After hosting limited-capacity fans for a handful of games last season, the Denver Broncos fully opened Empower Field at Mile High for their home opener against the New York Jets in Week 3 of the 2021 season.
Last week, 71,985 fans attended the game, with 3,897 no shows (fans that purchased tickets but didn’t show up). Those fans have some explaining to do.
Of course, not everyone can make the games because of scheduling conflicts, health reasons or other scenarios, but tickets can easily be sold or transferred. When the Broncos announced the attendance during last week’s game, the 71,985 fans who did show up booed the no shows.
“Broncos fans are probably the best fans in the NFL,” coach Vic Fangio said after a 26-0 win over the Jets. “I did happen to see — because there was a lull in the action — when they posted that there was 3,900 no shows and the people booed. Maybe we’ll get those 3,900 in here next Sunday, but the fans here are great. This stadium’s great.
“I didn’t come here much as a visitor because, the bulk of my ears were in the NFC, but I always thought this was one of the top stadiums in the league. It’s high, it’s right on the action, and I think it’s a great football stadium with a great atmosphere and our fans make it that way.”
After defeating New York, Denver is now 3-0 and set to host the Baltimore Ravens in an intriguing AFC showdown in Week 4. Those 3,897 fans who skipped last week should return for Sunday’s game, or sell or transfer their tickets to Broncos fans who can attend the game.
