From the 518s: A Family Affair at Empower Field
It’s a tradition 24 years in the making. After a quarter-century on a waitlist that stretched over 100,000 names, the Padilla family finally kicked off their third season as Denver Broncos Season Ticket Holders this past Saturday night. And from our vantage point in section 518, the preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals was more than just a football game—it was a full-fledged family ritual.
Our game day began well before the 7:30 p.m. kickoff, a meticulous process honed over two seasons. The morning was dedicated to logistics: a midday run to the store for our tailgating essentials—Corona, ice, and enough plastic cups to go around. Then, a quick stop at Little Caesars for pizza, a strategic move to sidestep stadium prices and keep the kids (and the budget) happy.
By 5:15 p.m., the SUV was packed and we were on our way from Westminster. Despite a nearby MLB game, the drive to Lot E and the walk to the stadium felt surprisingly easy. This led to an initial sense of a light crowd, though the announced attendance of over 62,000 proved my first glance wrong.
Once inside Empower Field at Mile High, the family-friendly atmosphere was immediate. The Broncos’ advertised $5 concessions—hot dogs, nachos, and more—were a welcome sight. And as season ticket holders, we even got a dollar off that price. Wallet-friendly and fun, what more could a parent ask for? We did, however, miss out on the magnet schedule giveaway for the first 30,000 fans. But frankly, with our family still focused on finishing those pre-game drinks, we can’t be too upset about it.
The pregame show, as always, was a spectacle of sights and sounds. The national anthem, the player intros, the fireworks—it all gets you pumped up for the season to come. But the real highlight came at halftime, as the mascots of Colorado’s sports teams squared off in a flag football game against a local 12-and-under team. While Chip from the Buffaloes and the Nuggets’ SuperMascot Rocky gave it their all, the kids absolutely dominated, and the crowd was all-in for their victory.
We made our exit at the end of the third quarter, with the Broncos holding a commanding 27-7 lead. With three little ones (ages nine, seven, and two) in tow and the reserves on the field, it was the perfect time to beat the traffic. As we left, the kids were treated to a final burst of fireworks as the fourth quarter began, a perfect end to a great evening.
The only thing missing was seeing the starters on the field for an extended period, but that’s preseason for you. All in all, it was an above-average experience—a great night for the family to reconnect with our Broncos tradition.
Gameday MVP: Dipping Dots ($8)
Liquid Courage: Altos Tequila & Corona Extra Cans
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