That sounds like an awesome trip, Cockney. And hopefully you and your friend will see some wins for your respective teams.

I’ll let the experts comment on the other stuff, but I can help you out with local watering holes here in Chicago.

Local breweries include:
1) Goose Island – who make a beer called 312 (our area code), seasonal stuff, and higher end stuff like a belgian style brew called Matilda (recommended)
2) Rock Bottom Brewery – solid beer, brewed on site. I haven’t been there in awhile so I don’t quite remember their selection, but I think it rotates. One of my friends used to be a brewmaster there and he always brought back solid stuff. Decent food to boot.

Other watering holes that I love:
1) Quenchers – http://www.quenchers.com/
2) Hop Leaf – http://www.hopleaf.com/
3) Kuma’s – http://www.kumascorner.com/

Quenchers has a huge selection of local and national/international beers, but not much in way of food options.

I highly recommend Hop Leaf, though FYI, most of their selection is European while it sounds like you are looking for local American varieties. However, I would still recommend them as their food, ambiance, and beer selection is out of this world. Be prepared for a wait however, so if you want food, try and go a bit earlier.

Kuma’s has a solid selection domestic beers and burgers that will rock your world. I mean, I’m talking about burgers that you can only eat once every 3 months… anymore than that, and you’ll likely die a young man… though you’ll die happy that’s for sure.

;)

Enjoy!!!!

That is going to be one sweet trip.

Go ahead and wear your blue jersey to all 3 games. No need to have a Orange one for Mile High. I would recommend checking the team store out while you are at the stadium. When going to the away games, be courteous. Act like a visitor in there house. When the Bears and Vikings have a good play, congratulate the fans around you. Make some friends. It’s not like you are going to the Black Hole. That is a scary place. ;)

Wish I could help with the others. If you come to Utah, I could help. Have fun and do a Fan Post of your trip.

I’ll try to field these
1) Fly your colors proudly! Never hide your support for the Broncos!
2) Blue is fine. You can check out the team store at the stadium and at least buy some socks.
3) Let it sit for a half hour after you order it. If you set it in your crotch, it should warm up faster.
4) Show up early with beer. With enough beer, you can just join someone else’s tailgate.
5) Just be courteous to the other fans.

Go Broncos!

I’m definitely a fan of Breckenridge Brewery, and they are located just a few miles from Invesco if you’re looking for a place to grab a brew (their 471 IPA is pretty tasty). There’s several other breweries in the area – I’d just suggest looking up Denver area breweries on google and find one that brews beer you think you’d enjoy. You pretty much can’t go wrong, as most microbreweries have a pretty good selection. I know Flying Dog has a brewpub in Denver, and they are a pretty successful microbrewery (nationally distributed) that makes some good beers. Sorry that I can’t give you better information, but I’m not a Denver local so most of what I know is from my trips through and from what I can buy out of state.

As far as wearing a Broncos jersey to the games – You definitely won’t have any trouble in Denver and you’ll probably just get some funny looks at the other two games. I doubt anyone will give you a hard time about it.

That sounds like a fun trip, and I hope you guys have a lot of fun. I also second the motion to put up a fanpost after the fact – I’d like to hear how it went.

You should be welcome at just about any Tailgate Party, especially with your accent. Just explain that you are UK football fans come to enjoy your first Live American Football and tailgating experience and I would bet you are welcome anywhere. You will probably get a taste of the regional cuisine. You may want to sample a genuine Pizza “Pie” in Chicago, for example. It sounds like the trip of the year. Have lots of fun Cockney!

as a fellow Brit, I’m very envious, have a great time.

also, I think your US trip just about beats Palace vs Watford on Saturday week ;)

1) Can I wear my blue Broncos jersey to all 3 games or will this cause problems with fans in Chicago and Minneapolis?

-You can but I wouldn’t recommend wearing a Broncos jersey to a game not including the Broncos. You won’t be heckled as much as you would in the UK but you’ll look out of place. Pick a team (if you’re neutral, pick the home team) and root your guts out for them, even if you are a Broncos fan, you’ll have more fun.

2) I don’t have any orange clothing, so is it obligatory for Mile High or can I wear my number 24 Blue jersey?

-Wear your Bailey Jersey. Buy some gear at the stadium store.

3) My friend likes to drink warm (locally brewed) beer rather than the corporate stuff. Can anyone recommend places to find this in Denver/Chicago/Minneapolis?

- There are a ridiculous amount of local beers brewed in Colorado. Try a Fat Tire (and a Coors) then just ask the bartenders what’s good.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colorado_breweries

Goose Island is a cool brewery in Chicago. You’ll see the taps at the bar are shaped in the head of a goose.

Not sure about Minnesota.

4) What are the rules on tailgating and how can we get involved/invited?

- Show up the tailgate with enough beers to share and you can join a tailgate. Walk around a bit and try to find a good group.

5) After the trouble that some Broncos fans had at the Ravens, is there any stadium protocols that we need to be aware of?

- That seems like an exception to the rule, as stated above, just be respectful of other fans (especially women and children). This isn’t the UK and there are no football hooligans. While there are plenty of drinkers at the games, it’s also a family affair.

Message me before the Broncos-Giants game if you need to know of some places to go in Denver. Maybe you can join our tailgate, as well. Denver may be a ghost town that day/night because of Thanksgiving, but the game should still be good.

Have fun.

Sounds like a spectacular trip!

1. Your jersey will be fine at all three games, but be careful about the smell ;-(
2. Blue is fine, but buy an orange something (scarf, hat, pom pom)
3. Good beer? If you want to stay in the stadium neighborhood, try the Wynkoop Brewing Company (local) in LoDo, Rock Bottom Brewery (national chain) on the 16th St. Mall, Breckenridge Brewery (local) at 471 Kalamath St.
4. Tailgating is in the parking lot of the stadium. It is OK to wander about and ingratiate yourself. (better if you bring your own beer & brats)
5. Always be a good guest. Do unto others, ya know? Don’t stand up through the whole game, spill beer and jeer at the homeboys. This isn’t like European soccer mosh pits.

When in Chicago, check out the blues district (Maxwell Street & Halsted) You will NOT be sorry. Some of the greatest blues musicians in the world perform there every night. Try some Chicago style pizza (I especially like Burt’s Place, 8541 N. Ferris, Morton Grove, IL) Some of the steak and BBQ places are great too. If you are in the mood, Chicago has a terrific museum not far from the stadium (Field Museum of Natural History).

Minneapolis? Hmmm. Really good polish food, OK beer ( http://mnbeer.com/ ). Check out the Mall of the Americas.

Like bfree suggests, bring warm clothing or buy it here. It is even colder, in fact MUCH MUCH colder in Chicago & Minneapolis because it is more humid and windy than Denver. I spent my first three years after moving to Denver without needing a winter coat. Assuming you are from London, you will be in for a major shock in the cold and windy Soldier Field stadium of Chicago. Not so much in Minneapolis.since they are an indoor stadium, but getting there and getting around can be bitter cold.

When in Denver, try to get up into the mountains, weather permitting. The easiest is to rent a car and drive up I-70 to Dillon and back. Fantastic views! For a great steak, try the oldest restaurant in Denver, the Buckhorn Exchange (stuffed animals on the walls, buffalo, elk, quail, “mountain oysters”, sometimes more exotic stuff on the menu), or The Chop House downtown lodo area (not far from Wynkoop).

PLEASE post after, hopefully with some pics of you guys wildly cheering after each win!

My friend likes to drink warm (locally brewed) beer rather than the corporate stuff. Can anyone recommend places to find this in Denver/Chicago/Minneapolis?

In Denver, the best beer in that category is probably the Wynkoop Brewing Company. It’s not far from the stadium, in the lower downtown (called ‘LoDo) area. They are the only brewpub I’m familiar with that starts with a true English yeast and also serves (on request) via a beer engine and at proper cellar temp. I’ve had many a fine pint there and recommend it highly.

Good luck, and safe journey on your trip. All the best to you!

Will hopefully be able to provide feedback on how it compares to English Beer

1. Always sport your orange and blue everywhere you go, especially into hostile territory. Wear it with pride and glory, always.

2. When in doubt refer to rule #1.

Welcome to MHR my brother!!