Coors Field stood silent and mostly dark Thursday night, but across the street and down the block, sports bars were rocking with rabid Rockies fans.
At the Sports Column on Blake Street in LoDo, patrons forked over a $5 cover charge to squeeze into the already packed sports bar.
“It’s a lot of work for me,” said waitress Jacqui Qualtieri. “But the tips are all right, and it’s paying the bills.”
Mo King, 39, of Grand Lake, one of Qualtieri’s customers, was in Denver for an extended weekend of fun, including attending the upcoming games Sunday, Monday and, if necessary, Wednesday.
“I’ve always loved the Rockies,” King said, his voice rising with each passing word. “I’ve had season tickets since opening day the first year.”
Up on the roof, fans roared and pumped their fists in unison when the Rockies turned a double play in the sixth inning.
“Unbelievable! Incredible!” shouted Justin Secrist, 26, of Denver.
Peace and quiet could be found in LoDo during the game Thursday night at El Chapultepec on the corner of 19th and Market streets.
Tom Huxley, 38, of Denver and Vanessa Schneider, 26, of Broomfield had plenty of elbow room at the bar. They were the only two patrons in the typically swinging jazz club.
“It just so happens the Rockies are playing,” said Schneider, who, along with Huxley, had her back turned to the club’s only TV set – a small one at that.
When asked the score, Huxley said: “It was 4-1 last time I looked.”
The pair were sipping Corona beers and waiting for the jazz, they said.
Kieran Nicholson: 303-954-1822 or knicholson@denverpost.com
