Mecca

Mecca often refers to a holy city in Islam, however Mecca is defined as: a place regarded as a center for a specified group, activity, or interest. One of the places on the itinerary for our trip to Denver was Broncos team store at Mile High. Yes, we will not refer to it here by the name of the now defunct investment company that paid for the naming rights.

Upon arriving at the stadium we were pleased to find out that a 75 minute tour was being offered with the proceeds going to the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame. Definitely no visit to the Mile High city would be thought of as complete without a visit to the place that has provided us with nearly 30 years of Broncos memories. Truly, Mecca for any Denver Broncos fan.

We started by trying out our new seats in one of the less expensive Executive Suites priced at $92,000 per season. The view around the 40 yard line was good and I could get on the waiting list for my suite as they run at about 96% capacity. Full catering and beverage service is available. Just down the way was the owners suite with its own private entrance to the stadium.

From there we toured the press level and all of its boxes and features, with room for over two hundred journalists the press row is a busy place. Proceeding on down to the club levels of the stadium is used year round hosting proms, job fairs, meetings, reunions and even weddings. These offer a great view of the city as well as the stadium and field.

To end the tour, we were ushered down to the bowels of the stadium where the keg room is. The most popular beer by sales at Mile High is Budweiser, followed by Coors in second and Miller in third place. From there we went to the visitors locker room and saw the 1970's hot and cold tub in the visitors locker room, although we were not allowed in the Broncos locker room, we did see pictures of the modern stat of the art tubs in their locker room as well as the other amenities. The home team really does have advantages. And yes the visiting team is reminded of the altitude when leaving their locker room.

We also saw the luxury stall where Thunder the horse is kept during games.

Finally, we were taken onto the field where all the Mile High magic has happened since John Elway left, as he has never played a down in this new facility. It truly was a journey to Mecca!