(Dan Mohrmann/CHSAANow.com)
Throughout the state of Colorado there are countless high school sports venues, each of which provide a unique atmosphere.
It's part of what makes the preps level something truly special in the scope of all sports. With athletics on all levels on a current hiatus, a fun thought entered my head. What's everyone's favorite spot to play, coach or cover?
The responses made for great interaction and representation from across the state.
Kids, coaches, athletic directors. What’s your favorite #copreps venue to play in? Shoot me and answer and tell me why. Let’s get some fun Friday reading going. @CHSAA
— Daniel Mohrmann (@DanMohrmann) March 20, 2020
Pueblo's Dutch Clark Stadium a popular choice
The home of the Bell and Canon games, Dutch Clark Stadium has a storied history when it comes to Colorado high school athletics. It was a popular choice for media and athletes alike.
Dutch Clark. Bell Game. End of discussion. https://t.co/mr0xZWPECT
— Joe E. Cervi (@JoeECervi) March 20, 2020
Although it was a tough place to win, Dutch Clark was a special place to play!
— Ty Murphy™ (@Ty_Murphy_5) March 20, 2020
Dutch Clark for the Bell Game is pretty incredible
— Nick Rothschild (@nick_rothschild) March 20, 2020
Other football venues:
Recht Field. Duh. 😉 #GoPanthers pic.twitter.com/4kYkL12U8A
— BHS Athletics (@PanthersBHS) March 20, 2020
Nothing like Guy R. Barickman Stadium for Friday night 🏈! @DanMohrmann @Coach_JNovotny @ffcstrength @RobNamnoum @CHSAA @FfchsB @gazettepreps https://t.co/Ej75oPu5YM pic.twitter.com/xtqKIDzL0W
— Trojan Athletics ⚔️ (@FFCHSAthletics) March 20, 2020
Everly-Montgomery Field in Longmont. Seen some major events in a lot of different sports go down at that place. #copreps pic.twitter.com/e8u1reCTy2
— Brad Cochi (@BradCochi) March 20, 2020
TIGER Stadium in La Junta - The La Junta vs Bayfield playoff game was one for the ages. Good small town atmosphere. #LJTigerNation
— Maximo Vela (@LJMaximo) March 20, 2020
La Junta football stages epic comeback to beat Bayfield in 2A semis
Paonia, where the entire town shows up for games on Friday nights.
— Matt Meyer (@jmattmeyer) March 20, 2020
The Pit in Yuma among basketball's favorites
Perhaps one of the most underrated venues in the state resides in the eastern plains. So many schools provide so many enclosed gym atmospheres but a couple of quick answers might put Yuma's put on our must-see venues for future games.
The Pit at Yuma for volleyball and basketball is surreal when they pack the place.
— Caleb Burggraaf (@CBurgg9) March 20, 2020
You can't beat The Pit in Yuma.
— Ben Blecha (@BenMeandering) March 20, 2020
Other basketball venues:
Favorite venue is the Coliseum. So many of our big events are there, or have been there, and it has such a rich history.
— Ryan Casey (@jryancasey) March 20, 2020
🏀 - Mtn Vista Wish Week home game & TRidge-Vista (whoever is home; studes amazing). Honorable mention DPS Thunderdome or Centennial League big game. Playoffs: Denver Auditorium Arena & Coliseum (HISTORY & lots of it).
— Mike May (@Strattonite_86) March 20, 2020
The Thunderdome East vs GW and you better show up early!
— Gary Isaac (@cgrdpa) March 20, 2020
As someone who grew up in Denver, getting to coach in the Thunderdome at Manual has to be my favorite place. Especially, during the Metro League district tournament when it is filled with fans. #copreps
— Richard Judd (@RichieJ1974) March 20, 2020
I know this is bias but the @RMHSLOBOS gym especially during city games/matches pic.twitter.com/3zgkLBMZYn
— RMHS GBBall (@30coachv) March 20, 2020
Palmer HS has an old school field house feel with windows on each side and state title banners from the turn of the century. Plus my @DHSAthletics teams went undefeated there 😉 https://t.co/wwQqNfegkW pic.twitter.com/ViWLeokHeI
— Jarris Krapcha (@Coach_K_EHS) March 20, 2020
I haven’t been to many, but the Florence Gym... pic.twitter.com/jI2JSuce8y
— Rocky Shackleton (@RockyShackleto1) March 20, 2020
Like teams of all levels, everyone is fond of their own baseball fields. While there are several throughout the state, many of which offer outstanding views, those that are close to home tend to be classified as favorites. And they're all worth highlighting.
Runyon field. Every SCL game is a playoff game. Always a Great atmosphere and even better under the lights on Hobbs https://t.co/hlNt9xvokh pic.twitter.com/aytwgQ2LDD
— Centennial Baseball (@PCBBaseball) March 20, 2020
I'm obviously biased, but the view from Roosevelt's baseball field is tough to beat! pic.twitter.com/Q5mZFXElHr
— Jerod Cronquist (@jcron24) March 20, 2020
Baseball:
Local - @CMTNAthletics
State - Evergreen (had a blast at a regional there a few years back)#copreps— Daniel Mohrmann (@DanMohrmann) March 20, 2020
Other contributions
Everyone has their thoughts and there are always going to be venues that stick out in everyone's mind.
Hockey: Sertich and USAFA
Football: Buena Vista and Jeffco
Basketball: Calhan and CU
Golf: CCC and RVR Fall and CCC Spring
Baseball: Spurgeon and Skysox— jcarricato (@john_carricato) March 20, 2020
Golf, we have the privilege to play at many different places. But one my all time favorite places is Estes Park Golf Course. The views are great and breathtaking as you look at the par 3 by the clubhouse and see the shots if they make it to the green
— FrederickGirlsGolf (@FredGirlsGolf) March 20, 2020
For golf, my favorite tournament once or even sometimes twice a year has to be Saddle Rock Golf Course. To cover, it would have to be the Coliseum. As empty as it was Thursday was just as special as when it’s packed
— Benjamin Parris (@BenParris04) March 20, 2020
The Melon Dome was a pretty fun atmosphere down in Rocky Ford. Playing on All Star Field was a lot of fun too. And if I can be a homer for a second, the gym at Wheat Ridge is just awesome
— Austin J. White (@ajw_sports) March 20, 2020
Any time Lamar and LaJunta play in any sport.
— Body Strong Mind Strong (@body_mindstrong) March 20, 2020
Coal Ridge for basketball and Rifle for football. Unreal support.
— Josh Carney (@ByJoshCarney) March 20, 2020