How to enjoy tailgating at a Broncos game

One of the key draws to an NFL game isn’t the actual game itself, but the party that starts before the game. The Denver Broncos have an incredible tradition of Broncomaniac-type fans who go to every game and the tailgate experience they have created is one of a kind.

I reached out to one of those super fans, Ron Greco, and asked him to give us all a little insight of what the Broncos tailgating experience is like and some tips for those of us who can only attend a game every once in a great while on how to fully take advantage of this unique tailgating experience.

Tell us a little about yourself and how you became a Broncos fan.

I’m a lifelong fan because of my dad. He loved Elway, loved Colorado and honestly, he loved the orange jerseys.

I’ve lived in CO the majority of my life but wasn’t born here. I moved to CO when I was 5 and moved away when I was 13 but the Broncos have always been in my blood. I always wanted to come back and I made it a goal of mine to move back some day and attend every Broncos home game. When I was 25 (2012) I moved back to Colorado and have attended every single home game since, with the exception of last season.

What is the tailgating experience like at Mile High?

The tailgating experience at Mile High is amazing. Especially the tailgate that I regularly attend with the Sons of Mile High. Fantastic people and such a fun and exciting atmosphere.

When you roll up to Mile High on game day there’s people decked out in orange as far as the eye can see. There’s food, drink, TVs to watch games, corn hole, beer pong, all kinds of things. Along with some great people, great football discussion (fantasy or otherwise). The great thing is also that fans of every team are welcomed. We all love the game and just want to have a good time and that’s what a tailgate at Mile High brings. It doesn’t mean you won’t catch a little ribbing for being an opposing fan, but it’s all in good fun.

When should fans show up to fully enjoy the tailgating experience?

I’d say you should show up some time around 10:30-11 a.m. to give yourself time to enjoy it. A lot of the tailgates pack up about an hour before game time so around 1:00-1:30 p.m. Give yourself a couple of hours to hang at a tailgate (or multiple if you like to bounce around).

Any cool tailgating hangout spots a fan should check out?

People interested in tailgating should definitely check out Sons of Mile High, who has been partnering with DNVR. That’s the tailgate scene that I’m at every single week and it is always a blast. All of the people there are awesome. It’s a very welcoming and fun environment. It’s great for meeting your social media buddies, food, drink, games, and watching the early games.

The tailgate used to be in Lot N, but Lot N has been shut down, so they’re currently working out a new location and will have more information on that location soon.

Should people bring any food or drinks along?

You can always feel free to bring food or drinks, but it’s not something that you need to do. No one is going to turn down free food and drinks, but what you really need to bring is yourself. So much of the tailgating experience is the people you’re going to connect with and enjoy pre-gaming and talking with a bunch of people who are all there for the same reason. To support your favorite team and have some fun!

Thank you, Ron, for taking the time to give us some details on the tailgating experience at Mile High. Be sure to check out Sons of Mile High as well, especially if you plan to attend a game this season. They seem to be the place to be when tailgating a Broncos game.

Go Broncos!