5 Insider Tips For Fans Heading To Broncos Training Camp
By Ben Warwick
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (CBS4) - Training camp opens today, and the best team in the state (and the league!) is finally back in action. So what do you need to know before heading to Broncos headquarters? Check out five things to keep in mind before heading out to watch "Champ Camp."
1) Which jerseys to wear and which ones not to
No trip to training camp is complete without your favorite jersey. There are some you should avoid, though. This season, No. 1 on that list is Brock Osweiler. After the messy divorce last season, no Broncos fan wants to be reminded of #17. It's probably best to avoid the jersey of anybody with whom the team had a less than ceremonious separation. Fans at Champ Camp will already be superstitious enough without any bad luck charms anywhere in sight. Yes, that includes Tebow jerseys ...
GOOD: John Elway, Peyton Manning, Von Miller, Champ Bailey, Steve Atwater
BAD: Brock Osweiler, Eric Decker, Jay Cutler, Tim Tebow, anything remotely resembling Patriots or Raiders colors
2) When to show up
Get there early! And if you think a certain time is too early, it probably isn't. Broncos fans are some of the (if not most) passionate fans in the league, and the first week of camp promises to be a packed house. There's limited parking at the facility, and be aware that a lot of the surrounding businesses aren't very friendly with those who use their lots for Broncos camp. There will be a line, as well, so come prepared to be friendly with your fellow fans. Rehash your Super Bowl stories, or where you were when that player did that thing. Any way you look at it, there's no shortage of things to talk about with your newfound friends.
3) The closest seats aren't always the best
Who doesn't love a front row seat? But at training camp, it's not always the best. For casual fans who may have never been, the Broncos have two massive fields at their headquarters. So if you get a front row seat by the north field, you may not have the best sight of everything that's going on. The hill is close enough that you can see numbers well, so seeing your favorite player from anywhere won't be hard. I've found the best seats are about halfway up on either the north or south ends of the hill. That way, you get a good view of everything going on, but you're still close enough you can hear when helmets start rattling. When the day is over and the crowd thins out, be sure to bring the kids down front, though. You never know who will stick around to sign autographs.
4) Don't forget the sunscreen!
Denver is seeing a streak of nearly two weeks with temperatures above 90 degrees, and that's not changing anytime soon. Hydrate, grab a hat, and do not forget the sunscreen. Be aware, though, that the same bag restrictions that apply at Sports Authority Field at Mile High are in effect at Broncos headquarters. That means no umbrellas, but you can bring sunscreen and a water bottle. There are cooling stations available so you can beat the heat. Pro tip: Use the rally towel they hand out as a cover for the back of your neck. Just stick it under your hat, and the worry of painful sunburns is gone! Lastly, don't forget a rain poncho. This is Colorado, after all.
RELATED: Broncos Training Camp Schedule
5) Avoid Fridays
Everyone loves a three-day weekend, especially when that weekend involves football. Don't be surprised to see upwards of 5,000 people per camp pack the facility. Tuesdays through Thursdays are going to be your best bets. Take the kids, cheer 'til you're blue (and orange), and bring a little bit of money for the Broncos gift shop on site, and you'll be set for the best day under the sun.
No football team is complete without their 12th man. So what if the regular season is still months away? Cheer like the Broncos just won the Super Bowl! Players will feed off it, and make your experience all the better.
BONUS ADVICE: Bring a pen for autographs! Players don't have their own, and while Broncos fans are generally nice people, your neighbor might have also forgotten theirs, which could leave you out of luck for an autograph.
Ben Warwick is a writer and producer at CBS4 and a huge sports fan. He is an avid fan of most Colorado teams, but was raised to watch the Dallas Cowboys play on Sundays. Follow Ben on Twitter @BenCBS4.