There was artificial crowd noise being piped in to make up for the lack of noise from the 7.49% capacity crowdGETTY IMAGES
There was a "decidedly subdued atmosphere" at Empower Field at Mile High for yesterday's Buccaneers-Broncos game, as there was an "eeriness" in the air with just 5,700 fans in attendance, according to Kyle Newman of the DENVER POST. The reduced crowd was able to sit "in 'pods' of one to six tickets, and sections were separated into smaller groups with designated entry, concessions and restroom areas." There also was "artificial crowd noise still being piped in to make up for the lack of bark from the 7.49% capacity crowd." The lack of pregame energy caused by COVID restrictions "translated into a dead stadium during the game." Colorado Gov. Jared Polis earlier this month "indicated there will be more than 5,700 fans allowed for the next home game," Oct. 18 against the Dolphins (DENVER POST, 9/28). THE ATHLETIC's Nick Kosmider noted Empower Field at Mile High GM Jay Roberts and his staff, in conjunction with Broncos VP/Strategic Initiatives Brittany Bowlen "began working in May on a plan" for fans to come to the stadium. The Broncos used proprietary software from Ticketmaster "to construct a socially distanced seating chart." Roberts and his team were "able to set parameters and have the system spit out a chart that ensured entrance into the stadium would be spread out through various gates." They used a similar technology with their food-and-beverage partner, Aramark, "to ensure enough concessions are staggered through the concourses to prevent any extensive lines from forming" (THEATHLETIC.com, 9/25).
ANIMATED CROWD IN SOME AREAS: ESPN.com's Jeff Legwold noted characters from Comedy Central's "South Park" made up "more than 1,800 cutouts" in seats during yesterday's game. The Broncos' marketing department "reached out to Comedy Central and South Park Studios about buying cut-outs of the characters" (ESPN.com, 9/27). Show creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone are from Colorado and are "avid Broncos fans." They have "often mentioned" the team on the series, which kicks off its 24th season Wednesday (DENVER POST, 9/28).
