by Charles Bonniwell | Jun 30, 2026 | Main Articles
by Charles Bonniwell
Scam: This fake court notice, circulated by scammers posing as Denver County Court officials, used official-looking seals, legal citations, and threats of penalties to trick recipients into providing credit card information.
Many readers in the Cherry Creek Valley assume that the individuals who are convinced by mail and phone scammers to send hundreds or even thousands of dollars to untraceable accounts are either gullible individuals or elderly people with diminished mental capacities. But fraud schemes are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and bright, very capable people are finding themselves duped, to their embarrassment as well as financial detriment.
The Federal Trade Commission states that since 2020, imposter scams reporting losses of $10,000 or more have tripled. The AARP estimates that total losses in the last year have reached as much as $196 billion.
These days, scammers use phone calls, texts, and e-mails to perpetrate many of these crimes. While email, mail, and text messages are the most frequent fraud methods, telephone solicitation is the most profitable vehicle for fraudsters by a two-to-one margin.
Recently, fraudsters have become increasingly effective at pretending they are law enforcement officers or representatives from financial institutions, including credit card companies.
Various Recent Scams
Court Order Scam
One recent successful scheme involved scammers sending a very official-looking text purportedly from the District Court of Colorado for Denver County, informing recipients that they were delinquent on parking, speeding, and toll fines. A fake court order instructed the recipient to pay the fine or appear in court the following Friday morning at 9 a.m.
Two hundred people appeared at the designated time at the City and County Building, only to discover that it was all a ruse. Hundreds more paid the requested $6.00 fee by credit card. The fraudsters were happy to take the small payment, but what they really wanted was the credit card information so they could go on a shopping spree.
Police And Jury Duty Scam
Scammers are now able to make whatever entity or person they want appear to be calling recipients, including banks, police stations, or federal agencies.
In one scam directed at Cherry Creek Valley residents, the caller ID indicated that the Denver Police Department was calling. If the potential victim answered the phone, the scammer would identify himself as a Denver police officer and indicate that the victim had a warrant for arrest for failure to appear in response to a jury summons. The pretend officer would instruct the victim to pay a bond or report to a local police station for arrest.
Call Centers: Many of today’s most successful scams originate from organized call center operations that are often overseas that use convincing scripts, caller ID spoofing, and psychological pressure to persuade victims to surrender money or personal information.
The scammer would direct the victim to obtain hundreds or even thousands of dollars in cash and go to a local Walgreens to wire the funds to a specific account. The potential victim was required to stay on the telephone line to prevent him or her from contacting anyone else. The funds would then go to an untraceable account controlled by the scammer.
Credit Card Scam
Another popular scam involves a fraudster calling from a number that appears on caller ID to belong to a bank or financial institution with which the potential victim does business. The fraudster’s number may even match the one on the back of the victim’s credit card.
The fraudulent caller tells the potential victim there is “suspicious activity” regarding his or her account. The caller may even know the victim’s name, home address, and the last four digits of his or her Social Security number. The fraudster then uses high-pressure tactics to get the victim to hand over key information such as PINs, passwords, or one-time passcodes.
The victim is instructed to send money to a “safe and secure account” that is actually controlled by the scammers and is untraceable.
IRS/Customs Agent Scam
Another successful recent scam involves a fraudster pretending to be an IRS or Customs agent and indicating that the victim is under suspicion of money laundering, or that the government has intercepted a package bearing the victim’s return address that contains drugs or other illegal substances. The caller demands that the victim post a bond over the phone or face immediate arrest.
Fraudsters are also increasingly using AI for their machinations. They can use the voice of a loved one claiming they desperately need help and requesting money be sent to an account controlled by the scammers.
Law Enforcement’s Response
Law enforcement has been slow to combat these cybercrimes. Many of the calls, e-mails, and texts are sent from abroad. Local law enforcement often does not have the resources or expertise to make a meaningful difference.
One encouraging development was the government of India raiding call centers, leading to the arrest of six leaders along with the seizure of laptops, cell phones, cash, and other devices. In the United States, two executives, former CEO Adam Young and a CSO, pleaded guilty to enabling the scam by providing telecommunications and call-routing infrastructure and advising cybercriminals on how to evade detection.
How To Avoid Being Scammed
The first rule in avoiding these scams is understanding that you are capable of being scammed, no matter how intelligent or sophisticated you may think you are.
It is recommended that you:
Avoid answering your telephone unless you know who is calling. If the caller has a legitimate reason for calling, they will leave a message. Scammers seldom leave messages.
Do not disclose your full name, home address, Social Security number, credit card information, banking information, or other personal details to anyone you do not know.
Do not click on e-mails or text messages from unknown sources.
Choose a safe word or phrase (“Mama Bear,” “rubber ducky,” etc.) that family members or loved ones can use to identify themselves in the event of a real emergency.
And finally:
If you are the possible victim of a scam, report it to local law enforcement and to the FBI at IC3.gov.
Whatever you do, remember that scammers are adjusting their schemes every day to ensnare you in their web of deceit, so stay alert.
by Mark Smiley | Jun 29, 2026 | Main Articles
by Mark Smiley
Fireworks Finale: Brilliant bursts of color illuminate the sky above Infinity Park during Glendale’s annual July 2 fireworks celebration. Known for its close-up viewing experience, the event gives spectators a rare opportunity to feel immersed in the display as shells explode overhead. Photo by McBoat Photography
VIP Celebration: Greater Glendale Chamber of Commerce Brand Ambassadors welcome guests during the Chamber’s exclusive VIP celebration in the Try Club at Infinity Park. The members-only event offers premium views of Glendale’s spectacular July 2 fireworks show, along with networking opportunities and festive holiday fun. Photo by McBoat Photography
Community Celebration: Families and friends fill the field at Infinity Park during Glendale’s annual July 2 celebration, arriving early to enjoy food trucks, refreshments, and a special outdoor screening of F1 before the fireworks begin. The free event transforms the stadium into a giant community gathering space where residents, businesses, and visitors come together to relax, socialize, and celebrate the holiday. Photo by McBoat Photography
Glendale’s glittering July 2 fireworks spectacular is set to launch a lengthy Fourth of July celebration as Colorado marks its 150th year of statehood and the United States commemorates its 250th birthday.
The nation’s 250th anniversary, known as America’s Semiquincentennial, commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Throughout Colorado, communities are planning special events to honor both historic milestones.
Among the largest celebrations in the metro area is Glendale’s annual fireworks show, widely regarded as one of the region’s premier Independence Day displays. Families and friends gather at restaurants, bars, patios, parks and porches from downtown Denver to Cherry Creek Reservoir to watch the dazzling aerial display sponsored by the City of Glendale.
Season Celebration: Glendale’s annual July 2 community celebration at Infinity Park kicks off the Independence Day weekend with a screening of F1, family-friendly activities, food trucks, and one of Colorado’s most anticipated fireworks displays. Gates open at 6 p.m., the movie begins at 7 p.m., and fireworks light up the sky at 9:30 p.m.
The community celebration at Infinity Park will begin when gates open at 6 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, bring blankets or lawn chairs, and enjoy food from a variety of local food trucks before settling in for a screening of F1, which begins at 7 p.m. The fireworks show is scheduled to begin at approximately 9:30 p.m.
Starring Brad Pitt, F1 follows a former Formula One driver who returns to racing decades after leaving the sport to help rescue a struggling team. The film will serve as the evening’s family-friendly entertainment before the fireworks finale lights up the sky.
The Greater Glendale Chamber of Commerce will also host a private VIP party in the Try Club for Chamber members only. Those interested in attending are encouraged to join the Chamber today to secure an invitation to the exclusive celebration.
This year, residents can expect an even more dramatic show in the night sky. City officials have increased funding for the annual display, allowing organizers to pack more fireworks and special effects into the same amount of show time.
Rather than extending the length of the program, the enhanced investment will create a faster-paced and more visually intense experience featuring more shells, more bursts of color, and a significantly expanded grand finale.
“We wanted to create an even more memorable experience for residents and visitors,” said Glendale City Manager Chuck Line. “The density within the same showtime will be significantly more spectacular. There will be more fireworks and an even more impressive finale than ever before.” The result will be a show with fewer pauses between effects and a constant stream of color and excitement across the night sky. Organizers say spectators can expect one of the most action-packed fireworks displays in the event’s history.
Many residents who attended last year’s show said they felt as though they were part of the fireworks display itself. Unlike many large fireworks events where spectators watch from miles away, Glendale’s Infinity Park setting places viewers remarkably close to the action, creating an immersive experience that few other shows can match.
The event has earned a reputation as one of the most intimate fireworks celebrations in Colorado, with spectators enjoying some of the closest viewing opportunities anywhere in the state. As shells burst overhead, attendees experience the full impact of the colors, sounds, and effects in a way that makes them feel connected to the show rather than simply observing it from a distance.
That unique combination of proximity, community atmosphere, and spectacular pyrotechnics has helped make Glendale’s annual July 2 celebration a favorite tradition for families throughout the Denver metro area. Many attendees return year after year, describing the experience as unlike any other fireworks display in Colorado.
More Excitement: This year’s fireworks show in Glendale promises even more excitement, with additional fireworks packed into the same action-filled program and a larger grand finale. The free community celebration brings together residents, businesses, and visitors for an evening of food, entertainment, fellowship, and one of Colorado’s most memorable Independence Day traditions. Photo by McBoat Photography
The July 2 celebration has become a signature event for Glendale, attracting families from across the Denver metropolitan area. More than a fireworks show, it is a community gathering that brings residents, businesses, and guests together for a wonderful evening of food, entertainment, fellowship, and celebration.
Local businesses are also expected to benefit from increased attendance as visitors arrive early to secure viewing spots and patronize nearby restaurants, shops, and attractions.
Residents who have attended the event in past years say the fireworks show ranks among the best in Colorado. City leaders hope this year’s enhanced investment will further strengthen Glendale’s reputation as a premier destination for Independence Day festivities.
Weather permitting, organizers expect one of the most visually impressive fireworks displays in the event’s history when the celebration lights up the sky over Infinity Park on July 2.
by Charles Bonniwell | May 19, 2026 | Main Articles
by Charles C. Bonniwell
Investigation: CBS News Colorado investigative reporter Brian Maass examined CDOT’s proposed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project along Colorado Boulevard in a May 11 segment highlighting concerns over lane reductions, increased congestion, and the potential impact on surrounding neighborhoods and businesses.
CBS News Colorado’s veteran investigative reporter Brian Maass led off the 10 o’clock news program on May 11 with a deep dive into the CDOT/RTD plans for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) along a seven-mile stretch of Colorado Boulevard from I-70 to Hampden Boulevard.
He first interviewed Glendale City Manager Chuck Line, whose town’s main commercial tax base is along the relevant portion of Colorado Boulevard from Alameda Avenue to Mississippi Avenue and includes such leading sales tax generators as Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Home Depot.
The Glendale City Council voted unanimously (5-0) to oppose BRT along Colorado Boulevard, rejecting all three of the so-called preferred alternatives along the road. Since Colorado Boulevard is a federal highway, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) apparently has the final say in consultation with the Federal Transit Administration, which oversees the federal environmental review process and provides potential funding avenues.
Star: Glendale City Manager, Chuck Line, was featured as the lead interviewee in CBS Colorado reporter Brian Maass’s segment covering CDOT’s proposed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project along Colorado Boulevard.
The Denver City Council has not, to date, taken a formal position on the project, but Amanda Sawyer, councilwoman for Denver District 5, which covers much of the Denver portion of the roadway, has expressed strong scepticism about the project, saying CDOT had failed to provide any data showing the “need for” the extremely expensive ($250 million) undertaking.
BRT Process
CDOT has undertaken, at enormous expense (three-quarters of a billion dollars), to turn three heavily traveled federal thoroughfares in Denver, Colfax Avenue, Federal Boulevard, and Colorado Boulevard, into BRT routes. The only specific reasons given are apparently to increase RTD bus
ridership at the expense of people riding in automobiles and a claim that it will increase public safety.
The Regional Transportation District (RTD) was formed in 1969 to act as the primary public transportation agency (initially buses) for Denver, Boulder, and parts of Weld County. It now covers eight counties, has a service area of 2,342 miles, and serves 3.08 million people. Its network encompasses 126 bus routes, six light rail lines, and four commuter train lines. RTD is run by a board of 15 elected representatives from 15 separate districts. From the start 57 years ago, RTD has struggled with the fact that revenue from ridership covers only 5% of the cost of service. To stay afloat, the operation is subsidized by a 1% sales and use tax imposed on the service area. Even with that additional funding source, RTD is chronically short of cash.
Bus Ridership Down
RTD’s ridership has been decreasing ever since the COVID pandemic in 2019-2020 and, even today, remains 39% below pre-pandemic levels. The RTD Board is looking to cut its bus routes by 20% to reduce expenses due to the lack of ridership in affected areas.
The fact that CDOT wants to spend three-quarters of a billion dollars on BRTs on three roads for a relatively small increase in bus ridership seems incomprehensible to critics of CDOT and RTD.
CDOT has estimated, for example, that after full implementation, Colorado Boulevard BRT bus ridership will increase by only 3,000 to 4,000 daily riders while causing the 70,000 cars (which often have multiple occupants) to double travel time from approximately 30 minutes to one hour for the seven-mile stretch.
Environmental Concerns
Traffic: Daily gridlock on Colorado Boulevard illustrates the corridor’s already severe congestion challenges. Critics of CDOT’s proposed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, slated for construction around 2030, warn that eliminating two vehicle lanes could worsen traffic backups, increase idling times, and lead to higher vehicle emissions and air pollution along one of Denver’s busiest corridors.
Glendale’s deputy city manager has estimated that the exhaust fumes from the traffic congestion created by the BRT on Colorado Boulevard would be highly detrimental to the environment. He estimated that the BRT project would result in an extra 1,423,500 gallons of gasoline being used by car travelers on the congested road, producing 27,375,000 pounds of CO2 emissions and costing car travelers an aggregate of $3,285,000 to $8,760,000 annually.
Colfax Avenue BRT’s Many Problems
CDOT began construction on its first BRT project on a four-mile portion of East Colfax Avenue well over a year ago but still needs another year and a half for completion. The construction of the infrastructure for the BRT on Colfax Avenue has been a disaster for many businesses along the roadway, with no relief in sight.
If construction of the Colorado Boulevard BRT created similar problems to those on East Colfax, the sales tax losses would be catastrophic for the financial health of the City of Glendale.
Real Reason For The BRTs
With the enormous cost of a BRT and the many negative impacts once implementation occurs, it seems to many observers that the relatively small increase in RTD ridership is hardly worth it. Glendale’s Chuck Line, however, indicates that the key to understanding why CDOT is so aggressively pushing the BRTs is that the enormous auto congestion it would cause on the three roads is not a burden but the principal benefit for the political players involved.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Denver Mayor Michael Johnston and their administrations are profoundly anti-automobile. They want to get citizens out of cars and into far more egalitarian public transportation. To create a so-called “15-minute walkable city,” they want Denver to become, a large segment of the population must be convinced to abandon or be forced out of their automobiles.
The three BRT roadways are just part of a broad-ranging vision and plan to make Denver as automobile-free as humanly possible. The political powers, however, do not believe that, at this point, they can trust the public to concur with such an extreme plan, so the public reasons for the BRTs must be expressed in terms of road safety and increases in bus ridership.
Public Meeting
Packed House: The Colorado Department of Transportation hosted its second open house for the Colorado Boulevard Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project on Wednesday, May 13, to share project information, respond to questions and obtain feedback on potential options for improvements along the corridor. Photo by Miranda Tillinghast
Input: Community members review maps, share feedback, and engage with CDOT staff during the open house on the proposed Colorado Boulevard BRT project at the Clayton Early Learning Center on May 13. Photo by Miranda Tillinghast
On the evening of May 13, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., CDOT held its second and final open house to purportedly gather community feedback on the only three potential design options that CDOT is willing to consider: center bus lanes, side bus lanes, and mixed-use bus lanes. Center bus lanes have an estimated cost of $350 million, while the latter two are estimated at $250 million each.
Having completed the public input portion of the process, CDOT will now determine what it calls the “Locally Preferred Alternative” (LPA). There are no criteria or guidelines explaining how CDOT will determine the LPA. CDOT, after the public relations disaster caused by construction work on the center bus lanes on Colfax Avenue, has indicated that it has no interest in the center bus lane option, asserting moreover that it does not have the extra $100 million required for that alternative.
Thus, CDOT is only considering whether the LPA should be the side bus lanes or the mixed-use bus lanes. Ostensibly, the side bus lanes would involve two dedicated bus lanes, thereby decreasing the number of lanes for cars from six to four and increasing automobile congestion. The mixed-use alternative would continue the present arrangement of buses sharing lanes with automobiles.
But Glendale officials point out that both alternatives would cost the exact same amount, which would go toward condemning land for rights-of-way along the roadway and building elevated bus stations along the route where none currently exist. CDOT has provided no explanation for why Colorado Boulevard suddenly needs multi-million-dollar bus stations where none previously existed. The only difference between the side bus lane alternative and mixed-use bus lanes would be the striping of the lanes. Mixed-use lanes could readily be converted to side bus lanes, which Glendale officials suspect CDOT will ultimately build regardless of what the community wants or needs.
As opposition to the BRT project along Colorado Boulevard has steadily grown, the nature of the May 13 open house appeared to have been altered. On May 13, there were no presentations given by officials or questions answered that could be heard by all attendees. The packed Clayton Learning Center simply had storyboards along one side of the room with the same information that appears on the CDOT website. There were tables in the center of the room where the public could fill out the so-called unscientific “survey,” but the same survey can also be completed online through the end of the month. Attendees could scribble thoughts on Post-it notes regarding the alternatives and stick them on the storyboards. While it appeared dubious that the large clutter of haphazard Post-it notes could be tabulated by CDOT in any meaningful way, attendees appeared happy to fill them out and place them on the storyboards. Critics of CDOT at the meeting postulated that the only purpose of the meeting was to fulfill a requirement set forth in the applicable federal environmental regulations for such a project.
“This project still has far too many unanswered questions for residents to support it responsibly,” said Audry Oxley, a Hilltop resident. “There has been no comprehensive analysis of air and water quality impacts, storm drainage costs, traffic diversion into nearby neighborhoods, or the effects on private property owners along Colorado Boulevard. At the same time, permanent station locations remain undecided, transit stops would be reduced, and there is no dedicated federal funding identified for the project. Residents and taxpayers deserve greater transparency and clearer answers before a project of this scale moves forward.”
“We’re being asked to support a massively expensive project without clear answers on cost, congestion, environmental impacts, property acquisition, or whether the community even wants it,” said Dana Busch, a Cherry Creek North resident. “Taxpayers deserve transparency and accountability before Colorado Boulevard loses lanes to a project tied to an RTD system many residents no longer trust.”
Choosing And Presenting The LPA
No Build: Glendale City Council voted to support a fourth alternative, the “No Build” option, opposing proposed lane reductions associated with CDOT’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) plans along Colorado Boulevard and favoring preservation of the corridor’s existing traffic lanes.
The next step will be for CDOT to choose the LPA in its sole discretion. CDOT has what it calls “partners” on the project, consisting of the City and County of Denver, the City of Glendale, Arapahoe County, and the Denver Regional Council of Governments. They will apparently have no say on what the LPA should be.
Instead, once CDOT determines its LPA, it will present it to a group of organizations it calls the “stakeholders,” but not to the public at large. The members of the “stakeholders” appear to be a myriad of highly progressive and/or pro-bicycle and anti-automobile organizations led by Denver Streets Partnership, an entity associated with Bicycle Colorado. Other organizations include the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, CoPRIG, Denver Regional Mobility & Access Council, Greater Denver Transit, Pedestrian Dignity, Servicios de la Raza, the Sierra Club, and YIMBY Denver.
Those “stakeholders” are among the most committed supporters of BRT on Colorado Boulevard. The “stakeholders” group does not appear to include any pro-business groups or retail establishments along Colorado Boulevard. It would appear that the “stakeholders” would likely enthusiastically support any LPA chosen by CDOT other than the no-build scenario.
After approval of the LPA by the stakeholders, CDOT would move into the preliminary design phase, followed by construction beginning in 2030.
Tension Between Residents
And Bicycle Advocates
There appears to be a growing rift between residents and the ever more radical bicycle lobby. At the April 29 Hilltop Neighborhood Homeowners Association meeting on the Colorado Boulevard BRT project, an apparent representative for the Denver Streets Partnership or an associated group, who wore his bicycle helmet throughout the entire meeting, opened his remarks with a declaration that he could not afford a car and did not give a “sh*t” what people with cars thought.
A group of members in the crowd of Hilltop residents reacted to his remarks by indicating that they, in turn, did not care what some “ANTIFA-adjacent bicycle nut” had to say. At the end of the meeting, an informal straw poll was taken in which all but eight people in a crowd of more than 100 individuals supported the no-build scenario.
The Road Ahead
As CDOT moves toward selecting its so-called “Locally Preferred Alternative,” opposition to the Colorado Boulevard BRT project appears to be intensifying among residents, business owners, and local officials who fear the project’s financial, environmental, and traffic impacts could permanently alter one of Denver’s most heavily traveled corridors. Whether CDOT ultimately listens to those concerns or proceeds with a plan many critics view as predetermined, may shape not only the future of Colorado Boulevard, but also the broader debate over transportation policy, public accountability, and automobile use throughout the Denver metro area.
For information about this project, visit www.codot.gov/projects/studies/denvermetrobrt/coloradoblvd. For information provided by sceptical citizens, visit www.keepdenvermoving.com.
by Mark Smiley | May 19, 2026 | Main Articles
by Mark Smiley
Father’s Day is more than another date on the calendar. It’s a chance to slow down, reconnect, and celebrate the fathers, grandfathers, mentors, and father figures who shape our lives. In Denver, there’s no shortage of ways to make the weekend memorable. Father’s Day 2026 falls on Sunday, June 21.
From Rockies baseball and classic car shows, to mountain adventures, brewery patios, and family festivals, the Mile High City offers something for every kind of dad.
Whether your father is happiest outdoors, behind the grill, at a concert, or simply spending quality time with family, here are some of the best ways to celebrate Father’s Day around Denver this year.
Catch A Rockies Game At Coors Field
For sports-loving dads, few traditions beat an afternoon at Coors Field. The Colorado Rockies are scheduled to play the Pirates during Father’s Day weekend, making baseball one of the city’s top family outings. Fans can enjoy skyline views, stadium snacks, and a classic Denver summer atmosphere.
Many families make a full day of it by exploring LoDo before the game or stopping at one of the nearby restaurants and breweries afterward.
Explore Denver’s Car Shows
And Cruise Nights
Classic cars remain a Father’s Day favorite, and Colorado hosts dozens of automotive events throughout June. Local calendars feature everything from “Cars & Coffee” meetups to larger community car shows across the metro area.
Northglenn’s Father’s Day Car Show & Market and Denver-area cruise nights are expected to draw enthusiasts from across the Front Range. Families can stroll through rows of restored classics, muscle cars, hot rods, and vintage trucks while enjoying food vendors and live music.
Also, Sabers Hot Rod Car Show in Wheat Ridge runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All proceeds go to support The Children’s Miracle Network. Food trucks, awards, Hot Rods, Muscle Cars all years all makes and models are welcome.
Head Outdoors
June is one of Colorado’s best months for outdoor recreation, and many families use Father’s Day weekend to enjoy the state’s natural beauty.
Popular ideas include hiking the trails around Red Rocks, biking through Washington Park, fishing in nearby mountain towns, taking scenic drives into the foothills, or spending the afternoon at Denver Botanic Gardens.
Denver tourism guides also recommend outdoor festivals, park picnics, and local food truck gatherings as easy, family-friendly options.
Enjoy Denver’s Food And Brewery Scene
For foodie dads, Denver’s dining scene shines during Father’s Day weekend. Restaurants across the city often feature special brunch menus, steakhouse promotions, barbecue events, and brewery tastings.
Dining guides highlight experiences ranging from upscale filet flights to local craft beer pairings and patio dining throughout the metro area.
Denver’s brewery culture also offers plenty of low-key options for families wanting a relaxed afternoon together.
Concerts, Festivals, And
Live Entertainment
Father’s Day weekend also brings a packed entertainment calendar. Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Mission Ballroom, Ball Arena, and other venues host major concerts and comedy performances throughout June.
Families can also enjoy summer festivals, local rodeos, and cultural celebrations happening across Colorado during the holiday weekend.
The Best Gift May Simply Be
Time Together
While gifts are always appreciated, many dads say the best Father’s Day moments are often the simplest: a family meal, a walk through the park, a baseball game, or a quiet afternoon spent together.
Denver’s mix of urban energy and outdoor adventure makes it easy to create those moments, whether your celebration is big or small.
This Father’s Day, the Mile High City offers countless opportunities to honor the dads who make a difference every day.
Coors Field: Families can celebrate Father’s Day at Coors Field as the Colorado Rockies take on the Pittsburgh Pirates during a weekend filled with baseball and sunshine.
by Laura Lieff | May 19, 2026 | Main Articles
by Laura Lieff
Infinity Park is the place to be this summer as a variety of rugby matches and camps will be going on in the heart of Glendale. In addition to the high school state finals, which happened in May, the Denver Onyx home games, high school rugby camps, and the RugbyTown 7s tournament are all on the docket throughout the next few months.
“Whether you’re a longtime rugby fan or new to the sport, this summer is packed with all types of action for everyone to enjoy,” says Director of Infinity Park Operations Kieran Nelson. “Our stadium is a great place to spend the afternoon with friends, family, or coworkers. Also, high school kids can sign up for opportunities to experience rugby at our state-of-the-art facility throughout June and July.”
Last month, the 2026 Rugby Colorado High School State Finals yielded exciting results as the third place matches took place on the Infinity Park Turf Pitch and the State Championship matches were played inside the Infinity Park Stadium.
Third Place Matches
- Valor 2 defeated Glendale/Brighton/Denver North 53-10 in the Tier 3 Boys match.
- Hammers edged out Palmer Terrors 29-27 in the Tier 2 Boys match.
- Glendale/Regis/Valor won against Denver East 22-17 in the Tier 1 Girls match.
- East 1 shut out Monarch 1 53-0 in the Tier 1 Boys match.
State Championships
- East 2 defeated Monarch 2 28-14 in the Tier 3 Boys championship.
- PAC won against Arvada 18-10 in the Tier 2 Boys championship.
- Monarch/Lumberjackies defeated Summit 28-10 in the Tier 1 Girls championship.
- Valor 1 won against Regis Jesuit 29-15 in the Tier 1 Boys championship.
Denver Onyx
For the second consecutive year, the Denver Onyx will call Infinity Park home as the team trains regularly on the turf pitch and will play their five regular-season home matches inside the stadium. The Onyx compete in Women’s Elite Rugby, the first-ever professional women’s rugby league in the United States. Last season, the Onyx finished the regular season with a 9-1 record on their way to winning the inaugural Legacy Cup where they defeated the New York Exiles 53-13 in the 2025 Grand Final.
“We’re excited for year t
Home Turf: The Denver Onyx, who compete in the Women’s Elite Rugby league, will play the Chicago Tempest at Infinity Park on June 7. Colton Strickler photo
wo,” says Denver Onyx Head Coach Sarah Chobot. “Infinity Park is the best venue and facility in this entire women’s professional league and the class of the staff is bar none the best.” She continues, “Everyone from the City of Glendale has shown the desire to have rugby in this community — the energy and vibes are thrilling. It was a packed crowd on Mother’s Day and we couldn’t be more excited.”
At press time, the Onyx were two matches into their 2026 campaign with a 1-1 record after dropping their season opener on the road to the Bay Breakers 36-19. However, they bounced back with a 54-29 win over the Twin Cities Gemini on Mother’s Day in front of a lively crowd at Infinity Park. Coach Chobot was delighted with the team’s comeback victory over the Gemini. “I was very proud of how the team responded after a disappointing loss in the Bay Area in Round 1,” adds Chobot. “The desire the team played with in Sunday’s win, even when the game was well in hand, was pretty exciting.”
The Onyx are scheduled to play four more matches at Infinity Park in 2026 – see schedule below. If they finish the season in first or second place, they will host a home playoff match at Infinity Park in August.
- Sunday, June 7 vs. Chicago Tempest
– Gates open at 6 p.m. | Kickoff at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, June 13 vs. Boston Banshees
– Gates open at 4 p.m. | Kickoff at 5 p.m.
- Sunday, June 21 vs. New York Exiles
– Gates open at 2 p.m. | Kickoff at 3 p.m.
- Sunday, July 12 vs. Bay Breakers
– Gates open at 4 p.m. | Kickoff at 5 p.m.
High School Rugby Camps
Elite Experience: Glendale Youth Rugby will host a four-day skills camp for high school girls June 21-24. Colton Strickler photo
Skills Camp: Hosted by Glendale Youth Rugby, the boys high school camp is slated for July 14-17 at Infinity Park. Colton Strickler photo
Offering one of the best high school camp experiences for both boys and girls in the southwestern United States, Glendale Youth Rugby is hosting two, four-day camps during which the attendees will be treated like professional athletes. With access to a full-time athletic trainer, Infinity Park’s state-of-the-art weight room, and recovery room, campers will receive instruction from coaches and players with international rugby experience.
“Our summer rugby performance camps are excellent for any high school rugby athlete,” says Glendale Youth Rugby Director Andie Hammon. “We’ve put on a quality program for high school girls for over a decade and have recently built out a high-performance boys camp over the last two years.” She continues, “We always have a top-tier staff from around the country to provide these athletes with some of the best coaching they’ll ever receive in their high school rugby careers. We hear from the athletes who attended in the past that it’s a week of fun and learning that they don’t find anywhere else in the region.”
In addition to the low player-to-coach ratio — which will ensure the best coaching possible — attendees will get the full professional experience as it is a four-day sleep-away camp. By spending three nights in a hotel near the facility, athletes have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in rugby. The high school girls camp is planned for June 21-24 and the high school boys camp is scheduled for July 14-17.
RugbyTown 7s
Tough Competition: In the 2025 Cup Final, Heat Ruby won their first RugbyTown 7s Cup and the $10,000 prize when they defeated NAV 7s. Susi Baxter-Seitz Photo
Returning to Infinity Park for its 14th year, the RugbyTown 7s tournament will host 21 teams from all over the world who will compete to win the title of RugbyTown 7s Cup Champion and the $10,000 grand prize. Taking place August 21-23, the tournament attracts top teams for a weekend of fast-paced, high-scoring matches. Additionally, this tournament is where the branches of the United States Armed Forces vie for their rugby championship.
In 2025, All-Army defeated the Department of the Air Force in the U.S. Armed Forces Final to secure their 10th United States Armed Forces Championship. All- Navy Rugby won their first title in 2021 and the All-Marine Rugby 7s won the inaugural United States Armed Forces Championship in 2012. Both the Department of the Air Force and Coast Guard Rugby are still searching for their first Armed Forces Championship.
Also in 2025, the Heat Rugby secured their first RugbyTown 7s Cup when they defeated NAV 7s 33-7 in the Cup Final. This summer, they will attempt to make history by being the second team ever to win back-to-back RugbyTown 7s Cup titles. Denver 7s Selects is the only team to accomplish this feat with wins in both 2015 and 2016 before securing their third title in 2024 making them the only team that has won the tournament three times. Additionally, the only two teams that have won the RugbyTown 7s Cup twice are the Ramblin’ Jesters (2019 and 2022) and the USA Falcons (2012 and 2014).
Fans attending the tournament can expect to see 57 matches played over the course of three days in August. The Early Bird Special for 20 percent off weekend passes and single day tickets will be available July 13-3 and regular tickets will go on sale August 1. More information on the Denver Onyx can be found at DenverOnyx.us. For additional information about RugbyTown 7s, visit RugbyTownUSA.com. Those interested in learning about the Glendale Youth Rugby high school camps can visit GlendaleYouth Rugby.com/high-school-camps.
by Charles Bonniwell | Apr 17, 2026 | Main Articles
by Charles C. Bonniwell
Ball Arena: The ownership of the Colorado Avalanche is taking 55 acres of surface parking and redeveloping it into a new urban neighborhood that would adjoin the River Mile project to its east.
The famous 18th-century French philosopher Voltaire is credited with saying: “Where states have an army, the Prussian Army has a state.” While many American cities have professional sports teams, Denver’s sports teams are the only ones to control the development of an entire city.
Virtually the only major development plans on the boards in the City and County of Denver relate to its various dominant professional sports teams — the Denver Broncos (football), the Denver Nuggets (basketball), and the Colorado Avalanche (hockey).
The Development Plans
Denver’s future growth comes from plans submitted by its sports teams:
- Burnham Yards. The Denver Broncos want a new $2 billion retractable-roof stadium that could host events year-round, including Super Bowls. The Broncos’ ownership acquired a 100-plus-acre former railroad site whose development will include massive high-rises that house five to seven million square feet of retail, office, and housing space. Construction is to start this year with a projected opening in 2031.
- The River Mile. The ownership of the Denver Nuggets purchased 62 acres of land along the South Platte River, which presently houses Elitch Gardens Amusement Park. The site will feature thin, very tall skyscrapers that will include: 47% office space (6.65M sq. ft.), 41% residential (5.85M sq. ft.), 5.5% hotel (790K sq. ft.), and 3.5% retail (520K sq. ft.).
- Ball Arena. The ownership of the Colorado Avalanche is taking 55 acres of surface parking and redeveloping it into a new urban neighborhood that would adjoin the River Mile project to its east. The plans call for 10 to 12 million gross square feet of mixed-use development that would include 6,000 housing units and a new concert venue. The first phase of the project is scheduled to be completed by 2033.
One Conglomerate Of Ownership
River Mile: The ownership of the Denver Nuggets purchased 62 acres of land along the South Platte River, which presently houses Elitch Gardens Amusement Park. The site will feature tall skyscrapers. Photo Courtesy of Revesco Properties
When discussing the ownership of professional sports teams in Denver, they are slowly morphing into a single massive conglomerate.
In 2022, the Denver Broncos football team was acquired for $4.65 billion by a syndicate headed by Rob Walton, his daughter Carrie Walton Penner, and her husband Craig Penner. Rob Walton is the son of Sam Walton, a co-founder of Walmart, the world’s largest retailer with corporate headquarters in Arkansas. Rob Walton was the chairman of Walmart, and Craig Penner is the present chairman.
Billionaire Stan Kroenke acquired both the Denver Nuggets and the Colorado Avalanche in 2000. In 1974, he married Ann Walton, the daughter of the other co-founder of Walmart, Bud Walton. The couple, through Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, owns a myriad of professional sports teams throughout the United States and internationally.
Until very recently, the piece of the Denver professional mosaic outside the control of the Walton/Kroenke extended family was the Colorado Rockies, owned by a syndicate headed by former beef processors and brothers Dick and Charlie Monfort. While the Monforts are relatively well off financially, they are not in the billionaire class of the Waltons and the Kroenkes. Apparently without offspring to marry into the Walton or Kroenke families, the Monfort brothers sold a 40% interest in the Rockies to the Broncos’ Walton group. While the Waltons do not presently have a majority share of the Rockies, they are expected to eventually obtain a controlling interest.
A major asset of the Rockies is the acres of surface parking in downtown Denver, which are now also ripe for redevelopment by the sports teams.
Crazy As A Fox?
It is fortunate that Denver’s sports teams seem willing to spend billions on real estate development in Denver, as most experts are not at all sanguine about future development prospects in the city. They wonder how Denver could possibly absorb tens of millions of square feet of new office space and housing in the form of apartments and condominiums.
Downtown Denver office buildings have economically disastrous vacancy rates. Various office buildings are selling for a fraction of what they cost to build. To construct millions of square feet of new office space for which there is no present market appears to be foolhardy.
Similarly, rental rates on apartment space in Denver are dropping precipitously, and there are many new apartment buildings in the development pipeline throughout the city. In addition, condominium sales in downtown and across the city are stagnant at best.
Burnham Yards: The Denver Broncos are proposing a new $2 billion retractable-roof stadium, on the site of the old Burnham Yards, that could host events year-round, including Super Bowls.
Denver’s population is no longer growing, and the business climate in the city and throughout the state is getting steadily worse as the state becomes ever more left-leaning and progressive.
People are fleeing the financial mismanagement of politically blue states such as California, Illinois, and New York, moving to states like Texas, Tennessee, and Florida — and no longer to politically deep-blue states like Colorado.
The Colorado Chamber of Commerce recently wrote to Colorado Governor Jared Polis that a hundred companies have left Colorado due to excessive regulation and other anti-business government practices.
For the Burnham Yards, River Mile, and Ball Arena projects to succeed, they depend on a growing, economically successful Denver and Colorado — unless they are planning to cannibalize from the rest of the city.
But the Walton and Kroenke families did not become billionaires by making poor business decisions. Denver residents can only hope that what they are envisioning happening in Denver in the next decade comes to fruition.
