‘Colorado’s triumph, that Sunday night:’ Broncos’ Super Bowl victory is perfect poetry for Colorado Springs fans

By Ryan Maye Handy February 7, 2016 | updated 11 years ago

The silent Sunday night streets were just a ruse,

for every bar in town was packed with devotees in oranges and blues.

For them, Super Bowl 50 was more than just a game:

On the west side, lifelong Broncos fans laid claim

to prizes – beach trips, coolers and a special chair.

Downtown, not a table at Tony’s was bare,

while eight screens held dozens of eyes

and shot glasses were raised in the fists of a few screaming guys.

From the game’s first snap, at Thunder and Buttons bar

the fans rumbled. Not even memories of past games could mar

their thrill at seeing Peyton Manning catch the ball. Even when Aqib Talib fouled twice, fans still cheered his gall.

And for the ads – one woman shuddered to see the half-baby dog lick,

Another guffawed when a bag of Doritos made the fetus kick.

With 3 minutes to go, fireworks popped over the west side,

some premature celebrations, evidence hope hadn’t died.

Back at Tony’s, a flock of sheep serenaded a truck,

channeling Queen. As the game came back on, the team’s luck

seemed just fine and appeared to be holding.

The countdown was on – 54 seconds and counting.

The bar was oddly still, but for a few cheers,

claps, high-fives and the raising of half-drunk beers.

Eleven seconds to go, and it was done.

Tony’s crowd was fist-pounding – their team had won.

Back out on the streets, shouts pierced the quiet and the cold,

for the Broncos had bowled

their way to victory. Downtown, each bar erupted inside.

Was it luck? Or defense? Let the columnists decide.

But the joyful fans, in their oranges and blues, still cried.

And whatever the newspapers will write,

it was Colorado’s triumph, that Sunday night.

Super Bowl watches were held at bars, restaurants and homes all over Colorado Springs. Denise Sasser, Darin Swarm, Chrystina Roberts, and Lenny Morales (left to right) cheer wildly as the Bronco win became eminent at Tony’s Downtown Bar on Sunday, February 7, 2016. Photo by Jerilee Bennett/The Gazette

JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE

Super Bowl watches were held at bars, restaurants and homes all over the Pikes Peak Region. Mary Johnston, Kylen Riggen and Ted Schneider (left to right) cheer after a big play by the Broncos at Thunder and Buttons II Codie Seime (far right) watches the game from the best seat in the house, a recliner to be given away at the end of the night. Sunday, February 7, 2016. Photo by Jerilee Bennett/The Gazette

JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE

Hundreds turned out for the United in Orange pep rally for the Broncos at the Citadel Mall. The Broncos will play the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 in Santa Clara, California on Sunday afternoon. Photo by Jerilee Bennett/The Gazette

JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE

Brothers Evan and Ivan Garcia lift up their brother, Troy Garcia during the rally. Hundreds turned out for the United in Orange pep rally for the Broncos at the Citadel Mall. Photo by Jerilee Bennett/The Gazette

JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE