When * the Colorado Avalanche hoist the Stanley Cup on Friday night, many Coloradans will also hoist their own celebratory cups.
Denver police are just asking people who raise their adult drinks to stay away from the shuttlecocks and all party goers to keep their euphoria more celebratory and less rambunctious.
“Although this is an exciting time for Mile High City, as seen in previous Championship wins, the positive experience of victory can quickly turn negative when celebrations turn into destruction,” a statement from departmental press. “Fans are urged to celebrate in a controlled manner and not to tarnish the team’s achievements with illegal acts.”
To get the message across, Governor Jared Polis, analyst and former Avalanche player Mark Rycroft and others released video statements encouraging people to celebrate responsibly. (Videos also included mascot Bernie the St. Bernard waving a sign saying ‘stay out of the penalty area’; previous mascot Howler the Yeti was placed in a permanent penalty area after allegedly fighting with a rival fan in 1999, according to 9News.)
After the Broncos won Super Bowl 50 in 2016 — Denver’s most recent professional sports team championship — law enforcement shut down several downtown streets and closed several freeway on-ramps. Fans then danced and sang for hours.
Some officers also ended up donning riot gear and using pepper spray and pepper balls to disperse crowds. More than a dozen people were arrested. The alleged offenses included trespassing, throwing objects at police officers, arson and criminal mischief, according to dispatches at the time. Damage includes a police vehicle window shattered and 16th Street Mall trash cans and patio furniture turned over.
Officers would eventually don riot gear and use pepper spray and pepper balls to disperse crowds. A police spokesman said in the aftermath that “overall things went pretty well”, but “there were a handful of people who were somewhat unruly”.
Police expect large crowds and heavy traffic downtown Friday for the game. There may be limited access and road closures. Expect delays if driving to or from the area, and be aware of foot and bicycle traffic.
Although it’s hard to find rooms with a TV not tuned to the game, the official watch party takes place on the Tivoli Quad at the Auraria Campus, 900 Auraria Parkway. Doors open at 4 p.m. The puck drops at 6 p.m. While a win over the Tampa Bay Lightning secures the championship, a loss doesn’t doom the Avs. Colorado holds a 3-1 lead in the best of seven series.
A win on Friday would also be Denver’s second hockey championship this year. The University of Denver Pioneers defeated the Minnesota State Mavericks in April to claim the NCAA Frozen Four Championship and their ninth overall national title.
* We can’t predict the future, but we also couldn’t bear to say “if”. If this ends up being inaccurate, the Denver Post truly regrets the error.
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