Teams Challenge Their Fans to be 'Good Sports' and Sober Designated Drivers!Denver (Sept 12, 2011) The Broncos, Chiefs, Raiders and Chargers have found an additional way to compete this season. To help promote a positive in-stadium experience for fans and make our roads safer, the Broncos will partner with the Colorado State Patrol, Colorado Department of Transportation, Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management (TEAM) Coalition and Anheuser-Busch for the Broncos Designated Driver Challenge.
During each team's regular season games, adult fans are encouraged to pledge to be sober designated drivers at the Bud Light Good Sport booth located at gate 8 where Colorado State Patrol (CSP) Troopers will be stationed to assist fans wishing to make the pledge.
"This will be our second year of assisting fans at the Broncos home games to sign up as designated drivers and answer their questions about making smart driving choices," said Colonel James Wolfinbarger, Chief of the CSP. "The partnership with the Broncos, Anheuser-Busch, CDOT and TEAM Coalition that has been created to educate motorists about always having a designated driver when celebrating with alcohol is an outstanding team to promote responsible driving."
The teams will earn six points (a touchdown) for every fan that registers at the stadium and earn extra points (point after) by "liking" the Broncos Designated Driver Challenge facebook page. Fans also can help the Broncos earn an extra point for their team by visiting:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Broncos-Designated-Driver-Challenge/181180378561052 and "liking" the page.
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 1 vs. Raiders, 9/12; 8:15 p.m.
* Week 2 vs. Bengals, 9/18; 2:15 p.m.
* Week 3 vs. Chargers, 10/9; 2:15 p.m.
* Week 3 vs. Lions, 10/30; 2:05
* Week 4 vs. Jets, 11/17; 6:20
* Week 5 vs. Bears, 12/11; 2:05
* Week 6 vs. Patriots 12/18; 2:15
* Week 7 vs. Chiefs, 1/1; 2:15 p.m.
Broncos fans can sign up at the Bud Light Good Sport designated driver program booth or at any guest services location at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. 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." The Designated Driver of the Game will be recognized during the game and receive a $100.00 gift card to the team store. At the end of the regular season, one winner - the Designated Driver of the Season - will be selected and receive a $1,000.00 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(c) or the 2012 Pro Bowl(c). The designated driver booth at Gate 8 will be staffed by Colorado State Patrol troopers throughout the season.
"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 will really come 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, 16 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(r), 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).
