Broncos Host Steelers in AFC Championship After Colts' Surprise Loss

Strategic Insights -

The Denver Broncos will host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday after the heavily favored Indianapolis Colts surprisingly lost 21-18, allowing the Broncos to secure a spot in the AFC Championship. The loss was sealed by Mike Vanderjagt's missing field-goal attempt late in the fourth quarter, which sent Broncos and Steelers fans into celebration. As a result, Broncos fans outnumbered Steelers fans at the ticket booth, with tickets selling out quickly - all 108 available tickets were sold in Pueblo within 35 minutes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Denver Broncos will host the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship after the Indianapolis Colts lost 21-18, with Mike Vanderjagt's missed field-goal attempt being the decisive factor.
  • Tickets for the AFC Championship sold out quickly, with all 108 available tickets being sold in Pueblo within 35 minutes, and fans being limited to six tickets per person.
  • The sale of tickets went smoothly, except for those who were unable to purchase any, resulting in the ticket booth having to turn away half of the crowd.
  • The winner of the game between the Broncos and Steelers will secure a spot in the Super Bowl, with Denver last visiting the Super Bowl six years ago when John Elway retired.
  • Steelers fan Douglass McMahon managed to get his tickets despite being outnumbered by Broncos fans, and was unaware of an extra $25 service charge per ticket until he went to pay for them.
  • Broncos fan Geno Doose, a FedEx delivery truck driver, will be attending the game with his sister and her fiancé, and hopes to see the Steelers win.
  • Ed Pacheco, a 40-year-old lifelong Broncos fan, was the first in line for tickets, showing up at the South Side box office at 1:30 p.m. before the game was over.

Statistics:

  • The Indianapolis Colts lost 21-18 to the Denver Broncos.
  • Mike Vanderjagt's field-goal attempt was the decisive factor in the Colts' loss.
  • Tickets sold out in Pueblo within 35 minutes, with all 108 available tickets being sold.
  • The sale of tickets went smoothly, except for those who were unable to purchase any.
  • The winner of the game between the Broncos and Steelers will secure a spot in the Super Bowl.
  • The last time Denver visited the Super Bowl was six years ago when John Elway retired.

Sources:

  • The Pueblo Chieftain, Colo.
  • Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.