ENGLEWOOD, Colo. --In 1984, Broncos Owner and CEO Pat Bowlen created the Ring of Fame.
When Tom Nalen is enshrined at halftime of the Broncos' Week 4 game, 24 names will adorn the Level 5 facade at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
"What Pat has done is he's created the Ring of Fame," Hall of Fame running back Floyd Little said when helping honor Bowlen in May. "He's brought us all together. He honors and respects all players that played for the Broncos."
On Wednesday, the Broncos announced that the Ring of Fame will essentially open another branch. Ring of Fame Plaza, located on the south end of the stadium, will be unveiled on Friday, Sept. 27, in a 6 p.m. MDT event that will be open to the public. Click here to view renderings of the plaza.
The plaza will feature 24 pillars made of steel honoring the Ring of Famers and each pillar will be adorned with a bronze likeness of each individual's face. The players' names and uniform numbers as well as a plaque detailing their accomplishments will be part of each pillar.
"The Bronco greats – our Ring of Famers – are most deserving of this recognition," Bowlen said. "They have made a lasting impact on the Denver Broncos, and I have deep appreciation for what they have meant to this franchise."
The Ring of Fame was originally created to honor former players and administrators who played significant roles in the franchise's history.
Now, as Bowlen is in his 30th year of ownership, the Ring of Fame Plaza will stand as a unique public addition -- open at all times -- that fans can visit free of charge.
There will be additions to the plaza over time commemorating team and individual accomplishments.
It is being created with the consent and cooperation of the Metropolitan Football Stadium Board and its chairman, Ray Baker.
The sculptor of the bronze faces of the Ring of Famers is Brian Hanlon, a classically trained master sculptor who has sculpted more than 200 public art pieces. He is the official sculptor for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and after the 24 Ring of Fame pillars are unveiled, he will have 54 works of art in the Denver area.
Ring of Fame Plaza represents just one more way for fans to celebrate legendary Broncos.
"It's important to honor their achievements at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, where our fans can share in their success and the proud history of the Broncos," Bowlen said.
