The early look at the NFL’s new kickoff rule in Thursday night’s Hall of Fame preseason game didn’t provide much interesting data.

Broncos head coach Sean Payton doesn’t think the preseason as a whole will be much more fruitful. The veteran coach said Denver might use a joint practice with Green Bay to work on the real stuff, but otherwise figures most teams will play coy until the regular season.

“Every team in the league will hold on to some of the things they want to do for Week 1,” Payton said. “I was talking to (former referee) Walt Anderson today and I said, ‘Walt, you’re not going to see in the preseason. You just aren’t.’ … And I would tell you this — when we get to Week 1, I wouldn’t be surprised if there was another tweak or two (to the rules) that they’ve made a change on. Not significant.”

Payton has an idea on that front.

The new rule has three possible starting yardages — the 20 on a ball that hits in the landing zone (from the 20 to the goal line) and rolls into the end zone, the 30 for a traditional touchback and the 40 for a ball that goes out of bounds or lands short of the landing zone.

Payton said he’d prefer any “box foul” — out of bounds, short of the landing zone or touchback — starts at the 35.

That, he said, makes the rule easier to follow for fans.

“I get the box. I like it,” Payton said. “If the analytics tell me that the average drive start or average return is past the 30, well, what do you think is going to start happening? Touchbacks. We’re going to be right back to where we were, and that’s the last thing we want. We’ve got to pay attention to that. And the other thing I think is significant is I don’t like the three different starting spots. … If it’s outside the box, put it at the same spot. I think right now it’ll take a lot of fans a lot of time to figure out the three spots.”

The 35-yard line also would be penalty enough to make teams think twice about touchbacks.

“I’m not going to be comfortable with saying, hey, kick a touchback and give them the ball at the 35,” he said. “Now maybe in the fourth quarter with a two-touchdown lead, but the 30, look, just do the math. If the average return is past the 30 and we’re getting explosives, there’s times where I’m going to look at the scoreboard and say, hey, we’re up 10 here in the third quarter, we might be comfortable with the 30.

“I feel like the 35 would give us what we initially did all this work for. Make a box foul. That’s easy. Make it a box foul and there’s two spots. But right now that’s not where it’s at and we’re pushing.”

Dog days. The Broncos polished off a six-day week of camp practices and now the players are off Sunday before ramping up for another full week. They’ll practice Monday through Thursday in normal camp fashion and then do prep for their preseason opener against Indianapolis Friday and in Saturday’s walkthrough before traveling East.

“All next week we’ve already shelled out all the way through Saturday’s walkthrough and the (bus) to the airport,” Payton said. “Every minute is accounted for for next week.”

While the structure of practice is set, Payton said the staff hadn’t finalized exactly how the quarterbacks will rotate through the week. He also said playing time for the game will be determined later next week.

One step toward those decisions: The staff meets Sunday to talk through the roster, personnel and the coming week.

Fantasy-free TE. Adam Trautman does not care about fantasy football.

You won’t find the Broncos tight end near the top of positional lists while studying for your fantasy draft, nor will you likely throw the ball deep to him often in Madden. But he’s not sweating it.

“Yeah, thanks for asking that. I don’t care,” Trautman said. “I couldn’t care less about fantasy. … (People) gauge a lot of how good you are off of fantasy, but that’s not really how it is.”

Want more Broncos news? Sign up for the Broncos Insider to get all our NFL analysis.

Originally Published: August 3, 2024 at 2:35 p.m.

Water World’s 45th anniversary celebration

Water World is making a big splash for its 45th anniversary by celebrating the milestone with a variety of fun activities throughout the park on Aug. 4. Whether you prefer the tranquility of the Lazy River or thrills of the water coaster Roaring Forks, there’s something fun for everyone. The park will be open for the day from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Activities include a meet-and-greet with mermaids, a free concert, appearances by their mascots Walliver and Winnie, free cookies and more. Plus, visitors will have the chance to win an Elite Season Pass for 2025. All of the fun is included with regular gate admission or a Season Pass. waterworldcolorado.com

Parker Honey Festival

Parker is all abuzz for the family-friendly Parker Honey Festival on Aug. 4 at the town’s O’Brien Park (10795 Victorian Drive). From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., learn about the importance of honey bees and how to support the health of bees and other pollinators. See hives up close, sample honey, make crafts, try on a beekeeper’s suit and pick up lots of bee booty, including honey sticks, dippers and recipes. Attendees will also find lots of health and beauty products made with honey and beeswax. New this year, all vendors will offer an interactive and educational activity. Also, enjoy a Kids’ Hive, music performances and artistic displays. Admission is free. Register to attend at parkerarts.org

Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar

Aw, shucks! Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar has shucked more than 7 million oysters since first opening in Boulder back in 1994. In honor of its 30th anniversary, Jax is throwing it back to 1994 to celebrate the milestone on Aug. 5. From 4 to 6 p.m., each Jax location will serve 700 Jax proprietary CrackerJax oysters on the half shell at their 1994 price of just 50 cents each. The oysters will be sold by the half dozen with a limit of one dozen per order. Customers can order more, once they have cleaned their plate. (Once all 700 oysters are sold, the price will revert back to the happy hour pricing of $2 each.) Jax has five locations in Colorado. jaxfishhouse.com

A&W Restaurants root beer float giveaway

Good deals always float to the top, especially on National Root Beer Float Day. A&W Restaurants started with a tiny root beer stand in 1919. To this day, the chain’s signature beverage is still made with real cane sugar and a proprietary blend of herbs, bark, spices and berries. To celebrate, the restaurant is giving customers a free small root beer float on Aug. 6 from 2 to 8 p.m. No purchase necessary. As a part of the celebration, the restaurant chain will also be collecting donations for Disabled American Veterans. awrestaurants.com/national-root-beer-float-day

Washington Park 125th Anniversary Jubilee

In 1899, Denver city landscape architect Reinhard Schuetze drew up the plans for Washington Park. Now, 125 years later, the urban forest is marking its birthday with a blow-out party, and everyone is welcome. The park’s 125th Anniversary Jubilee is Aug. 7 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free. On the schedule are a variety of family-friendly activities, including a dog parade, scavenger hunt and visits with live animals. For those feeling active, there’s a yoga class, fishing, tennis clinics, croquet lessons, a climbing wall and more. Plus, enjoy live jazz music, history talks and food trucks. fanswashingtonpark.org/washington-park-celebrates-125th-anniversary

2024 Parade of Homes

The 2024 Parade of Homes features dozens of newly designed and custom homes across the greater metro area, all open to the public for free tours from Thursday to Sunday. The event runs Aug. 8-25 from noon to 5 p.m. No reservations are required. Homes range from luxury show homes to affordably-priced houses, from innovative to elegant, located in neighborhoods across the Front Range. Some people visit with an eye to buy, while others are simply looking for design inspiration for their own homes. If you prefer, virtual tours are also available online. Download a map for directions and to plan your route. paradeofhomesdenver.com

Military & Vets free admission to Colorado state parks

In a show of appreciation, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is inviting active duty, veterans and the National Guard to enjoy all state parks for free during the month of August. Military members and veterans, resident and nonresident, can pick up a complimentary August Military Pass at any Colorado State Park or CPW office by showing proof of service. All other park fees remain in effect, including camping reservations, boat and off-highway vehicle registrations, as well as hunting and fishing licenses. cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/MilitaryBenefits.aspx

Boulder County Fair

At 155 years of age, the Boulder County Fair is Colorado’s oldest. Rodeos, a colorful midway with all kinds of entertainment, a slew of kid’s activities, animal barns, a traditional carnival, music, crafts, food and more fill the fair calendar from Aug. 7 to 11. The event takes place at Boulder County Fairgrounds (9595 Nelson Road) in Longmont from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day. Parking and gate admission are both free, with most special events ranging from $10 to $20 for adults. An unlimited carnival rides wristband is $35 per day. Aug. 8 is Kids’ Day at the carnival from noon to 11 p.m. with unlimited rides for just $20. The discounted wristband is available between noon and 4 p.m. and can only be used that day. bouldercountyfair.org

Lafayette Peach Festival

The 25th annual Lafayette Peach Festival in Old Town turns the city’s main street into one sweet event on Aug. 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Morton’s Orchards, Tate Orchards, Green Barn Fruit Co. and Palisade Organic Peach Ranch truck in more than 30,000 pounds of certified organic peaches from Palisade for peach lovers to purchase. Plus, find hundreds of fresh peach pies and pans of peach cobbler at the Festival Plaza. Get there early because the peach treats always sell out quickly. The festival will also showcase crafters, antique dealers and artists from the Front Range and Western states. For kids, there’s free face painting and balloon sculpting from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Parking is available in the surrounding neighborhoods — just do not block driveways or park in restricted areas. lafayettecolorado.com/special-events

South by Southeast

Southeast Denver is home to a huge summer festival. This year’s South by Southeast is set for Aug. 17 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Bible Park. The free community festival features food trucks, a beer garden, live music, vendors and more. Family-friendly games and activities include corn hole, bubble tower, giant cup pong, kids’ play area, a Denver fire truck, Denver Mounted Patrol, photo booth and more. Parking is limited, so consider walking or biking to the event. They’re also looking for volunteers to assist with the festival. Get a free T-shirt and drink, if you do. denvergov.org

Arvada Days

Looking for some old-fashioned fun before summer ends? Look no further than Arvada Days on Aug. 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Clear Creek Valley Park (3700 W. 58th Place). The event features food trucks, magic shows, train rides, live music, a beer garden, Nerf Zone, games and inflatables, community resources, crafts vendors and more. Admission is free. Adults can quench their thirst at the beer garden with proceeds benefiting Ralston House. There will also be a secure complimentary bike valet on site. arvadafestivals.com/arvada-days

Affordable Arts Festival

The annual Affordable Arts Festival is unlike any arts fest you have attended because all of the art is priced at $150 or less. The event takes place outdoors on Aug. 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Arapahoe Community College (5900 S. Santa Fe Drive). This is the “Black Friday” of art sales, with more than 160 artists from around the country selling their works in a variety of mediums at bargain prices. Art lovers and enthusiasts will find paintings, mixed media, jewelry, glass, photography, sculptures and more – some of which were originally priced at thousands of dollars. Gates open at 9 a.m., but enthusiastic shoppers who line up early at 7 a.m. will enjoy a coffee cart selling java and pastries. Admission is $12 online or at the gate, with proceeds benefitting the Arapahoe Community College scholarship program. Use promo code CHEAP online for a $1 discount. Children 12 and under are admitted for free. affordableartsfestival.com

Art Students League of Denver’s Summer Art Market

More than 175 local artists will bring their wares to the public during the Arts League of Denver’s Summer Art Market (200 Grant St.) in Denver on Aug. 24 and 25. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Whether your home looks like a museum or you’re a novice collector, find lots of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, fiber art and mixed media at reasonable prices. All artists are students, faculty or members of the league. Tickets are $5 and valid for the entire weekend. Children 12 and under get in free. Purchase tickets online or at the door. Parking is limited, so organizers recommend carpooling, public transportation or biking/walking to the event. asld.org/show-details/summer-art-market

Send tips to info@milehighonthecheap.com 14 to 21 days in advance.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, In The Know, to get entertainment news sent straight to your inbox.

Originally Published: August 3, 2024 at 6:00 a.m.

Brenton Doyle stole the show.

The Rockies’ Gold Glove center fielder upstaged lefty Austin Gomber’s seven-inning gem and Brendan Rodgers and Kris Bryant’s big nights at the plate in a 5-2 win over the Padres on Friday night at Petco Park.

Doyle went “Air Jordan” to rob former Rockie Jurickson Profar of a home run in the eighth inning. Running at full speed, he leaped, reached over the wall and calmly snagged the ball. Reliever Tyler Kinley uttered, “Wow!” after Doyle’s magic act.

“I feel like I’ve made a lot of cool plays out there and that one felt really cool to me,” Doyle told Rockies.TV. “It seems like I take one away from my former teammate, Profar, every time we come here. But that one was super cool.”

Was that the best catch of his career?

“It’s up there,” he said. “It’s pretty cool because Adam Jones was a player I really looked up to growing up. And in the World Baseball Classic, he robbed a home run kind of in the exact, same spot.”

The victory was Colorado’s fifth straight over the Padres,  who came into the game riding a 9-1 hot streak. The Rockies swept three games from the Padres at Petco from May 13-15.

Gomber handcuffed the Padres, giving up two runs on five hits, striking out six and walking only one. He pounded the strike zone and got 10 outs via groundballs. Of his 27 first pitches, 23 were strikes, an 85.2  first-pitch strike percentage that ranks as the fourth-highest in franchise history (minimum 25 batters faced).

“Austin threw great, he was outstanding,” manager Bud Black told reporters in San Diego. “They have been on a nice streak and ‘Gomby’ held them down.”

San Diego’s two runs came on solo homers. Manny Machado led off the second with a homer to left-center, and Donovan Solano led off the fourth with a homer to almost the same spot.

Rodgers hit 3 for 4, leading off the second with his eighth homer of the season and adding a double in the fourth. Bryant powered Colorado’s three-run sixth inning, lining a bases-loaded double to center.

“That was big for KB,” Black said. “We’ve got to get him going. KB wants to be a big part of this and a night like tonight can give him a little bit of jump start as we go through these next two months.

“It’s been frustrating for KB, no doubt about it. But anytime you get a couple of hits, and knock in a couple of runs, you feel good about it. He wants to contribute and he wants to contribute in a big way.”

Marquez update. Right-hander German Marquez’s return from Tommy John surgery hit a snap after he made one start and then went on the injured list with elbow soreness on July 22 (retroactive to July 19).

On Thursday, Marquez threw his second bullpen session (34 pitches). He’s scheduled to throw another bullpen session this weekend. After that, he could go on a short rehab assignment or return to the rotation.

Want more Rockies news? Sign up for the Rockies Insider to get all our MLB analysis.

Originally Published: August 2, 2024 at 10:51 p.m.