DENVER -- Last week, Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock declared United in Orange, Time to Ride Friday in the city and country of Denver.
This week, the mayor made the same proclamation for this Friday, Jan. 17, promising it will be "bigger and better."
Broncos fans throughout the Denver metro area and state are encouraged to wear orange on Friday in advance of the AFC Championship Game, presented by Bud Light and Verizon, against the New England Patriots.
Fans are also invited to celebrate "United in Orange, Time to Ride Friday" along with Mayor Hancock, the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders, Miles the Mascot, Broncos alumni and Thunder at the City and County Building on Friday, Jan. 17 at 1 p.m. MST. Fans in attendance will receive pom poms, buttons, stickers (while supplies last) and have the chance to enter to win tickets to the game.
Mayor Hancock will sign a "Good Luck Broncos" banner and rename Bannock Street to "Broncos Boulevard" for the remainder of the postseason. All Broncos fans are encouraged to join on Friday and write their own good luck messages to the team on the banner, which will then be placed at the stadium.
Mayor Hancock will also place a friendly mayor-to-mayor wager with Boston Mayor Martin Walsh. Terms of the bet have yet to be determined.
The City and County of Denver will maintain its show of support for the Broncos by:
- Lighting the City and County Building with orange and blue lights beginning Friday through game day;
- Illuminating the DIA sign on Peña Boulevard in orange and programming overhead signs to cheer "Go Broncos;"
- Supporting "United in Orange, Time to Ride Friday" by asking city employees to don their best Broncos garb and buttons;
- Greeting DIA passengers with a Broncos message from John Elway on the train and adorning DIA employees and ambassadors with "United in Orange, Time to Ride Friday" buttons; and
- Encouraging downtown building owners and businesses throughout the city to display orange and blue lights and Broncos signs.
Adding to that support, the Broncos, Downtown Denver Partnership, VISIT DENVER, Larimer Square, National Western Stock Show, Elitch Gardens are:
- Lighting the D&F Tower in orange and blue lights;
- Showcasing United in Orange: Time to Ride on banners, buses, 16th Street Mall shuttles and billboards around Denver;
- Lighting the exterior at Sports Authority Field at Mile High;
- Hanging Broncos banners along the 16th Street Mall and in Larimer Square;
- Lighting the Elitch Gardens Ferris Wheel orange and blue;
- Broadcasting 850 KOA's live game coverage and offering free skating and skate rentals at the Rink located on Arapahoe and 16th Street to skaters who wear orange or a Broncos gear. The Rink opens at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Early risers can get free lessons and skate rentals from 8 to 10 a.m.;
- Lighting the tops of the Great-West Financial Towers at I-25 and Orchard; and
- Flying Broncos flags during National Western Stock Show rodeos.
