A state Senate committee didn’t feel good about a piece of feel-good legislation offered by House Democrats, killing a bill Thursday that would have made the “Mile High” stadium name a matter of law, not choice.
The bill failed on a 3-2 party-line vote.
“The taxpayers deserve to have their Mile High history and tradition preserved,” said Rep. Dan Pabon, a Denver Democrat and passionate Broncos fan who championed the bill. “Broncos fans all over the state will remember this day, but nothing can kill our fans’ mile-high spirit.”
The legislation would have allowed anyone who buys the naming rights to the Denver Broncos’ stadium to use their company name and logo but retain “Mile High” in the stadium’s name, such as the current name, Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
Any company could — and probably would — still choose to keep the name to satisfy fans of tradition.
A response from Senate Republicans wasn’t immediately available Thursday afternoon.
Former Broncos wide receiver Brandon Stokley was at the state Capitol to testify in favor of a bill regulating fantasy sports leagues this week, but he also was quick to endorse the Mile High name.
“I love it,” he said in an interview. “I think that’s a landmark here in Denver. It’s always been Mile High Stadium, and I definitely think that’s the way it should always be.”
Stokley, who retired from the NFL in 2013, lives in Castle Rock.
