In the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, just outside Empower Field at Mile High, a siren blares and orange lights flash as Broncos Country Engine No. 7 rolls into the lot. When the vintage fire truck pulls in, flanked by the scent of sizzling sausage and the warm hospitality of some of Denver’s most passionate fans, you know you’ve found it: the Fired Up! Tailgate — a gameday institution and the heart of community-focused fan celebration in Broncos Country.

What began in 2015 with three diehard fans—Ken Castaneda, Catherine Highland, and Rob Garner—has grown into a signature Denver tradition that blends top-tier tailgating with philanthropy. The trio met serendipitously during Super Bowl XLVIII week in New York and quickly bonded over their shared love for the Broncos, great food, and giving back. By the following season, their separate game day setups had merged into one powerhouse: Fired Up! Tailgate.

Every home game, six hours before kickoff, the Fired Up! crew transforms their corner of the lot into a vibrant, orange-clad celebration of food, fandom, and community. Catherine, affectionately known as “Bronco Babe,” helms the kitchen with a menu rooted in Southern comfort and local flavor. With ingredients donated by sponsors like Polidori Sausage, Red Bird Farms, and Spring 44 Distillery, the spread is nothing short of gourmet. Fans can expect staples like jalapeño shrimp poppers, “Memaw’s Fried Chicken,” and even dishes themed around that week’s opponent. Every tailgate features a custom “Game Day Cocktail” courtesy of Spring 44—just another way the group ensures every detail feels special.

Rob “Rescue Rob” Garner, a firefighter with the Poudre Fire Authority, brings the fire—literally—with his iconic Broncos Country Engine No. 7. The 1976 Ford fire truck, discovered in Custer, South Dakota, and lovingly restored with help from local businesses, is decked out with old and new Broncos logos, drink coolers where hoses once lived, and sirens that let fans know the party has begun. When Rob pulls into the lot in full gear—firefighter suspenders over his jersey, his signature Broncos helmet gleaming—it’s clear that this isn’t just tailgating. This is performance art in orange and blue.

Ken “Bronco Ken” Castaneda completes the trio, rolling up with the team’s signature trailer loaded with TVs, tables, and gear to help turn pavement into a party. Together, these three superfans have created more than just a place to eat and drink before kickoff. They’ve built a hub where out-of-towners and locals alike feel welcome, where fans connect over shared traditions and a love for the team, and where giving back is always on the menu.

“Tailgating for the Community” isn’t just a slogan—it’s their mission. Through partnerships, donations, and sheer fan enthusiasm, Fired Up! Tailgate has raised tens of thousands of dollars for causes like HopeKids, the Ronald McDonald House, Wounded Warriors, and Type-1 Diabetes awareness. Instead of charging for food or drinks, they rely on the generosity of attendees, funneling donations straight to the organizations they support.

The environment is as inclusive as it is electric. Denver’s tailgating scene is famously friendly, and Fired Up! exemplifies that spirit. Fans of opposing teams are welcomed with open arms and maybe even a themed dish in their honor. The vibe is festive, respectful, and community-driven—exactly what you’d hope for in a city that bleeds orange and blue.

Attending a Fired Up! tailgate is more than a pregame ritual—it’s an experience. From the thunderous arrival of Engine No. 7 to the smell of fresh-grilled sausage in the crisp Colorado air, every detail is infused with heart and hometown pride. You’ll leave with a full stomach, a few new friends, and a deep appreciation for the culture that makes Broncos Country one of the most spirited fanbases in the NFL.

Whether you’re a lifelong Denverite or a visiting fan making your first pilgrimage to the Mile High City, don’t miss the opportunity to be part of something special. Look for the orange fire truck, the giant smoker, and the joyful crowd raising their cups not just to the Broncos—but to making a difference, one tailgate at a time.

Welcome to the Hall, Fired Up!
You’ve turned gameday into something truly greater—and we’re all better for it.