Wings, Weck, and Plenty of Blue: Denver Bills Backers Watched with a Taste of Home

Buffalo Bills fans who traveled to Denver for the playoff game had a choice: indulge in local delicacies like Rocky Mountain oysters—just be aware, they're not actually oysters—or stick to familiar favorites at one of Denver's dedicated Bills Backers bars.

 

For those craving a taste of home, establishments like Stoney's Uptown and Jackson's LoDo are ready to serve up Buffalo staples such as pizza logs, wings, beef on weck, and Labatt beer. These venues braced for an influx of Bills fans ahead of Saturday's pivotal playoff matchup against the Denver Broncos.

 

"This is a huge, important playoff game," said David Goergen, co-founder of Denver Bills Backers. "We're pumped and stressed and happy and nervous. This is as big as it gets for our group."

 

Goergen's organization hosted events at Stoney's Uptown Joint, while the Colorado Bills Backers group planned to gather at Jackson's LoDo. Stoney's general manager, Catherine Young, stocked up with five kegs of Labatt Blue and 15 cases of Labatt Blue Light. Over at Jackson's, general manager Benjamin Elek prepared by ordering 100 cases and several kegs of Labatt, along with 1,000 pounds of chicken wings and 500 pounds of beef for beef on weck.

 

"I've never been to Buffalo before, but getting to know this group of Bills fans has been great," Young said. "As someone who grew up a Chiefs fan, I'm definitely a Bills fan now, too. I'm excited to welcome fans from Buffalo and show them a good time here in Denver."

 

Goergen fielded numerous inquiries from traveling Bills fans about the weekend's plans. Despite limited time to organize, he and his co-founders arranged a tailgate party outside the stadium before Saturday's game, as well as festivities on both Friday night and Saturday at their usual spot, Stoney's.

 

"I don't care what part of Denver you're in, you're going to see Bills gear and hear the chants all weekend," Goergen said. "People who don't get it won't get it, but if you're part of Bills Mafia, you'll understand."

 

Having moved around with his military family, Goergen's father hails from North Tonawanda, and many of his relatives reside in East Aurora. "I grew up watching the four Super Bowl losses as a kid," he recalled. "Watching Bruce Smith and that team play made me want to watch and play football. I've been a Bills fan since I could watch a game."

 

Denver boasts a substantial community of Bills fans. When the team ended its playoff drought, Goergen celebrated with around 800 fellow supporters. "There's just a crazy amount of Western New York transplants around here," he noted. "It's a great group."

 

To recreate the Buffalo atmosphere, Goergen and Young ensure Stoney's feels like home for fans. On Friday night, the bar hosted a ceremonious table smash, a nod to Bills Mafia traditions. They even served pizza logs, a lesser-known Buffalo specialty.

 

"People around here don't know what they are unless they're from Western New York," Goergen said. "When visitors hear we have wings, weck, and pizza logs, they're excited."

 

Young added, "Our regulars and staff have caught on. Everybody loves the pizza logs."

 

Denver's Bills Backers brought a piece of Buffalo to the Mile High City, uniting fans through shared traditions and a love for their team.