Denver, CO
‘I can only imagine what it’s going to be like’: Broncos eager to play in front of home crowd as postseason football returns to Mile High City
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — By the time Bills quarterback Josh Allen steps to the line of scrimmage, that’s already too late.
The noise — the deafening roar of more than 76,000 fans at Empower Field at Mile High — must start earlier.
The yells, the stomps, the claps and the screams, as Head Coach Sean Payton emphasized Tuesday ahead of the Broncos’ first home playoff game in a decade, must start when Allen and the Buffalo Bills enter the huddle.
In the leadup to Denver’s playoff opener, Payton has touched on the importance of the noise coming earlier. He’s pointed to the difficulty of the quarterback communicating the play call in the huddle — and how the communication breakdowns could provide an advantage for Denver’s defense.
“There’s a stress that goes with that, too,” Payton said in mid-December. “That’s stressful. Creating that stress is a big advantage.”
Payton pointed to Empower Field at Mile High as one of just a handful of stadiums in the league with a potential to be truly deafening, and he called for that level of noise again when Denver hosts the Bills. The request, too, is simple enough. In 10-second bursts, when the Bills are in the huddle and as they line up to snap the ball, the noise should boom through the stadium. And then again. And then again. And again, for each of the Bills’ offensive snaps.
As Denver looks to book a trip to the AFC Championship Game, Payton knows that would be “a huge advantage” for the Broncos.
Wide receiver Courtland Sutton, who is poised to play in his first career home playoff game, said he is eager to see how Broncos Country shows up for a long-awaited postseason matchup.
“I’ve been saying since I got here that we needed to get a home playoff game back in the city,” Sutton said. “The way that the fans have been showing up, Broncos Country has been bumping.
“… I can only imagine what it’s going to be like, first [postseason] home game since 2015. It’s well overdue, and I’m excited to see Broncos Country show up and show out.”
Cornerback Pat Surtain II said he’s also ready for a raucous environment that could help push the Broncos to a win.
“I know the atmosphere is going to be crazy,” Surtain said. “The stadium is going to be rocking at [Empower Field at] Mile High, and I’m looking forward to it. … I can already feel the magnitude of it and how electric that stadium is going to be. It’s going to be exciting.”
Playing a postseason game at home, of course, is not enough on its own to guarantee a win. During Wild Card Weekend, four of the six road teams earned victories.
“We have to be ready to play our best game,” Payton said.
In key moments, though, the Empower Field at Mile High crowd could help swing the game in Denver’s favor, whether via a miscommunication in the huddle or a pre-snap penalty. And in a battle that could come down to the very end, that could help the Broncos improve upon their 17-5 home postseason record.
“I expect it to be extremely loud,” quarterback Bo Nix said. “I expect it to be a great environment.
“… Something tells me it’ll be kicked up a notch, just because it’s got ‘playoffs’ on it.”
Denver, CO
Denver Mountain Parks to take over management of Mount Blue Sky road
When the Mount Blue Sky Road opens Memorial Day weekend from Echo Lake to the iconic mountain’s 14,266-foot summit, conditions permitting, there will be a change in the way access to the road is managed.
Denver Mountain Parks will staff the welcome station at Echo Lake and manage the Mount Blue Sky Recreation Area, taking over that role from the Arapaho National Forest.
“Managing this complex, high-use recreation area has always been a shared stewardship effort between the national forest, the city of Denver and state of Colorado,” forest supervisor Christopher Stubbs said in a joint news release. “We have been working together on this mountain for more than a century. In the early years, Denver had the greater presence with their (Echo Lake) lodge and restaurants on the mountain. For the past four decades, the forest service has been at the helm. Now it’s Denver’s turn again.”
The Mount Blue Sky Road did not open last summer due to a road repair project near Summit Lake. CDOT maintains the highway and plows it in the spring for summer access. More than 100,000 visitors drive the road annually. It typically opens around Memorial Day, after the roadway is clear of snow, and closes on Labor Day.
Denver Mountain Parks will collect fees, manage the reservation system and set operating hours. Reservations are expected to become available on recreation.gov in May.
The cost of entry will be $20 per car and $15 for motorcycles. Bikes and pedestrians will be free.
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Denver, CO
Historic 84-year-old Bonnie Brae gas station in Denver officially listed for sale by family
DENVER — After 84 years of pumping gas and cleaning windshields, the family-owned Bonnie Brae Conoco in Denver is officially up for sale.
Located at the corner of University and Exposition, the station has been a staple in the neighborhood for generations. Owner Ken Wilson believes it could be the only remaining full-service, family-owned gas station in the city.
“Some people wouldn’t know what to do if we stopped doing this,” Wilson said.
Mike Castellucci
Wilson started working at the station when he was 12 years old. His family has owned the business through the decades, keeping photos from the 1940s through the 1970s.
“So many memories. I love coming to work. When I come here I feel like my dad never left,” Wilson said.
Wilson noted that his father died 14 years ago.
► Watch Mike Castellucci’s report in the player below:
Historic Bonnie Brae Conoco gas station in Denver officially listed for sale
The station was previously known for a sign that read “not for sale.” Now, the sign has changed to indicate the property is on the market.
“We’re just looking to the future. It’s a great property. It’s been good to us. We love the neighborhood. I love coming to work. So it’s not like I’m dying to sell this. We think it’s a very valuable property,” Wilson said.
Mike Castellucci
Today, employee Claude Espinoza is changing out winter tires for summer tires.
“I get it. Only so long you can run a family business,” Espinoza said.
Customers like Ali Halberson, who spent $100 to fill her car, are feeling the impact of changing times.
“I was really empty,” Halberson said.
While Halberson thinks current gas prices are “terrible,” customers in the neighborhood do not want to pay the price of watching the Wilson family’s station disappear. Other gas stations that used to operate across the street and next door are long gone, leaving the Bonnie Brae Conoco as a final remnant of a bygone era.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Denver7 | Your Voice: Get in touch with Mike Castellucci
Denver7’s Mike Castellucci covers stories that have an impact in all of Colorado’s communities, but specializes in reporting on community connections. If you’d like to get in touch with Mike, fill out the form below to send him an email.
Denver, CO
First Time at Denver Fashion Week? Read This Before Tickets Sell Out – 303 Magazine
Denver Fashion Week has become one of the city’s most buzzed-about events – but if you’ve never been, it’s easy to feel unsure about what to expect.
The good news: it’s far more accessible (and fun) than you think – and that’s exactly why people keep coming back.
Your first Fashion Week experience doesn’t have to happen in New York or Paris. It’s happening right here at Denver Fashion Week.
Seats are limited, and the most popular nights go quickly—especially VIP. Get your tickets HERE
What’s the vibe?
Forget the intimidating, ultra-elite energy of New York or Paris. Denver Fashion Week strikes a balance between elevated and inclusive. Think high-energy, visually immersive, and social.
You’re not sitting quietly—you’re part of the atmosphere.
You’ll see a mix of:
- Designers, models, local creatives, and stylists
- Influencers, press, brands, sponsors, and photographers
- Fashion, beauty, art, and music lovers dressed to be seen
The energy builds as the night goes on — from pre-show cocktails to the moment the lights dim and the runway comes alive. It’s part fashion show, part social scene, and part cultural experience.
What to wear?
The most common question: What do I wear?
The short answer — there are no strict rules. But this is your moment to show up intentionally styled.
Think of it as: elevated self-expression.






Go-To Outfit Ideas:
Elevated Streetwear
Oversized blazer, cargos or tailored pants, heels or sleek sneakers. Effortlessly cool and on-trend.
Minimal Chic
Slip dress, neutral tones, sleek bun, gold jewelry. Clean, understated and polished.
Bold Statement Look
Metallics, textures, statement outerwear or dramatic silhouettes. Perfect for turning heads.
If you’re debating between playing it safe or going bold – lean bold. This is one of the few nights in Denver where more fashion-forward always works.
What is the timeline of the night?
- Arrive early to avoid the line and find parking
- Grab a cocktail, take photos, mingle, shop
- Runway show begins
- Ask where the after party is!

What is the VIP Lounge Experience?
Experience Fashion at the Highest Level
If you’re looking to turn your night into something unforgettable, the VIP experience is where Denver Fashion Week truly comes alive.
VIP access is available to First + Second Runway Seat ticket holders, giving you a front-row connection to every moment on the runway.
VIP Perks Include:
- Priority seating with premium runway views
- Exclusive check-in experience
- Elevated atmosphere among Denver’s fashion insiders
- Exclusive access to the VIP Lounge
- Complimentary hors d’oeuvres (while supplies last)
- Elevated photo opportunities of every look
- Networking alongside press, influencers, celebrities, and fashion insiders
- Exclusive VIP discounts at select pop-up vendors
- An up-close experience of cutting-edge runway production
- Access to the VIP cash bar

Why does seating matters?
- First and second Row: premium, closest to the action, elevated photo opportunities of every look, and gain VIP lounge access.
- General Admission: relaxed, and enjoy a state-of-the-art fashion show production.
Does Denver Fashion Week support the community?
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month this May, Denver Fashion Week has announced Ardent Grove, a Colorado-based nonprofit mental health clinic, as its official community partner for the Spring 2026 shows
Where will Denver Fashion Week be held?
For Spring 2026, Denver Fashion Week will once again transform the luxurious Furniture Row Showroom into a fully immersive runway environment. Known for its expansive layouts, modern architecture, and refined aesthetic, the space offers a setting rarely seen in traditional fashion venues.
Instead of conventional warehouses or hotel ballrooms, the runway unfolds inside a curated interior design landscape — where elevated home décor meets cutting-edge fashion.
Is it worth it?
Denver Fashion Week is more than a runway — it’s a full experience blending fashion, culture, and community.
If you love fashion, creativity, or just want a unique night out in Denver, absolutely.
And once you go, you’ll get it.
Where to stay?
Elevate your Denver Fashion Week experience with our hotel partner, Vīb Hotel. Enjoy 35% off during DFW when you book directly and stay just minutes from the action in style and comfort.
Where to buy tickets?
Seats are limited, and the most popular nights go quickly—especially VIP.
Get your tickets HERE or below
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