Colorado Avalanche / 2001 NHL All-Star Game
Tourism Star Award Recipient — 2002
One of the most exciting events in Denver’s professional sports history took place on February 4, 2001, when the NHL All-Star Game at the Pepsi Center set an all-time record with 26 goals. But there was a lot more action in Denver that week than on the ice. The NHL All-Star Weekend and NHL FANtasy, January 31-Feb. 4, 2002, attracted 85,000 visitors and fans to a series of exciting and colorful downtown events that turned a normally slow period for Denver into boom times. Hotels and restaurants were full, and Denver received worldwide media coverage. This excitement was continued when the Colorado Avalanche went on to win the 2001 Stanley Cup. For an entire year, Denver was the place for professional hockey with an event and world championship that brought media attention and economic benefits to the Mile High City.
The profile of each Tourism Star is reflective of the time of the award.