Things to do in Fort Collins: Colorado Eagles at Budweiser Events Center
The Colorado Eagles are a minor league ice hockey team that is based in Loveland, Colorado about 15 minute drive from Fort Collins. Founded back in 2003, they have since gone on to have some success in their league with them moving to the American Hockey League starting in 2018.
Foundation and Success
Starting off as an expansion franchise for the Central Hockey League, the Colorado Eagles remained there until 2011 when they moved to the ECHL where they remained until the end of the 2017/18 season. During those early years, they were in a position to win three regular season titles, 7 division championships, 6 conference championships, the Ray Miron President’s Cup on two occasions, and the Kelly Cup in 2017.
There are now also discussions surrounding them becoming the official affiliate for the Colorado Avalanche, a move that would help to propel them further into the big time and allow for the attainment of a higher level of player due to the potential of making it into the NHL.
Location and Watching a Game
The team plays out of the Budweiser Events Center which has a capacity of 7,200. It is a venue that they have sold out on a number of occasions with them holding the record for the most capacity attendances in a row which came at the absolute height of their success.
The team themselves have a mix of both American and Canadian players with there being a further mix of those that have direct NHL experience while others have AHL experience, which will prove to be rather interesting as the team moves into that division. They also have several players that have been given to them to get experience from both the Colorado Avalanche and the San Antonio Rampage, which gives an indication of the esteem that they are held in by both teams.
Even if you are not a huge ice hockey fan, checking out the Colorado Eagles is going to prove to be a fun time simply because of the atmosphere and energy that appears with every single game. It is fast and crazy, and the noise that is generated has to be heard to be believed. However, you can rest assured that you will have an amazing time should you be lucky enough to find a ticket.
Seeing an Eagles game is a great way to spend a night around Fort Collins!