Naming rights

Last Monday, the Broncos started another season at their familiar stadium but with a huge new sign on the south end. Finally, the name "Invesco" followed the same demise as the company itself, years after the company disappeared off ofDenver's financial services map. Welcome in the newest name in town - Sports Authority Field at Mile High. For most of us, there was little controversy involved. We witnessed it as just another example of how Denver follows other municipalities who sell off the name ofstadiums to the highest bidder.

Actually, it's not such a new idea.

In 1898, Denver implemented plans to transform the less-than-attractive City Cemetery into a park more reflective of the upscale neighborhoods that were being built in Capitol Hill. Designs included a large pavilion on the east end of the proposed park. Unfortunately, no funds were available for the project Mayor Speer offered up the naming rights to whoever would cover the cost of construction. When Walter Cheesman died in 1907, he was very well known for his wealth and prosperity but certainly not well liked by the majority of Denver residents. As head of the Denver Union Water Company, he was perceived as a miserly utilities baron who took full advantage of his monopoly on water rights by overcharging and underdelivering its services. In addition, his substantial role in the community was tied to the politically corrupt of the day, leaving a compromised legacy for his wife and daughter.

Taking advantage of Mayor Speer's offer, Cheesman's widow, Alice, seized the opportunity to improve the family legacy by donating the $100,000 necessary for the construction of the Pavillion. The strategy certainly worked as the Cheesman name was hailed as a true example of civic philanthropy and their name still remains on this premier park in the center of the city. Hopefully, it is not an idea that will be reborn!Naming rights to our stadiums is now politically correct, far more so than in 1907. I wish the newest corporate sponsor lengevity for Mile High Stadium. We'll have to wait a few more generations thoughto see if the Sports Authority name can match the tenure of the longstanding name purchased by the Cheesmans.

(While Walter Cheesman was buried at Fairmont Cemetery in Southeast Denver, approximately 2000 graves still remain under our favorite park. Hmmm... wonder if any return on Halloween to look for their missing gravemarkers!)