Sports Authority Field neighbors hope to dim bright lights

DENVER — A light fight is brewing in one Denver community where neighbors say a plan to make Sports Authority Field at Mile High brighter has a dark side.

They say the proposed five new signs on the stadium, including three signs that spell out Sports Authority Field, could become a neighborhood nightmare.

“It isn’t way-finding signage, it’s advertising,” says Thad Texa.

City Councilwoman Judy Montero is on record for opposing the signage, saying certain conditions were agreed upon when the stadium was opened in 2001.

For Jacob Villarreal, who moved to Denver from Dallas two months ago, a brighter stadium isn’t a problem.

“In a way, there are times I wish this area was a little more lit up,” he says.

The planning board voted unanimously to require Sports Authority to adhere to the 2001 sign plan, though two new signs were approved.

The signs will face toward the stadium.