DENVER - Trade in the bats for sticks, the balls for pucks and a mound for a rink -- and all of a sudden you've got yourself raucous hockey fans filling up a Coors Field that is typically known for its mellow summer baseball crowd.
"I think hockey fans are more passionate, up to a point. I mean, they’re more loyal to their teams," said Mike Casiano.
Though Saturday's weather leading up to the NHL's Stadium Series match-up between the Colorado Avalanche and the Detroit Redwings -- the first NHL outdoor game in state history -- felt much more like July than February.
"It’s just great to see this going on and how big it is and how much activity is going on," said one Redwings fan. "I think it’s killer for Denver."
He was one of tens of thousands of fans who listened to live music, mingled in the fan section and purchased some merchandise before the game, especially from Dan Moran, whose "Redwings Suck" t-shirts were quite the hit with Avs fans and not so much with the many Redwings fans who walked around him.
"'Redwings Suck.' Plain and simple. Easiest shirt we’ve ever done," he said. "Definitely brings back the good old days. Seeing this many people come to a game gets everybody excited again."
However, Moran said Saturday's game was less about renewing the storied rivalry between the two teams and more about revitalizing Avs fans, who have only seen their team in the playoffs once in the last five seasons.
"This is a lot of fun. Gets people excited about it again," he said. "This kind of atmosphere is what it was like 20 years ago when we were getting down to the end of the season."
Other Avs fans -- and even some Redwings fans -- said they hope a game like Saturday's, could boost the team's morale, which could boost their chances of winning and making the playoffs.
"If we win this, I think we’ll have a lot more fans that love them," one woman said.
Which brings up a good point -- the best way to revitalize a team is to rack up wins.
"Well, you know the thing about it is that most people just love teams that win," Casiano said. "So if they do better, then of course, most people will show up. That’s just the way it is."
Moran echoed those statements.
"Absolutely," he said. "Now that the Broncos have done it, it’s time for the Avs."
Winds temporarily delay game
During the third period, high wind gusts swept in and around the stadium.
It knocked down temporary fencing around the fan exhibits outside and kicked up some of the fake snow on the field inside onto the ice, into the stands and even over the stadium walls.
"It was interesting, like there was a swirl, it was kind of blowing around and the fake snow started going around. It was good it was fun, "one fan said.
Despite the winds, some disappointed Avalanche fans left Coors Field still grateful for what they had just experienced.
"Just a chance to be a part of history for Denver, so first 'Stadium Series' game, really cool experience," another fan said. "Kind of a tough game for the Avs, but hey, it happens."
