In the past eight years, Denver has imported hockey, acquired major-league baseball, won two Super Bowls and built a new football stadium. Those aren't exactly indicators of an economic slowdown. In fact, Denver got the Avalanche-Nordiques because the old Quebec owners couldn't afford to stay in business. Because of its sports excellence this city has become the capital of tipped cars and trashcan fires. Post-championship fan disturbances have become routine in Denver.
Property destruction is an indicator of the city's sports success.
It is the only city to have won championships in two of the four major U.S. sports in the past six years. But already there has been a slow decline in Rockies attendance. The Broncos are still the Broncos in the post-Elway era. But those sports have national television underpinnings. They will survive.