Denver withdraws bid for 1976 Olympic Games | Nov. 15, 1972 | Colorado’s Top 150 Sports Moments

By Paul Klee July 2, 2026 | updated 14 minutes ago

In this Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018, photo, posters used in Colorado's effort to secure an Olympic bid in 1976 are part of the memorabilia collection of the Denver Public Library in Denver. Members of a committee studying whether Denver should try again to host a Winter Olympics, most likely in 2030, are also scheduled to participate in the forum sponsored by neighborhood groups on Saturday, March 10, 2018. They expect to make a recommendation in early May. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

Happy birthday, Colorado — and Colorado sports.

Leading into the state’s 150th birthday Aug. 1, The Denver Gazette has partnered with the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame to publicize the definitive list of Colorado’s top 150 sports moments.

For Nos. 50 to 1, Colorado Sports Hall of Fame historian Dave Plati coordinated a 19-member committee to rank in order what they considered the top moments. The No. 1 moment will be revealed July 31. Plati and Broncos icon Jim Saccomano will unveil the list weekly on a Colorado Sports Hall of Fame podcast at coloradosports.org/podcast/.

Colorado's Top 150 Sports Moments — Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Top 150 Sports Moments

No. 23 — Nov. 15, 1972

A grassroots organization against bringing the 1976 Olympics to Colorado at taxpayer expense was formed in July. Citizen’s for Colorado’s Future (CCF) submitted a petition with 77,392 signatures to the Secretary of State to get an initiative on the 1972 election day ballot stating no city or state funds shall be permitted to fund the Olympic games. It passed with 60% of the vote, and Denver officially withdrew its bid on Nov. 15.

—Dave Plati, Colorado Sports Hall of Fame historian

Paul Klee

Reporter