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United In Orange
Here in Bronco's Country, fans are dedicated and passionate about their home team. When I attended the game this Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, I visited with some of the regular tailgaters and super fans of Mile High. The entire community of Broncos fans are kind and courteous; everyone is there for the same reason, to cheer on the orange and the blue.
Down in the south parking lot of the stadium is where the extremists gather each Sunday. I talked to a group that rightfully calls themselves the super fans. Bronco Babe has been coming to support the Broncos for over 20 years, since the old stadium was still up and running. She has her superstitious Sunday morning rituals like dressing from head to toe in orange, and preparing food that her whole group enjoys. She'll do anything to give her Broncos the good luck they need to take home a win. Babe is the only female fan who is part of the Pro Football Fan Association, which gives her lots of publicity and opportunities on television. The Bronconator, aka Chuck, was inspired to become a super fan by the one and only Barrel man, who used to be a part of their tailgate before he passed away. After Chuck got on TV for the first time, his friends doubted he could do it again, so he did just that. He has been in commercials, a character in South Park, and a Bronco's Country icon ever since. Rescue Rob has been a season ticket holder for 8 years and has been coming to tailgate with his Broncos fire engine for 2. He and his wife bought the engine a few years back and transformed it into Broncos Country Engine 7. They are now recognized state wide for their bright orange truck. Bronco Babe, the Bronconator, and Rescue Rob could not imagine going to a game without tailgating before. "It's like a reunion, you see all your friends, which is different from the game because it brings us all together in unison."
The Hasting's Tailgate Party has been coming here since 1965 and has only missed 4 games since. They even travel to Kansas City every year to watch the Broncos take on the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. This has allowed them to meet Broncos fans from all over the country, who have then joined their tailgates in Denver from time to time. Hank, the owner of the overdecorated truck, rings a bell whenever he feels the Broncos spirit, which then triggers a cheer of "GO BRONCOS" around their tent. They arrive at the lot the moment they open the gates to ensure they get their same spot every weekend. The Hastings party has gotten to know the families around them, and they all get along and share stories, food and of course their love for the Broncos.
The Old Skool tailgate bus crew has been tailgating for 8 years with their group of 8 families, and has owned the decked out bus for 3. Everyone piles onto the customized bus and they drive down from Longmont each Sunday. They play cornhole, football, then the adults all participate in ritualistic drinking games to get excited and pumped for the game. Their bus makes trips for more than just the games; homecoming and prom dances, as well as picking up the kids from school. They've gotten their fair share of use out of Old Skool, and plan to use her for many years to come.
Throughout the many parking lots around the Broncos Stadium there are countless tailgate parties full of great people, great food, and great fans. I experienced an array of different Broncos enthusiasts from Bill with the fanciest tailgate I've ever seen, to Ron and Lisa's dog wearing a complete Broncos outfit (including a hat). Even though each group has their own rituals and backstories, every fan comes together for the same reason at the end of the day. We are lucky to be a part of the greatest fan base in the NFL; United in Orange.
Talking to Mr. Hood, or as we named him, Flag Guy, was undoubtedly my favorite experience of the day. His tailgate wasn't the most extravagant, but it didn't matter to him because he was proud of his flags flying high. He started collecting flags years back and when he and his wife started tailgating 4 years ago, he made sure to bring his Broncos spirit in the form of 15 flags. The flags he brings to the games are only a small portion of his extensive collection, Every tailgate has its thing, and the Hoods is definitely their flags.
