| DENVER, Colo. (Oct. 12, 2011) The Broncos, Chiefs, Raiders and Chargers have found a new way to compete this season. To help promote a positive in-stadium experience for fans and make our roads safer, the Broncos are partnering with the Colorado Department of Transportation, the Colorado State Patrol, Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management (TEAM) Coalition and Anheuser-Busch to help them take on the competition in the AFC West Designated Driver Challenge.
So far this season the Broncos are seeing great fan support for the program. 1,491 fans pledged designated drivers at Sunday’s game – a new single game record for the Broncos. As it stands now, the Broncos are in second place with over 19,000 points, trailing only the Chargers and ahead of the Chiefs and the Raiders.
During Broncos regular season games, adult fans are encouraged to pledge to be sober designated drivers at any guest service location at Sports Authority Field at Mile High,the Designated Driver booth located at gate 8 or at theHeat Is On tent outside the stadium near Gate 1. The designated driver booth at gate 8 will be staffed by Colorado State Patrol troopers throughout the season. The Broncos earn six points (a touchdown) for every fan that registers at the stadium. The Broncos score one point (point after) each time a fan “likes” the Broncos Designated Driver Challenge Facebook page. The Broncos current 2,845 “likes” are more than the three times other teams combined.
Fans who pledge to be designated drivers receive a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage and a chance to be selected as the “Designated Driver of the Game.” Designated Drivers of the Game are recognized during the game and receive a $100.00 gift card to the team store. Congratulations to Stephen Ruddick of Aurora, the Broncos Designated Driver for the Game from this past Sunday.
At the end of the regular season, one winner – the Designated Driver of the Season – will be selected and receive a $1000.00 gift card to the team store. And the Broncos Designated Driver of the Season is also entered to win the Responsibility Has Its Rewards sweepstakes, which could lead to a trip to Super Bowl XLVI© or the 2012 Pro Bowl©.
To qualify, designated drivers must:
- Be over the age of 21 and have a valid driver’s license,
- Promise to not drink alcohol at the game, and
- Ensure a safe ride home from the game for their friends and family.
Broncos Designated Driver Challenge Home Games
- Week 3 vs. Lions, 10/30; 2:05p.m
- Week 4 vs. Jets, 11/17; 6:20 p.m.
- Week 5 vs. Bears, 12/11; 2:05 p.m.
- Week 6 vs. Patriots 12/18; 2:15 p.m.
- Week 7 vs. Chiefs, 1/1; 2:15 p.m.
“The Colorado State Patrol strongly supports the Broncos and our partners in educating fans to be responsible when celebrating with alcohol by making sure they always have a sober designated driver,” said Col. James Wolfinbarger, chief of the Colorado State Patrol.
“Fan safety in the stadium has always been a top priority for the Broncos,” said. Andy Gorchov, General Manager of Sports Authority Field at Mile High. “We are proud that football fans are embracing the importance of using a designated driver by actively participating in this fan responsibility initiative.”
“The competitive nature of the AFC West teams is really coming out as none of the teams want to lose to their rivals,” said Kathy Casso, vice president of Corporate Social Responsibility for Anheuser-Busch. “Even though there will only be one victor in the Designated Driver Challenge, every fan who includes a designated driver in their game plan is part of the winning team.”
“Whether fans are coming to the stadium or watching the game at a local bar, we encourage everyone to have a game plan to get home safely by designating a sober driver or taking public transportation,” said Don Hunt, executive director of the Colorado Department of Transportation. “The Designated Driver Challenge serves as extra incentive for fans to make the right choice by never getting behind the wheel drunk.”
“The success of the Designated Driver Challenge is a direct result of the commitment from the league, the teams and all the program partners,” said Jill Pepper executive director of TEAM Coalition. “Teamwork is what this program is all about. We are demonstrating that when everyone – including the fans – takes responsibility, everyone wins.”
The Designated Driver Challenge was introduced during the 2010-2011 season, with the Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers competing. This year, 14 NFL teams are participating in the competition, each taking on a rival club to promote the use of designated drivers.
According to a survey conducted by ORC International’s CARAVAN¨, the majority of sports fans (U.S. adults 21+) who drink alcohol beverages said they drink responsibly and in moderation during tailgate or other pre-game parties (96 percent), at sporting events (97 percent) and during post-game parties (96 percent).
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About the Heat Is On, CDOT and CSP The Heat Is On is Colorado’s high-visibility DUI enforcement campaign that combines increased DUI enforcement and public education, with the goal of saving lives. It is supported by funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Colorado Department of Transportation. The Colorado State Patrol and law enforcement agencies across Colorado participate in 12 Heat Is On enforcement periods per year. For more information, visit www.HeatIsOnColorado.com.
About Anheuser-Busch For nearly three decades, Anheuser-Busch and its nationwide network of wholesalers have invested more than $875 million in national advertising campaigns and community-based programs to promote responsible drinking, prevent underage drinking and drunk driving and address college issues. For more information on these alcohol responsibility efforts and the progress being made, visit www.anheuser-busch.com.
About TEAM Coalition TEAM Coalition is an alliance of professional and collegiate sports, entertainment facilities, concessionaires, stadium service providers, the beer industry, broadcasters, traffic safety experts and others working together to promote responsible drinking and positive fan behavior at sports and entertainment facilities. TEAM Coalition members and supporters include the National Football League, Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, NASCAR, National Basketball Association, National Hockey League, National Collegiate Athletic Association, ARAMARK, Delaware North Companies Ð Sportservice, Ovations Food Services, Beer Institute, National Beer Wholesalers Association, Anheuser-Busch Companies, MillerCoors, Live Nation, National Association of Broadcasters, Contemporary Services Corporation, Elite, International Association of Venue Managers, Stadium Managers Association and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. For more information, please visitwww.TEAMCoalition.org or www.RHIR.org. |
