As Avalanche fans prepare for a potential Stanley Cup-clinching home game on Friday, Denver's Mayor Hancock issued a proclamation declaring it "Burgundy and Blue Friday." However, cops urge fans to play it cool.
Denver mayor proclaims 'Burgundy & Blue Friday' ahead of potential Avalanche Stanley Cup win
On Friday, the Colorado Avalanche will face the Tampa Bay Lightning in game five of the Stanley Cup finals. The Avs lead the series 3-1 and are one win away from being crowned world champions.
The teams will meet at 6 p.m. Friday at Ball Arena in Denver for Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final, where the Avalanche could capture their first NHL championship since 2001.
Denver's Mayor Michael Hancock proclaimed June 24 as 'Burgundy and Blue Friday' throughout the City and County of Denver, 9 News Denver reported.
Mayor Hancock encouraged fans to wear burgundy and blue clothing on Friday in support of the Colorado Avalanche in the potential Stanley Cup-clinching game and took to Twitter to further cheer the home team on.
"One win away," Mayor Hancock tweeted. "The @Avalanche have worked hard all season, playoffs and finals long to get here - and Avs fans have got their back! It is proclaimed: Let's see an avalanche of burgundy and blue tomorrow for the Avs as they go for the #StanleyCup on home ice! #FindAWay #GoAvsGo"
Avalanche have 2 previous Stanley Cup wins
In their first year as the Colorado Avalanche in the 1995-1996 season, the team won the Pacific division and advanced through the Western Conference finals to play the Florida Panthers, also in their first finals, to sweep the series 4-0 and claim the franchise's first Stanley Cup.
The avalanche won their second Stanley Cup in the 2000-2001 season, defeating the New Jersey Devils to win the series 4-3.
Cops asks Avs fans to "stay classy," hoping to curb rowdy behavior
Authorities are encouraging fans to play it cool as they hope to quell any rowdy or destructive behavior on Friday ahead of a potential Stanley Cup victory by the Colorado Avalanche.
Denver Police are focusing on preparations to manage large crowds downtown, as well as heavy traffic and any safety issues that could occur on game day, News 9 reported.
Denver Police Department Chief Paul Pazen has taken a proactive approach, reminding fans to "stay classy," encouraging them not to over-consume alcohol or marijuana, making a plan for safe game-day transportation like using a ride share rather than driving under the influence, as well as being patient.
"We've been here before," Chief Pazen said. "We've won the Cup before. We've won championships before, and the best way to do that is to stay classy and show our support for our team and do it in a responsible way."
Chief Pazen referred to past championships celebrated by the city in which thousands of people gathered in the downtown area peacefully and showed the proper way to celebrate.
"The positive experience of the win can quickly become negative when celebrations turn to destruction," Chief Pazen added. "Fans are asked to celebrate in a controlled manner and not tarnish the team’s accomplishments with illegal acts."