Denver Broncos Forced to Limit Training Camp Crowds
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos will be seeing a lot fewer fans at their training camp this year due to county regulations and concerns raised by the fire marshal’s office. The team has been forced to cap daily attendance at 3,000, a significant decrease from the usual 4,000-5,000 people.
The issue arose last July when the Broncos tweeted a photo of a packed hillside next to their fieldhouse, announcing a crowd of 7,121. This caught the attention of officials, who questioned whether the facility could safely accommodate such a large number of people. The fire marshal’s office conducted an investigation and determined that the capacity needed to be adhered to.
As a result, the Broncos have implemented a ticketing system to regulate attendance. Fans can obtain free tickets through Ticketmaster for individual practices. The team will be closely monitoring the number of people on-site using ushers and clickers to ensure that the limit is not exceeded.
The Broncos’ rookies have already reported for training camp, and the veteran players will join them next week. The first of 12 open practices for fans will be held on July 28.
The capacity issue stems from blueprints and building permits obtained in 2013 when the team opened its indoor practice facility, Pat Bowlen Fieldhouse. The documents listed the capacity at 3,200 for the area around the fieldhouse, including the hillside where fans sit during practices. This number includes team staff, players, support personnel, and fans.
According to Arapahoe County spokesman Anders Nelson, no modifications have been made to the property since its completion in 2015. Therefore, the capacity remains unchanged unless alterations are made. Broncos CEO/owner Greg Penner has indicated that the ownership group is reviewing potential future projects, including improvements to the practice complex.
The main concern raised by the fire marshal’s office is the exit paths for fans in case of an emergency. The gates are located up and behind where spectators sit, and the playing field is not a designated exit path. Therefore, the original capacity number must be adhered to until modifications are made to address this issue.
While the reduced attendance may disappoint some fans, it is crucial to prioritize safety and ensure that everyone can evacuate the area quickly and efficiently if necessary. The Broncos are committed to providing a safe environment for players, staff, and fans alike.
In conclusion, the Denver Broncos have been forced to limit training camp crowds due to county regulations and concerns raised by the fire marshal’s office. The team will be capping daily attendance at 3,000, significantly lower than previous years. Fans can obtain free tickets through Ticketmaster for individual practices, and the team will closely monitor attendance to ensure compliance. The capacity issue is a result of blueprints and building permits obtained in 2013, which listed the capacity at 3,200. No modifications have been made to the property since its completion, necessitating adherence to the original capacity number. The main concern is the safe evacuation of fans in case of an emergency. While disappointing for some fans, prioritizing safety is of utmost importance for the Broncos organization.