Arena football returns to Denver this weekend with a former Broncos’ quarterback leading the way
Apr 9, 2026, 9:59 AM
There was a time when arena football was a big deal in Denver. John Elway owned the Colorado Crush, who would pack what was then the Pepsi Center with thousands of fans eager to cheer on the home team. The Crush folded in 2008. Times, teams, and venues have changed, but arena football is back in Denver!
The Colorado Spartans will play their first home game Saturday at the Denver Coliseum, taking on the Amarillo Warbirds in the team’s official season opener in the National Arena League.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and kickoff is at 7 p.m.
The team has promoted the home opener as a family-friendly event, with general admission, family four-packs and group ticket options available. Season tickets start at $250. The team says more than 5,000 fans are expected to pack the arena on game nights.
The roster includes a familiar name for Denver football fans: former Broncos first-round quarterback Paxton Lynch, who threw his first touchdown pass in the NAL last month. Lynch was drafted 26th overall by the Broncos in 2016 and last appeared in an NFL game in 2017. He joined the Spartans last fall.
The team has also promised guest appearances by Denver Broncos players throughout the season.
Tickets for Saturday’s game are available at axs.com and at the Denver Coliseum box office. The Denver Coliseum is located at 4600 Humboldt St.
