Top Fall Sporting Events In Denver

Denver, and Colorado in general, loves its sports. Most people follow at least one of the professional teams or passionately follow some other sort of event. The fall boasts the beginning of football season, a local favorite, as well as soccer and baseball. September kicks off the season with several fun, can't-miss games to ease the sometimes painful transition into winter.

Portland Timbers vs. Colorado Rapids – September 13
Dick's Sporting Goods Park
6000 Victory Way
Commerce City, CO 80022
(303) 727-3500
www.dickssportinggoodspark.com

After this year's World Cup, people are reinvigorated when it comes to soccer. Colorado's professional team, the Rapids, are going head to head with the Portland Timbers on September 13 at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, and the two teams are neck in neck in the standings. This game should be an even match-up, making for an entertaining game for fans.

Arizona State vs. University of Colorado-Boulder – September 13
Coors Event Center
950 Regent Drive
Boulder, CO 80305
(303) 492-5316
www.cubuffs.com

University of Colorado – Boulder has a beloved football legacy in the CU Buffs. Their first home game of the season will take place on September 13 versus the Arizona State Sun Devils. When the Buffs play at home, it's known to get rowdy as passionate fans cheer on their team, and this game should be no different. Just be sure to dress accordingly in black and gold or silver and gold, the school's official colors.

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Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Colorado Rockies – September 17
Coors Field
2001 Blake St.
Denver, CO 80205
(303) 292-0200
www.colorado.rockies.mlb.com

Catching a Rockies game is a must in the fall, as the weather is getting cooler, the days shorter and the games are getting fewer. The Dodgers are having a pretty decent season so this has the potential to be a good game, if the Rockies step it up. The new rooftop bar and viewing area makes for a great way to enjoy a day of baseball, whether celebrating or mourning.

Rock 'n' Roll Denver Marathon – October 19
Civic Center Park
101 W. 14th Ave.
Denver, CO 80204
www.runrocknroll.competitor.com/denver

Races have become a whole new way to enjoy exercise and competition. The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon, which takes place in Downtown Denver on October 19, melds music and running. If running 26 miles is just too much for you to fathom, never fear, there is also a half marathon, 10k and 5k to cater to runners of all skill levels. The race will start releasing waves at 7:15 a.m. from Civic Center Park, and depending on the length of your chosen race, you will trot all through various set-up courses. The finish line is also at Civic Center, making it easy to meet your supporters at the live music stage. Whether your want to race or simply just watch the festivities, the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon is fun for people of all ages.

The first Broncos non-Sunday game of the season comes in the form of a Thursday night match-up against the San Diego Chargers. Though there is no true rivalry between the two teams, there's some sort of joy that Denver fans get out of upsetting Philip Rivers. Because the game is during the week, it's like a mini-weekend, escaping with friends or family for a night of pure Broncos goodness. Keep in mind that Broncos tickets are notoriously hard to obtain, so plan ahead if you want to see this game from the stands.

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Nicole Cormier is a hip-hop head with business ambitions who stumbled awkwardly into journalism in 2007 as Colorado Music Buzz's hip-hop editor. She is the publisher and editor of the Colorado hip-hop e-magazine. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.