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DENVER (KDVR) — More than 70,000 fans usually fill the stands at Empower at Mile High Stadium to cheer loudly for their Denver Broncos. For at least game one this season, the stadium will be empty as the organization announced today there will be no fans on Monday, Sept. 14 against the Tennessee Titans. 

“It’s just not the same without the fans there, it just isn’t. I have always known that fans are a big part to pro sports and we are going to miss them, and we are going to miss our fans in particular. They give us a big boost at home,” said Vic Fangio, Broncos head coach.

If progress is made in coming weeks, the team hopes to eventually increase the ability for fans to attend games over the course of the season, perhaps beginning as early as the Broncos’ Week 3 game against Tampa Bay.

Regardless, the emphasis has been on “proceeding with caution,” as President and CEO Joe Ellis said during his July 28 press conference.

For offensive tackle Elijah Wilkinson, he thrives off the fan environment.

“That gets me amped. I love coming to Empower Field – 70,000 strong. It’s so loud especially when the defense is on the field. There is nothing like it,” he said after training camp. 

Without the fan momentum in the stands, the players will have to create their own energy, but that’s the least of their worries at this point. 

“Whether there are no fans, no noise, or whatever, we are coming to play some football, we are coming to win games. So I don’t think fans are going to make an impact on that, but it is definitely nice to have them,” said Wilkinson. 

As the season goes on, the Broncos are hopeful there will at least be limited fans in the stands at some point.