If you are visiting our fine town you may not even notice the traffic as you can meander during the off peak times when the roads are clear and manageable. This is a viable solution. Though, here in Denver there is even a better choice for visitors and residents alike.

The Light Rail started its life here in Denver over a decade ago and has been building steam ever since. Its incarnation took some doing, for residents along the planned routes thought it would be too noisy and fought its being built for quite some time. Luckily, other neighborhoods were excited for it to be put in place and the rest is as they say- history.

It not only helps you beat the traffic, it helps the environment and many people’s sanity as well. No more driving, way more reading, or listening to music, or people watching. Even the short walks to and from the stations are beneficial to your health.

The fare ranges from $1.75 to $4.00 depending on how many zones you travel through. Bikes are allowed on board, and many routes let off near some great bike paths. Don’t worry, the Light Rail’s Routes all point to downtown so it is a great option for commuters, not just for the recreational riders.

Catching the Light Rail is simple- there are many stops throughout Downtown. Each stop has a ticket station with easy to follow instructions. Buy a ticket, get on board, and take the Light Rail to Union Station, to The University of Denver, Invesco Field, Littleton, all the way out to County Line Road! DNC 2008 participants- it even goes to The Pepsi Center. With 6 lines to choose from- the destinations are plentiful.

Post from: The Denver Traveler

It has been a hundred years since Denver hosted a Democratic National Convention. The last time being 1908 where William Jennings Bryan took the nomination to go on to lose the race for the presidency to William Taft. It was the third time Bryan ran for the highest office and the third time he failed. You may recognize William Jennings Bryan as one of the lawyers in the Scopes Monkey Trials as well. The Convention of 1908 was the first National Convention to be held in a western state. It was also the first convention to accredit women. The Mayor of Denver in 1908, Robert Speer, had a fountain built in City Park to welcome the convention attendees. For this year’s convention- that fountain is being rebuilt. For those of you who want to devour the history of the 1908 DNC, The Rocky Mountain News has developed a great compendium of their archives from the hottest news of the time. Not only are the texts of the articles preserved but they also have pictures of the actual newsprint.

The bare bones of the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver are as follows:

Monday August 25th through Thursday August 28th
Pepsi Center
1000 Chopper Circle
Denver, CO 80204
303-405-1100

Click here for Transportation and Parking Information

Tickets are distributed by The Democratic National Committee and by invitation only, tickets are not available to be purchased. Contact your State’s Democratic Party for more information. Colorado Resident’s may call: 303-623-4762 or visit www.coloradodems.org

Don’t worry- we’ll be back to share more, a little more information every other week.

[Photo - SXC]

Post from: The Denver Traveler

Kroenke Sports & Denver Active 20.30 are sponsoring the Mile High Dreams Gala-Havana Nights

Wanna play Poker with high falutin’ Sports Figures for a good cause? Then don’t miss the only event in town where you can rub elbows with athletes from four professional sports teams on the Pepsi Center arena floor all the while supporting underprivileged children and families in Colorado! This season’s event will include gaming tables, Salsa Dancing with the Stars, elaborate Cuban appetizers, Bacardi Mojito’s & Open Bar. There will also be a Silent Auction with items from all over the globe! The Attire for this event is cocktail or Cuban Dressy and you Must be 21 or over to attend.

Monday March 3rd
Pepsi Center-
6:30 Registration Opens
Complimentary Valet Parking Available at Grand Atrium Entrance
7:00 Main Event
Individual Tickets start at $250 with packages being offered for groups of ten that include VIP bonuses.

[photo from SXC]

Post from: The Denver Traveler

The Bowls, Super and Puppy, finished with a bang.

Van Halen Rocked out at The Can.

Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra “played” tribute to the Beatles.

Snow was shoveled through glimpses of sun.

Adventurer of the Year, Andy Skurka shared slides of his 6,875 mile solo hike.

Post from: The Denver Traveler

Not only does Denver have a professional football team, a professional baseball team, a professional hockey team, a professional lacrosse team, and a score of not-so-professional teams, but we also have a pro basketball team! I’m talking about the Denver Nuggets! Their home turf is the Pepsi Center, which is conveniently located to many hotels and transportation for the basketball fans from out of state.

The Nuggets suffered a loss over the weekend, losing to the Portland Trail Blazers. However, the team is having a great season so far, with 20 wins chalked up. The next home game is Thursday, December 20th, against the Houston Rockets. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster or the box office at the Pepsi Center.When the guys aren’t on the court, you can find them giving back to the community at various events. A few of the players also have blogs, including Carmelo Anthony, and Marcus Camby, and the announcers for the team also have a blog, the Koz and Bravo U.S. tour, where they sight see in the city where the Nuggets are playing, if they have a full day off.

You can also meet your favorite player if he’s scheduled to appear through Conoco’s Player Appearances. During an Appearance, you can register to win an autographed jersey, spin a prize wheel, and… all grades of Conoco gas will be the same price during a player appearance!

Post from: The Denver Traveler

I have to admit something here. I had no idea that there was a professional lacrosse league, much less that there was a team right here in Denver! To my utter delight, I found out that we had our own home team, the Colorado Mammoth!

They are getting ready to kick the season into high gear, and have started off with a bang, winning a pre-season scrimmage against the Calgary Roughnecks 13-8! The Mammoth’s home field is at the Pepsi Center (“The Can” to locals), and tickets can be purchased at the Pepsi Center box office or through Ticketmaster. The first home game is December 29th against the Calgary Roughnecks. The game starts at 7, so get there early to cheer on the Mammoth!

Not only are there “regular” season home games, but three of the home games are Party Pack Nights, where you can get 4 tickets, 4 Coors or Pepsis, and 4 hot dogs for only $39. There is also a Family Night, where you can get 4 tickets, 4 Pepsis, and 4 hot dogs for only $39. Family night is Saturday, January 6th, against the San Jose Stealth. Party Pack nights are January 12 against the Edmonton Rush; March 8 against the San Jose Stealth; and April 18 against the Edmonton Rush. There is also a Youth Night, where you get a free ticket for kids 14 and under with the purchase of an adult ticket. (Upper Level Seating Only) Youth night is February 15th.

Post from: The Denver Traveler

Not only does Denver boast a professional football team, but we also have a professional hockey team!

The Colorado Avalanche- or the Avs, as the locals call them – arrived in Denver in 1995, relocating from Quebec City. They have a strong fan following, and are currently celebrating their 500th regular season win since coming to Denver. The Avs are very involved in the community, helping collect toys for the Toys for Tots program in a partnership with the United States Marine Corps. People are invited to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the home game against the San Jose Sharks on December 3rd.

The Avalanche’s home turf is the Pepsi Center, located at 1000 Chopper Circle Denver, CO 80204. Situated near downtown Denver, it is within walking distance of several hotels and is also served by bus and the light rail.

Tickets to the Avalanche home games can be purchased at the Pepsi Center ticket office, or online through Ticketmaster.

Come on out and support a great team!

Post from: The Denver Traveler