Root Down

If you’ve done any research at all into Denver, you probably know that it is one of the most active, fittest cities in America. That’s not just some magical poll that pops up in a magazine somewhere with nothing to back it up. Being active here, getting out during the evenings is just a part of life here.It’s more than just getting out and about, though. There is a vibe to this city I haven’t ever really felt or seen anywhere else. Maybe when you have this much green space, sunlight and open air, people are just going to find the outdoors that much more addictive.

You don’t have to be a hiker, skier, snowboarder, snowshoe-er, runner, marathoner or any other athlete to get out and enjoy the vibe. One of the best ways to bond with people is through spectator sports, which Denver has plenty to offer.

I’m a big baseball fan. I absolutely loathe it on TV, but love it in person and on the radio (Baseball color commentators are one of the worst things to happen to this country since the death of Teddy Roosevelt). The Colorado Rockies have one of the best fields in the majors, hands-down and makes for a good night/afternoon if you have the time and a smidge of cash to blow.

Coors Field, like a bawse.

I was lucky enough to go along last Friday with my friends to the game where the Giants destroyed beat the Rockies. Regardless, there isn’t much about Coors Field that isn’t made for fan fun. Since it’s a custom-purpose stadium, everything is built to give spectators the best view possible of the field from almost any and every vantage point (For a horrible example of a multi-use stadium and how it sucks for everyone involved see: Miami Dolphins & Florida Marlins). Beyond that, last Friday was the annual fan night, where everyone in the stadium was treated to a twenty minute fireworks display. Even better, everyone sitting in the outfield bleachers got to actually sit on the field.

Fireworks always look better from center field. Duh.

Of course, these aren’t the only sports for the watching in Denver. The NBA may or may not be in action next season, and the Nuggets had a pretty good run last season. The Avalanche, despite not forecast to have the best upcoming season, still offer a venue for any and all hockey fans in the area (Too bad I’m a Red Wings fan and loathe the very existence of the barbarian expansion team). The Broncos are….here. Let’s just leave it at that.

Then again, there are more than pros for your watching pleasure. DU has a very active NCAA, club and intramural sporting presence. When it comes to college hockey, there are few schools that hold the same national prestige as DU. The University of Colorado in Boulder has a large sports presence, as does Air Force in Colorado Springs. There are a lot more than these schools, though.

On Sunday, my friend Kelly and I made a trip down to Colorado Springs to watch a NCAA women’s soccer game. Kelly used to play soccer for the University of Arkansas, and I bleed cardinal. So, we made a quick trip to see her friends and root on our team.

Soccer/Futbol under Pike's Peak. Colorado College, you win in the scenery department.

After watching the Tigers destroy beat the Hogs, it was back home for….reading. Lots and lots of reading. But, after a weekend spent in the sun, cheering on my favorite teams, I can’t say I didn’t go home feeling absolutely contented with my weekend.