Basketball legend Chauncey Billups will have a say as the Denver Broncos’ home venue faces some big decisions, including finding a new naming sponsor.
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock appointed Billups to the nine-member board of the Metropolitan Football Stadium District, one of several board and commission appointments Hancock announced Friday.
“He is a great appointment and will bring his expertise on sports facilities and contracts. It will be beneficial to our board,” Matt Sugar, a spokesman for the district, said of Billups.
Sports Authority, which had the naming rights for Sports Authority Field at Mile High, fell behind on its payments and is liquidating in bankruptcy.
The Broncosand searching for a new sponsor. If they fail in that effort, the stadium could find itself short of the money needed for upkeep, the team has warned.
Billups, a Denver native, gained local recognition starring for George Washington High School and the University of Colorado before launching a 17-season career in the National Basketball Association.
He played on several NBA teams, including two stints with the Denver Nuggets, but achieved his greatest success with the Detroit Pistons, with whom he earned the name “Mr. Big Shot” for his clutch scoring that contributed to the Pistons winning the 2004 championship.
Billups retired two years ago because of health concerns and has continued to contribute to the community through the and Chauncey’s Kid Roundup program.
His term on the stadium board will last through 2020.
