DENVER (KDVR) – For many Broncos fans, Sunday in Denver was a magical day for many reasons.
The Broncos pulled off an improbable come-from-behind win, and the halftime show honored the Super Bowl 50 team and fan-favorite player, Demaryius Thomas, who was inducted into the Ring of Fame. In the match was James Chavez, also known as “Orange Vader”.
“I have to reveal DT’s name,” Chavez told FOX31’s Greg Nieto. “It was the greatest day. It was amazing.”
Chavez helped reveal Thomas’ name and code number 88.
However, the entire day was not magical. Over the past two years, Chavez says, he has felt more and more “empowered” by stadium security. He has been wearing his orange helmet and cape for 21 years, but Northglenn residents said he is now being asked by security to remove his helmet.
“I went to the game and they said, ‘You can’t come in here. You have to take all your stuff off.’ I said, ‘You should talk to your supervisor then, I’ve been wearing this for 21 years.’ “Take your helmet off and throw it in the trash,” one supervisor said last year. Come get it after the game.’ I was like what?”
It has become increasingly popular over the past couple of years, according to Broncos fans. Superfans have become as recognizable as some players, he says, and should be given a little “leeway for similarity.”
Orange Vader says he will be wearing his “uniform” on Sunday when the Broncos play the Dallas Cowboys, and he said he realizes security comes first.
Emails to the Broncos’ public relations staff were not immediately returned Tuesday. On the Empower Field at Mile High website, the “Gate Security Screening” page states that screening may be modified on an event-by-event basis at the discretion of venue management.