King of the Mountain: DraftKings Conquers Colorado

Article by : Helen Oct 7, 2020

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Updated: Mar 23, 2023

A collaboration that has already seen eight years together is now solidified even further. What started in 2012 has resulted in the Colorado Rockies naming DraftKings their official daily fantasy operator, as well as the first official sports betting operator in the Denver baseball franchise’s twenty-seven-year history.

Interestingly enough, DraftKings announced that one of the reasons they pursued the official partnership with the Colorado Rockies was due to the high number of DraftKings players in the state. Matt Kalish, president and co-founder of DraftKings in North America said, “In the short span since launching our top-rated mobile sportsbook app in Colorado this past May, Coloradoans have proven to be among our most engaged customers, which makes our deepened connection to the state through these collaborations all the more exciting.” This explains why DraftKings, which is available in eight different US states, set its sights on Colorado first.

The official partnership includes in-stadium branding rights for DraftKings, as well as grants for the daily betting operator to make use of the Rockies trademarks and logos. There’s no announcement as of yet when the DraftKings sign or logo will be added to the Rockies’ long-standing home diamond, Coors Field.

One of the original North American daily betting operators, DraftKings, isn’t content to rest at just stadium signage though. Walker Monfort, the Rockies’ Vice President of Corporate Partnerships agrees, and is happy to oblige, “Expanding on our current deal for daily fantasy sports will only enhance what we’ve built with DraftKings up to this point. Tying our brand to an early industry leader in the new frontier of legalized sports betting will be a great new endeavor for both parties.” That includes a dedication from both the Colorado Rockies and DraftKings to creating sports content that cannot be found anywhere else. As part of their newly minted partnership, the duo has slated various interviews with Rockies players for DraftKings’ exclusive series “The Sweat”. That means Rockies fans can expect a healthy amount of content from podcasts to live videos centered around their favorite players and team to be in regular rotation on the DraftKings’ website.

With the digital media front covered, DraftKings opted to further their investment in Colorado gaming by opening a sportsbook location within Mardi Gras Casino in Blackhawk, Colorado.

Meant to be the ultimate environment for the modern sports and gaming fan, the DraftKings Sportsbook venue has over 44 TVs to show the games as well as odds boards, in addition to five self-service betting kiosks and three off-track betting terminals. Try to imagine the thrill of watching the games unfold on a wall of fifty-five inch TVs, DraftKings is determined to create a one-of-a-kind experience that can’t be found anywhere else.

For those fans interested in a luxury experience, there are two VIP sections as well as a full-service bar and restaurant featuring pub-style food with a signature Colorado flair (think short-ribs, poached egg BLTs, and carnitas).

There is nothing like it in Black Hawk, and we are excited to become Colorado’s new home for all sports.

With such a hefty investment in not just the Colorado Rockies but the entire Colorado gaming industry as a whole, you have to wonder if DraftKings actions now are the blueprint for what they intend to build in the other eight states where they are currently operational. If DraftKings lands another sports franchise partnership in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or West Virginia, you can expect DraftKings Sportsbook venues to follow as well.