DENVER (KDVR) – The Denver Broncos are showing success on the field, winning their last two home games, as the Denver Nuggets return to Ball Arena. The teams are working to renew team spirit and bring larger crowds back to the downtown area.
“Wynkoop has a great atmosphere,” one Broncos fan said.
Business owners told FOX31 that seeing more fans downtown comes at a time when the industry is facing challenges due to rising insurance costs and supply issues.
“All the fans come here afterward, and it’s so much more fun and exciting,” said Brittany Burrell of the event. Novel issue.
The Colorado Restaurant Association cites a Toast study that indicates Denver restaurants saw a 9% decline in transactions between the fourth quarter of 2023 and the fourth quarter of 2024, and many are still trying to recover.
“When we have weekends, we have games here, and it makes a difference,” said one Wynkoop Street business owner.
The Wynkoop Street closure is the result of a partnership between the Denver Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resilience, the Department of Transportation and the Downtown Denver Partnership.
“I think it’s nice that there are no cars on the road; everyone here drives like crazy,” said an electric unicycle rider known as “Astronaut Sam.”
Many fans said safety is the main concern in the downtown area, so having the option for a pedestrian zone is something they support.
“I think sports brings a lot of people downtown, brings a lot of good energy, a lot of people get out and spend some money, and keeps the economy going,” Astronaut Sam said.
Ride-sharing services operated by Uber, Lyft, and taxis will not be affected, as 16th through 17th Streets will remain open. The building will reopen to cars on November 1 at 8 a.m