Audio By Carbonatix
Training camp lures true Orange and Blue fans.
Fri 7/29
For years along the Front Range, sports nuts have had little diversion from the summer doldrums. With no major-league baseball team here until 1993 — and not much of one since then — fans have often taken this time to psych themselves up for our city’s main athletic fix: the Denver Broncos. Some simply can’t wait for the season to begin. That’s why diehards make the pilgrimage to Dove Valley in Arapahoe County, hoping to witness the Orange and Blue up close.
The Broncs moved to the facility at 13655 Bronco Parkway in Englewood two years ago, and it’s a far cry from the team’s former digs in Greeley. Gone are the long drives up I-25, the effervescent rendering-plant odors, and the small-college, summer-camp setting. But there are compensations: As a result of recent renovations to the 90,000-square-foot Paul D. Bowlen Memorial Broncos Centre, not only can fans take in a daily practice session, but they can peruse the visitors’ center and trophy collection as well.
With today’s initial session getting started at 8:30 a.m., dillydallying is not suggested. Only the earliest-arriving Broncomaniacs will get the first glimpse of this year’s newly revamped edition, according to a team spokesman. Camp continues through August 13, when the Broncos travel to Houston for their first pre-season game.
For further information and directions to Dove Valley, visit www.denverbroncos.com or call 303-649-9000. — Cub Buenning
Flood of Memories
The Castlewood Canyon Dam fest bursts upon us.
Wed 8/3
On August 3, 1933, all hell broke loose. Well, all water broke loose, at least. Thirty miles south of Denver, the Castlewood Dam burst, causing the second-largest flood in Denver history. Water surged all the way from Castlewood Canyon to downtown Denver, causing 5,000 people to flee the area and ultimately resulting in two deaths. But even the most tragic events sometimes have an upside — and had this dam never burst, allowing water to obliterate everything in its wake, there would be no need for Franktown’s Castlewood Canyon Dam Festival.
Today’s immersion includes hikes to the dam’s remains and to a restoration project of historic apple trees at a nearby homestead, as well as a retelling of the dramatic story of the fateful night the dam met its demise. As park manager Julie Arington says, “It’s a fascinating piece of history most people don’t know about. Every time we dig in, even we find something new.” The festival is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 South Colorado 83. It’s open to anyone, but if you want to participate in the restoration project, call 303-688-5242 in advance of the party. — Amerlia Langer