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As 5280’s Summer Guide has pointed out, this season offers plenty of opportunities to get outside and be active. But the warm-weather months are also a good time to kick back, relax, enjoy a cold beverage, and watch the pros play. With that it mind, here are a few summer sports highlights to check out in Denver this year:
Colorado Rockies Father’s Day Game: Is there any better way to bond with dad than taking in a baseball game? Not only do the Rockies play against a team (the Brewers) that’s arguably worse than they are, but they’re also giving away commemorative Father’s Day hats. The Rockies have given away some crazy hats in the past, including the infamous Mullet Hat, but this one has the team’s alternate mountain logo, making it one of the best sports giveaways this year. June 21, 2:10 p.m.; Coors Field, 2001 Blake St.
(More: Take a peek inside a Rockies’ player’s locker)
Denver Outlaws Fourth of July Game: Denver is quickly becoming the lacrosse capital of the West with recent championships for the Denver Outlaws, Colorado Mammoth, and most recently, the University of Denver Pioneers. Not only do the Outlaws have the most impressive fireworks show in Denver, but this game also provides a great introduction to outdoor lacrosse and is an inexpensive way to explore the Broncos’ stadium. July 4, 7 p.m.; Sports Authority Field at Mile High, 1701 Bryant St.
Colorado Rockies Fireworks Game: The Rockies’ annual fireworks display won’t happen during the 4th of July weekend this year—they’ll be on the road—but that doesn’t mean you have to miss the popular celebration at Coors Field. If you snag outfield tickets for this game (versus the Braves), your family can move down to the field after the final pitch to watch the classic fireworks show, even if the Rockies aren’t hitting rockets with their bats. July 10, 6:10 p.m.; Coors Field
Major League Soccer All-Star Game: The Colorado Rapids may be struggling to figure things out on the field under head coach Pablo Mastroeni, but don’t miss the game that brings the sport’s biggest stars to the Front Range. This epic contest features the MLS All-Stars battling the English Premier league’s legendary Tottenham Hotspur team. July 29, 7 p.m.; Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, 6000 Victory Way, Commerce City
RugbyTown 7s Tournament: While traditional rugby consists of 15 players, Colorado is hosting the championship weekend for a fast-paced 7-on-7 tournament, which will debut as an Olympic sport at the Rio 2016 Games. Along with rugby, the weekend includes a fan celebration and a beer fest before the championship game on Sunday. August 14–16; Infinity Park, 950 S. Birch St., Glendale
Broncos Training Camp: The Broncos’ public preseason workouts are estimated to start around August 1st. With the completion of their new facilities, fans should be able to see Peyton Manning and company up close from the sidelines at Dove Valley. Dates TBD; Sports Authority Field at Mile High
USA Pro Challenge: The weeklong bicycle race returns to the Rocky Mountain region, with the final stage arriving in Denver on August 23. It’s always exhilarating to stand just off the pavement and watch the best professional racers in North America whiz by. These year’s race stops include Steamboat Springs, Aspen, Breckenridge, Ft. Collins, and Denver. August 17–23; locations vary