Denver, CO
NCAA Tournament returns to Denver: A look at the eight teams at Ball Arena
March Madness returns to Denver for a second straight year, with eight teams coming to compete at Ball Arena across four first-round games and a pair of second-round games.
The opening-round games are Thursday, and the second-round games are Saturday.
In the East Region, Ball Arena drew a No. 3 seed in Wisconsin and a No. 6 seed in BYU. Plus, in the South Region, Denver will host a No. 4 seed in Texas A&M and a No. 5 seed in Michigan.
Wisconsin takes on No. 14 Montana, while BYU plays No. 11 VCU. Texas A&M takes on No. 13 Yale, while Michigan plays No. 13 UC San Diego. This week marks the 11th NCAA Tournament in Denver. Last year, there were no upsets in the games at Ball Arena.
Both Wisconsin and Michigan have played for the national title in the last decade. The Badgers lost to Duke in 2015, while Michigan lost to Villanova in 2018. The Wolverines have played in eight Final Fours and were national champions in 1989, while the Badgers have played in four Final Fours and were national champions in 1941.
VCU made the Final Four as a Cinderella in 2011, when it was a No. 11 seed and lost to Butler. The Atlantic-10 champions could be a Cinderella again this year, plus there are a few others capable of pulling upsets in Denver. Ivy League champion Yale has the depth to potentially make some noise, while UC San Diego enters March Madness on a 15-game winning streak, tied for the nation’s longest.
Unfortunately for local hoop heads, there isn’t a single Colorado high school basketball product on any of the teams coming to Denver.
Here’s everything to know about the eight teams coming to Ball Arena. As of Sunday, tickets to the games were still available. Last year, the games sold out.
East Region
No. 3 Wisconsin (26-9) vs. No. 14 Montana (25-9)
Wisconsin
Overall/Conference Record: 26-8, 13-7
Coach: Greg Gard
Ranking: No. 3 in East Region
Best win: 103-88 vs. No. 9 Arizona
Worst loss: 86-75 vs. Penn State
About the Badgers: Wisconsin is led by a one-two guard punch of John Tonje and John Blackwell, who are averaging 19.5 and 15.4 points per game, respectively. They also have two solid post players in Nolan Winter and Steven Crowl.
Montana
Overall/Conference Record: 25-9, 15-3
Coach: Travis DeCuire
Ranking: No. 14 in East Region
Best win: 83-75 vs. Cal State Northridge
Worst loss: 79-76 at Portland State, OT
About the Bobcats: The Big Sky champions, who denied UNC a tournament bid by beating them in the conference title game, have balanced with four scorers averaging double digits. Guard Money Williams is the top threat at 13.3 points.
No. 6 BYU (24-9) vs. No. 11 VCU (28-6)
BYU
Overall/Conference Record: 24-9, 14-6
Coach: Kevin Young
Ranking: No. 6 in East Region
Best win: 88-85 at No. 10 Iowa State, 2OT
Worst loss: 84-64 at Providence
About the Cougars: Led by their first-year coach Young, BYU is highlighted by guards Richie Saunders (16.0 points per game) and Egor Demin (10.3). Center Keba Keita is also impactful, averaging 7.1 points and 7.9 rebounds.
VCU
Overall/Conference Record: 28-6, 15-3
Coach: Ryan Odom
Ranking: No. 11 in East Region
Best win: 76-68 vs. Colorado State
Worst loss: 69-66 vs. Seton Hall, OT
About the Rams: After missing the tournament last year, the Rams are back in the dance. They feature four scorers averaging double digits: guards Max Shulga (15.0), Joseph Bamisile (15.0), Phillip Russell (10.7) and Zeb Jackson (10.6).
South Region
No. 4 Texas A&M (22-10) vs. No. 13 Yale (22-7)
Texas A&M
Overall/Conference Record: 22-10, 11-7
Coach: Buzz Williams
Ranking: No. 4 in South Region
Best win: 83-72 vs. No. 1 Auburn
Worst loss: 64-61 at UCF
About the Aggies: Texas A&M makes its third straight tourney appearance and is led by guards Wade Taylor IV (15.7) and Zhuric Phelps (14.1). Plus, they have two forwards capable of heaters in Pharrel Payne (9.4) and Henry Coleman III (7.8).
Yale
Overall/Conference Record: 22-7, 13-1
Coach: James Jones
Ranking: No. 13 in South Region
Best win: 74-58 vs. Akron
Worst loss: 100-94 vs. Delaware
About the Bulldogs: Yale is making its eighth tourney appearance after losing in the second round last year. The Bulldogs are headlined by the Ivy League’s top scorer John Poulakidas, who averages 19.0 points and shoots 40.2% from 3.
No. 5 Michigan (25-9) vs. No. 12 UC San Diego (30-4)
Michigan
Overall/Conference Record: 25-9, 14-6
Coach: Dusty May
Ranking: No. 5 in South Region
Best win: 67-64 at No. 11 Wisconsin
Worst loss: 84-81 at Minnesota, OT
About the Wolverines: Under first-year boss May, Michigan is back in the dance following a two-year absence. A pair of potent forwards lead the way in Vladislav Goldin (16.9 points on 63.4% from the field) and Danny Wolf (9.9 rebounds).
UC San Diego
Overall/Conference Record: 30-4, 18-2
Coach: Eric Olen
Ranking: No. 12 in South Region
Best win: 75-73 at Utah State
Worst loss: 85-81 at UC Riverside
About the Tritons: Making their tourney debut in just the fifth year of the program, the Big West champions feature four scorers averaging double figures. Forward Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones (19.5 points, 5.5 rebounds) is the Tritons’ star.
The Denver Film Festival, which celebrated 48 years of cinematic excellence this weekend, brought together international talent and local legends under one roof.
Denver Film Festival CEO Kevin Smith says this year’s lineup has been nothing short of spectacular.
“The festival has been fantastic this year,” says Smith. “We’ve had a ton of stars come out to join us.”
Among those stars was Lucy Liu. You may know her as O-Ren Ishii from “Kill Bill” or one of Charlie’s Angels, but Saturday night, Liu was honored with the John Cassavetes Award, recognizing her contributions to filmmaking and creative expression, including her latest work, “Rosemead.”
“I just want them to share and have a conversation about it afterward,” Liu said. “There are so many different levels of emotion and ideas in the movie that hopefully people can talk about.”
But the festival didn’t stop there; it also spotlighted a familiar face much closer to home.
From international superstars to hometown heroes, closing night featured the world premiere of a new documentary about Denver Broncos legend John Elway.
“It’s the first time coming to a movie where it’s about me,” Elway admitted. “I think it’s a good tale of my life, something other than my football life, which is nice.”
As the curtain closed on another successful year, the Denver Film Festival once again proved why the Mile High City’s arts and cultural scene is on the rise.
“The arts and cultural scene is really buzzing in the city,” Smith says. “And with the addition of Sundance coming in, there’s a huge spotlight on film and where the industry is going.”
A celebration of storytelling, creativity, and Colorado pride all captured on the big screen.
The ongoing shutdown means that air traffic controllers at Denver International Airport have been working without pay, with many taking second jobs to try to make ends meet. Now, Colorado lawmakers are pushing for the Federal Aviation Administration to approve the airport’s emergency waiver that would allow its air traffic controllers to be paid during the shutdown.
The shutdown is now the longest in U.S. history, and it’s taking a toll on the aviation industry. Recently, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that the FAA would reduce 10% of flights for 40 airports, including Denver.
The airport submitted a proposal on Wednesday to use airport funds to pay its air traffic controllers during the shutdown in order to protect public safety and provide relief.
“This is a critical time for travel, both here at DEN and around the country. Staffing issues are already being identified at a number of airports, impacting travel. As the shutdown drags on, air traffic controllers, in particular, are being stressed unnecessarily,” said Denver International Airport CEO Phil Washington. “As part of our airport family, it’s our hope that we can reduce the hardship on them by covering their wages during the shutdown, with reimbursement by the FAA later. We would love to be able to do more and provide wage support for all the federal workers at DEN, as they are all critical to our operation, but given the number of federal employees, we are only able to support controllers at this time.”
The airport has also created a food and essentials pantry to support the Transportation Security Administration, FAA, Customs and Border Protection and other federal employees working without pay. Officials are requesting donations from the community to keep the pantry stocked.
On Friday, a Colorado congressional delegation asked the FAA to approve the proposal, ensure they’re not penalized for helping, and ensure the airport is reimbursed when the shutdown ends.
“Thousands of ATCs nationwide work long hours daily, experience fatigue, and overcome chronic staffing shortfalls in order to maintain the highest levels of reliability and safety of the National Airspace System,” wrote the Colorado lawmakers. “[Denver] has provided a commonsense proposal that provides a temporary lifeline to the very people ensuring the safety of our skies. Given the urgency of this situation, which now directly affects airports across the country, we urge your immediate approval of this request.”
The delegation, which includes Sen. John Hickenlooper and Sen. Michael Bennet, along with First Congressional District Rep. Diana DeGette, Second Congressional District Rep. Joe Neguse, Sixth Congressional District Rep. Jason Crow, and Seventh Congressional District Rep. Brittany Pettersen, submitted a letter to FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford asking him to immediately approve the emergency waiver.
In the letter, they say the proposal will be a “temporary lifeline to the very people ensuring the safety of our skies.”
They pleaded that the FAA immediately approve the request: “Given the urgency of this situation, which now directly affects airports in across the country, we urge your immediate approval of this request and also ask for your firm commitment that the FAA will work with DEN – and any other airport sponsor that takes this necessary action—to ensure a full and prompt reimbursement for these costs upon the enactment of a continuing resolution or appropriations bill. These local partners should not be penalized for stepping up to protect federal operations and crucial public safety during this lapse in federal funding.”
Denver, CO
One Of Denver’s Best Suburbs Is A Hidden Gem With Scenic Beauty And Historic Charm – Islands
Denver’s home to some truly hard-to-resist attractions, including Buckhorn Exchange, Colorado’s oldest restaurant that captures the essence of its Old West Legacy; and the Curtis Hotel, one of “America’s top art hotels” with kitschy, themed floors. But now more than ever, travelers are ready to trade in glitz and glamour for a more peaceful and deeply authentic getaway. And that, plus a unique historic charm and vast scenic beauty, is exactly what Brighton, just 22 miles north of the Colorado capital, promises its lucky visitors.
Thanks to its location, the 44,000-resident city is very easy to access. Those coming from far away won’t struggle finding a flight to Denver International Airport, either. From there, it’s just a 20-minute ride to Brighton via E-470, though driving is far from your only transportation option. There’s a direct bus line that runs from Station Gate 10 at the airport to S 3rd Ave & Bush St. It costs less than $5 at the time of writing this article and takes roughly 27 minutes. There are usually only two buses a day, though, one scheduled for 1:24 p.m. and another one for 3 p.m., so try to time your landing accordingly. You’ll also be happy to learn that Brighton itself is pretty walkable, so if you’re planning on keeping your sightseeing sessions within the city limits, you can leave it at that. If you also want to do some outdoor exploration, though, you might want to rent something sturdy for a day or two from the local Enterprise.
Taking in Brighton’s scenic beauty
Brighton sits in a region that’s famous for its green spaces. But even among the stiff competition, the city manages to stand out when it comes to scenery, especially with places like Barr Lake State Park. Spanning over 2,700 acres, this is one of Brighton’s most iconic attractions. Here, you can explore over 21 miles of trails (including a 9-mile one that circles the lake), go boating and fishing where permitted, and even spend some time birdwatching. Bald eagles are regulars here, so bring your binoculars, some proper hiking gear, and a picnic, and you’ll have the time of your life. You’ll need to pay a modest fee to enter, but the park is open year-round from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. If you get a vessel into the water, beware of the toxic algae.
Veterans Park is another local favorite. As hundreds of people have attested, this is the perfect place for a quiet walk with views of the river. There are plenty of restrooms, shaded areas, and swing sets scattered around, and they’re always well-kept and clean. Less than seven minutes away from here, you’ll find Bromley Farm, a place where you get that full nature-and-farm experience. Families with kids love it here, though just about everyone can enjoy the on-site fall festival, corn maze, and pumpkin patch. Overall, visitors who’ve come here feel like the price is well worth it. You can always continue your nature immersion nearby. Found just 22 minutes away from Brighton, this Commerce City is an urban oasis with a wildlife refuge, quirky oddities, and vast outdoor adventures.
Brighton’s historic charm and suburban allure
Between its older neighborhoods and historic downtown, Brighton has a lot to offer even to those looking for a more typical city break. You can start your sightseeing tour with a stroll around the center, admiring the 19th-century Italianate buildings and single storefronts. You can then explore the Historic Splendid Valley District, a well-preserved agricultural gem that maps some of Brighton’s oldest farms and estate properties. You can even take a virtual tour online to get a better idea of what to expect from the real deal.
The local Armory Performing Arts Center is also a must-see for all culture lovers. It hosts everything from community performances and art shows to live concerts; just make sure to check out their calendar beforehand so you can catch your favorite event while in town. The 450-seat theater boasts a fantastic sound system, a spacious set-up, and plenty of free on-site parking. If you time your visit wisely, you can catch Summerfest, too. This is arguably the largest community festival in town, complete with live music, a beer garden, food vendors, and children’s activities. Entrance is free; you just have to pay for what you consume.
The good news is that even if you don’t manage to come during the Summerfest days, you’ll never struggle to find a good place to eat here. Case in point: Billie’s. This is a mom-and-pop restaurant that serves all of your favorite American fare for breakfast and lunch. The breakfast burrito, pancakes, and stuffed French toast, in particular, come highly recommended. If you still haven’t gotten enough of the local small-town charm, visit Lafayette, too. It’s an artsy city with an eclectic downtown and mountain backdrop less than 25 minutes away.
Jeffrey Epstein lost an address book. One man’s quest brought it to rural Vermont. – VTDigger
Southern West Virginia communities gear up to honor those who served with Veteran’s Day celebrations – WOAY-TV
Ark Invest Cuts Bitcoin Target as Stablecoins Rewrite the Crypto Playbook
EU weighs using Russian assets or borrowing to finance Kyiv
Calisthenics are making a comeback. Is body weight enough to get a good workout?
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Video: ‘It Didn’t Have to Happen This Way:’ U.Va. Faculty Call for Review of Police Response to Protests
How Each Senator Voted on a Deal to Advance Toward Ending the Shutdown
Democratic lawmakers reel after Senate votes to reopen government: ‘Republican-made health care crisis’
Fact check: Has Marine Le Pen’s appeal been denied?
BBC resignations are result of internal ‘coup’, says former Sun editor
Small Earthquakes Strike San Francisco Bay Area
-
Austin, TX4 days agoHalf-naked woman was allegedly tortured and chained in Texas backyard for months by five ‘friends’ who didn’t ‘like her anymore’
-
Southwest3 days agoTexas launches effort to install TPUSA in every high school and college
-
Seattle, WA1 week agoESPN scoop adds another intriguing name to Seahawks chatter before NFL trade deadline
-
Business1 week agoCommentary: Meme stocks are still with us, offering new temptations for novice and unwary investors
-
World5 days agoIsrael’s focus on political drama rather than Palestinian rape victim
-
Southwest6 days agoArmy veteran-turned-MAGA rising star jumps into fiery GOP Senate primary as polls tighten
-
Seattle, WA1 day agoSoundgarden Enlist Jim Carrey and Seattle All-Stars for Rock Hall 2025 Ceremony
-
Louisiana2 days agoLouisiana high school football final scores, results — November 7, 2025