Polis announces in-person attendance at Broncos games, new COVID-19 contact tracing app

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Governor Jared Polis and Denver Broncos Vice President of Strategic Initiatives Brittany Bowlen announced at a press conference September 8 that a limited number of fans will be allowed to attend the Broncos game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 27.

"'Normal' in the fall means a very important thing: it means football. It means the Denver Broncos. And Colorado is Orange nation, and I know that everyone including myself and my family is of course very eager to get back to football Sundays," Polis said after taking off his Broncos face mask. "We all know it's juts not the same if they're playing to an empty stadium."

Polis and Bowlen said 5,700 fans--mostly season ticket holders--will be allowed to attend the game against the Bucs. That is less than 7.5 percent of the stadium's capacity. Bowlen said the seating will be done in small pods and sections will be broken into groups. The Broncos want to gradually increase the number of fans allowed at games.

On August 21, the Broncos announced that fans would not be allowed to attend the September 14 season opener against the Tennessee Titans. Many teams across the NFL are not permitting fans inside the stadiums for at least the first couple games. Some teams, like the Cleveland Browns and the Jacksonville Jaguars, are allowing a limited number of spectators at their games. ESPN compiled a full list last week of every team’s plans for the first couple games of the season. You can read that here.

Polis also discussed high school football at his press conference. The governor said he would be happy to work with the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) on developing a fall football schedule for schools looking to participate.

"I think there is some opportunity to have a fall season for those who are ready," Polis said. "As long as it doesn't interfere with getting back to school, we would be thrilled to work with CHSAA if their board chooses to move in this direction."

Finally, Polis and Sarah Tuneberg from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment announced a new app from Google and Apple that will alert Coloradans when they've been exposed to COVID-19.

For Apple device users, an iOS update will allow the "EN Express" (standing for Exposure Notification) service to be available on the phone. Android users can download an app from their app store. The app/service will be available by thr end of September, according to Tuneberg.

Polis said this step was possible because of the Broncos' "commitment and dedication" to put together a plan for fans. Polis also said the Broncos' plan can work as a template for others in the large event industry.

"Today's announcement ... would not be possible without the safety and hard work that our entire community has put into place," Bowlen said. "Our organization thanks the community for playing by the rules and making health and safety a top priority in their lives. Fans are a big part of our team. They bring our entire building to life."

Bowlen said the stadium will "look and feel" very different this season. Fans must wear a mask and respect social distancing guidelines in order to attend the game in person. They will also have their temperature taken before entering the stadium. Tailgating outside is not allowed.

For more information on the announcement and public safety measures at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium, read this press release from the Broncos.