In Denver, Kevin Simpson estimates more than 1 million Broncos fans yesterday "poured into Civic Center and lined a downtown Denver parade route" to celebrate the team's Super Bowl 50 victory. By the time the parade "launched around noon ... fans had packed themselves dozens deep." A procession of 22 firetrucks, five flatbeds and a variety of other vehicles participated in the "massive rally." In team Owner Pat Bowlen's absence, his wife, Annabel, "held aloft the Lombardi Trophy." By city officials' estimations, yesterday's event "far exceeded the estimated 650,000" who turned out following the Broncos' '98 Super Bowl win over the Packers, and it "obliterated the 375,000 who rallied" after the '99 Super Bowl win over the Falcons (DENVER POST, 2/10).
MAD DASH: In L.A., Vincent Bonsignore writes Rams fans "gobbled up more than 56,000 deposits to purchase season tickets" for the '16 season at L.A. Memorial Coliseum, including more than 45,000 in the first two days. The Rams on Monday "closed the ticket campaign." Rams deposit owners will have "access to other team benefits, and will receive additional details regarding seat selection this spring" (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 2/10). In California, Ryan Kartje notes those who "made a deposit will have the option of purchasing up to eight season tickets" for '16. The deposit also "gives fans an opportunity to be at the front of the line for tickets" in '19, when the team's Inglewood stadium is expected to open. A deposit "does not guarantee" a '16 season ticket in the 93,000-seat Coliseum, but availability, for those who placed deposits, "will be based on the date a deposit was placed" (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 2/10).
ON THE FRINGES: In Cleveland, Robert Higgs noted Browns fans last week "were flummoxed" to hear the city of Columbus "had requested" $5M in state tax money to host the Browns' training camp. Team Owner Jimmy Haslam III "has talked openly about the idea for more than a year -- and been in talks with Columbus leaders for even longer." The Browns have been "strengthening ties with Columbus" since Alec Scheiner was named Team President in December '12. Haslam also "has had business dealings" with Columbus Partnership President & CEO Alex Fischer. The Browns are "among four NFL franchises competing for fans in Columbus," as the area "is on the fringes of fan bases" for the Bengals, Steelers and Colts (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 2/9).
