Bronco fans celebrate Super Bowl win in Denver streets

DENVER – Thousands of Broncos fans celebrated Denver’s Super Bowl victory over the Carolina Panthers in downtown streets and amateur fireworks lit up the sky around town. Police reported some arrests but no major damage or injuries.

“I’ve been a Broncos fan for 45 years. Way to go! What a run off for (Peyton) Manning for his last rodeo,” longtime supporter Susan Tomlinson said.

The crowd became unruly at times, but police for the most part watched the Sunday night celebration from the sidewalk.

At one point, several dozen officers formed a united front near the 16th Street pedestrian mall to disperse a crowd trying to make its way down the street.

Police said 12 people were arrested, fewer than after the Broncos’ last Super Bowl wins in 1998 and 1999.

The Denver Post reports police used pepper spray on some people, and a window on a police cruiser was shattered in an area where people tossed trash cans in the street.

Following the Broncos’ previous Super Bowl victories, fans set bonfires, flipped cars and broke windows. In 1998, about 30,000 people gathered downtown and more than 25 were arrested.

This year, police shut down some downtown streets and exit ramps from Interstate 25 to help manage the crowd. They also launched a campaign before the game with the hashtag #Don’tBeADonkey encouraging fans to celebrate responsibly.

Fans will get another chance to celebrate Tuesday with a free concert downtown featuring Big Head Todd and the Monsters followed by a parade.