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 , 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.
