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 Nancy MitchellDenver Rocky Mountain News Staff Writer
A final steel beam topping the still-unnamed stadium next to Mile High slid into place Saturday, to the thunderous cheers and foot-stomping of the workers building it. "We're going to be making some memories right here," Gov. Bill Owens told a boisterous crowd of more than 4,000. Owens was flanked by Broncos owner Pat Bowlen and National Football League Commissioner Paul Tagliabue as a crane dropped the 4,500-pound beam — topped by a fir tree and draped with an American flag — into position. It will serve as a catwalk and lighting support. The "steel topping out" ceremony, a construction industry tradition, began 75 minutes before the kickoff of what is likely to be the last NFL game at Mile High. The new stadium is 70 percent complete and is expected to open in July, said Scott Schuff of Schuff Steel. A specific opening date isn't set. The new Broncos home is expected to cost $400 million. "On time, and under budget, and without any serious accidents," Owens reported to the crowd. "With today's topping out of the new stadium, all of Denver's sports facilities will be world-class." The governor, clad in a Broncos football jacket, recalled his experiences at Mile High and said Saturday's ceremony was bittersweet. Bowlen thanked the workers, who were invited to attend the ceremony and watch the Broncos-49ers game on a big-screen TV set up near what will be the 50-yard line. "I can say, without a doubt, this is going to be the best facility in the National Football League," Bowlen said. "Let's go in there and win a football game." December 24, 2000
A final steel beam topping the still-unnamed stadium next to Mile High slid into place Saturday, to the thunderous cheers and foot-stomping of the workers building it.
"We're going to be making some memories right here," Gov. Bill Owens told a boisterous crowd of more than 4,000.
Owens was flanked by Broncos owner Pat Bowlen and National Football League Commissioner Paul Tagliabue as a crane dropped the 4,500-pound beam — topped by a fir tree and draped with an American flag — into position.
It will serve as a catwalk and lighting support.
The "steel topping out" ceremony, a construction industry tradition, began 75 minutes before the kickoff of what is likely to be the last NFL game at Mile High.
The new stadium is 70 percent complete and is expected to open in July, said Scott Schuff of Schuff Steel. A specific opening date isn't set. The new Broncos home is expected to cost $400 million.
"On time, and under budget, and without any serious accidents," Owens reported to the crowd. "With today's topping out of the new stadium, all of Denver's sports facilities will be world-class."
The governor, clad in a Broncos football jacket, recalled his experiences at Mile High and said Saturday's ceremony was bittersweet.
Bowlen thanked the workers, who were invited to attend the ceremony and watch the Broncos-49ers game on a big-screen TV set up near what will be the 50-yard line.
"I can say, without a doubt, this is going to be the best facility in the National Football League," Bowlen said. "Let's go in there and win a football game."
December 24, 2000
