2010 Denver Broncos: Hello, Tim Tebow

Denver has always supported its hometown National Football League Broncos, but fans were tested in 2008 and 2009 when house-afire starts were followed by monumental end-of-season collapses. In 2010, some watched the quarterback-heavy NFL draft...dare they hope for another John Elway? Many celebrated a virtual Christmas in July when Tim Tebow finally signed on the dotted line. 

With Tebow's arrival and the anticipated quarterback controversy, fans camped out on the first day of practice beginning at 4:30 a.m. to ensure a spot to catch the action. Add new defensive coordinator Don "Wink" Martindale's blitz-and-attack philosophy, the sophomore outing of head coach Josh McDaniels and the usual "Days of Our Broncos" drama, and the entire 2010 season showed promise to be one for the books.

Training camp notes
The public may attend most practices, all at no charge. Two-a-day schedules at the Dove Valley "bubble" (13655 Broncos Parkway, south of Arapahoe Road at Potomac Street) can fluctuate based on varying conditions. Generally, morning practices run from 8:45-10:30 a.m. and the late two-hour sessions begin at either 2:30 or 4:30 p.m. If you're planning to attend, tune in to radio and TV sports outlets each day for changes. The late session Aug. 7, held from 6-8 p.m. at Invesco Field at Mile High (1701 Bryant St.), is free and open to the public.

Cellphones are banned at training camp completely (the no-text, no-Twitter, no-blog ban continues), along with video recorders, lawn chairs and umbrellas. Cameras are allowed, along with soft-sided bags smaller than 12-by-12 inches, and small quantities of food and nonalcoholic beverages. Park on the west side of the practice field and arrive early. No bleacher seating...fans stand or sit in designated grassy areas. Players sign autographs in groups according to position on the west end of the practice field after each session.

Training camp open practices...at Dove Valley unless noted (times subject to change)
Aug. 2--2:30 p.m...Aug. 3--8:45 a.m...Aug. 4--5:30 p.m...Aug. 5--8:45 a.m., 2:30 p.m...Aug. 6--8:45 a.m., 5:30 p.m...Aug. 7--6-8 p.m. (Invesco Field at Mile High)...Aug. 8--2:30 p.m...Aug. 10--2:30 p.m...Aug. 11--8:45 a.m., 5:30 p.m...Aug. 12--2:30 p.m...Aug. 13--8:45 a.m...Aug. 17--2:30 p.m...Aug. 18--8:45 a.m., 5:30 p.m...Aug. 19--5:30 p.m.

Pre-season schedule (all times local)
Aug. 15 at Cincinnati, 5 p.m...Aug. 21 vs. Detroit, 7 p.m...Aug. 29 vs. Pittsburgh, 6 p.m...Sept. 2 at Minnesota, 6 p.m.

Regular season schedule (all times local)
9/12 at Jacksonville, 11am...9/19 vs. Seattle, 2:05pm...9/26 vs. Indy, 2:15pm...10/3 at Tennessee, 11am...10/10 at Baltimore, 11am...10/17 vs. NY Jets, 2:05pm...Oct. 24 vs. Oakland, 2:15pm...Oct. 31 at San Francisco (in London), 11am...11/14 vs. Kansas City, 2:05pm...11/22 at San Diego, 6:30pm...11/28 vs. St. Louis, 2:15pm...12/5 at KC, 11am...12/12 at Arizona, 2:15pm...12/19 at Oakland, 2:15pm...12/26 vs. Houston, 2:05pm...1/2 vs. San Diego, 2:15pm.

HelloDenver tip: Exhausted your ticket outlets? Hit up a downtown hotel concierge. NFL teams often stay at Westins and Hyatts, and coaches may sell off their freebie tickets. Fans too.
 

NFL football Denver Broncos Invesco Field at Mile High training camp pre-season games Denver Broncos schedule