04-04-2025
Businesses near Coors Field ready for a huge economic boost but there are concerns too
DENVER (KDVR) — The Colorado Rockies home opener marks a new season every year for both the team and the businesses near the ballpark.
There is a lot of excitement around the Ball Park neighborhoods as businesses get ready for huge crowds to come their way for the Rockies home opener.
'Opening day is always the greatest day of the year. It's the one day when people in Denver all come down and let loose and celebrate,' Star Bar owner Justin Lloyd said.
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Business owners said baseball fans help generate profits that help keep them going, and they are ready for the games to begin.
At the same time, people who live and work near the ballpark said there are improvements that are needed to help make the area safer and more profitable, but there are problems, too.
'We definitely need more of a police presence and support from the city,' Frank's Gentlemen's Salon owner Lisa Franz said.
At the salon on Thursday, the Rockies' flag and décor were on hand for the big day.
Franz said that while the Ball Park neighborhood is ready for baseball, they are also hoping the City of Denver will help take care of some of the issues when it comes to crime here.
Many had hoped the mayor's recent announcement of the Downtown Safety Plan would benefit this neighborhood, but Franz and others said it would not.
'It feels like we are being left out again, and we would like to work very closely with the city and Denver Police to bring some of those services this way,' Franz said.
Justin Lloyd, who owns the Star Bar, agrees.
'This neighborhood is continuously forgotten about. This neighborhood is continuously put on the outside of any those plans,' Lloyd said.
The Ball Park neighborhood is home to many small businesses like Billy's Gourmet Hot Dogs.
The owner, Bill Feid, said more must be done to attract more people to the area year-round.
'The Rockies home opener, that's a great event. A lot of people will come down for that. But I think we need to do more than rely on baseball games on opening day. We could have other activities,' Feid said.
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Feid said businesses are still struggling with the economic challenges of the pandemic. He, like many others, is hoping for a winning season for both themselves and the Rockies.
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