers of the upper seating bowl — yielded the rumbling "Rocky Mountain Thunder" when fans pounded their feet. "From my perspective," said Bowlen, owner of the Broncos since 1984, "Mile High does have a certain mystique." Not enough, though, for the Broncos to stay. Complaining that it was outdated and run-down, Bowlen and his team of lobbyists won a tax referendum to build the $400 million replacement stadium. The new arena will be more financially friendly to Bowlen. The Broncos didn't make a nickel off parking or food sales at Mile High, but at the new stadium, the organization will take in nearly all the commissions from food, beverage and merchandise sales. That puts the Broncos on par with most other teams in the league. And that, Bowlen argues, will enable him to field a more competitive team. Bowlen says he hopes to transfer as much of the mystique as possible to the new stadium. Even so, Bowlen doesn't expect to have as much fun as the fans — at either stadium. Bowlen says he can't relax until the final seconds tick off. "I have not enjoyed very many games until the final play."
Pat Bowlen may have killed Mile High, but even he will have some twinges of regret after the stadium hosts its last regular-season game Friday.
"There's a lot of nostalgia in that old place," he said.
The 40-year-old Mile High had a lot Bowlen didn't like, including cramped concourses, inadequate restrooms and limited concessions.
But there were good things, too.
The horseshoe-shaped arena that started on a riverside garbage dump in 1948 became one of the most feared places to play for visiting teams.
The steep "rake" of the upper stands brought the farthest fans closer to the action on the field, enclosing the deafening roar. The steel flooring — the treads and risers of the upper seating bowl — yielded the rumbling "Rocky Mountain Thunder" when fans pounded their feet.
"From my perspective," said Bowlen, owner of the Broncos since 1984, "Mile High does have a certain mystique."
Not enough, though, for the Broncos to stay. Complaining that it was outdated and run-down, Bowlen and his team of lobbyists won a tax referendum to build the $400 million replacement stadium.
The new arena will be more financially friendly to Bowlen. The Broncos didn't make a nickel off parking or food sales at Mile High, but at the new stadium, the organization will take in nearly all the commissions from food, beverage and merchandise sales. That puts the Broncos on par with most other teams in the league.
And that, Bowlen argues, will enable him to field a more competitive team.
Bowlen says he hopes to transfer as much of the mystique as possible to the new stadium.
Even so, Bowlen doesn't expect to have as much fun as the fans — at either stadium.
Bowlen says he can't relax until the final seconds tick off.
"I have not enjoyed very many games until the final play."
