Colorado Rockies Lose, Downtown Businesses Win on Opening Day 2026

Thousands of fans flooded downtown Denver, boosting businesses despite the team's loss.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 3:11am

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A fractured, geometric painting in vibrant Rockies colors depicting the action and atmosphere of a baseball game, conveying the spirit of the annual Opening Day celebration in downtown Denver.The energy and excitement of Rockies Opening Day in downtown Denver, captured through a cubist lens that reflects the community's passion for their team.Denver Today

Despite the Colorado Rockies losing their opening day game 10-1 to the Philadelphia Phillies, downtown Denver businesses saw a major influx of fans and revenue on the unofficial holiday of Rockies Opening Day. Sidewalks were packed, streets were buzzing, and the energy was unmistakable as thousands of loyal fans flooded the Ballpark District to celebrate the return of baseball season.

Why it matters

Opening Day is a crucial economic driver for businesses in and around downtown Denver, as the steady flow of fans heading to and from the ballpark provides a major boost in revenue, even when the Rockies struggle on the field. This annual tradition highlights the community's dedication to their sports teams and the ripple effect they have on the local economy.

The details

Fans flocked to McGregor Square, bars, and restaurants, creating a lively atmosphere despite the Rockies' loss. Many fans, like Jill McQuarrison, have been attending Rockies Opening Days for years, through good seasons and bad. Even with low expectations for the team this year, the fans remain dedicated, with one fan, Ben Gallegos, saying 'We go hard no matter what! First or last, win or tie. It's Mile High 'till we die!' For new businesses like Krave It Pizza & Sandwich Joint, which opened just months ago, Opening Day marked the start of their busiest stretch of the year, with owner Harry Ghotra saying 'Rockies bring life back to the town' and that 'mom and pop shops need all the support they can get'.

  • Rockies Opening Day took place on Friday, April 4, 2026.

The players

Jill McQuarrison

A longtime Rockies fan who has attended Opening Days in all kinds of weather, demonstrating the community's dedication to the team.

Ben Gallegos

A Rockies fan from Denver who sees Opening Day as a community celebration and economic driver, saying 'Sports, they really drive the economy. On an Opening Day, a sold out Opening Day, it's bringing business downtown to a lot of businesses that have been struggling'.

Harry Ghotra

The owner of Krave It Pizza & Sandwich Joint, a new business near the ballpark that is experiencing its first Rockies season and relying on the influx of fans to boost its revenue.

Jared Polis

The Governor of Colorado, who shared a mock 'excused absence' note for fans attending the game, recognizing Opening Day as a community celebration.

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What they’re saying

“I've been coming here since basically when they opened. I've been here in blizzards, in sun, in freezing cold. I brought my jacket, my parka. We're just tough here. We love our sports.”

— Jill McQuarrison, Rockies Fan

“We're trying. I just hope we're not dead last.”

— Jill McQuarrison, Rockies Fan

“This is just the biggest hooky day, the biggest excuse day to go and just enjoy it. It's kind of the kickoff to spring and summer for a lot of folks. Opening Day is very special. It brings everybody out.”

— Ben Gallegos, Rockies Fan

“Sports, they really drive the economy. On an Opening Day, a sold out Opening Day, it's bringing business downtown to a lot of businesses that have been struggling.”

— Ben Gallegos, Rockies Fan

“Rockies bring life back to the town. It's usually not too busy without the season. We kind of rely on it over here.”

— Harry Ghotra, Owner, Krave It Pizza & Sandwich Joint

What’s next

The Rockies will look to bounce back from their opening day loss as they continue their season, with fans remaining dedicated to supporting the team through thick and thin.

The takeaway

Despite the Rockies' struggles on the field, the annual tradition of Opening Day in downtown Denver demonstrates the community's unwavering support for their sports teams and the significant economic impact they have on local businesses, even in difficult seasons.