Tag: Sports

Continuing the Legacy of the Denver Nuggets

Posted on by Dan Eckersley

Coming off of an NBA Finals win in Game 5, and with Nikola Jokic claiming the NBA Finals MVP title in 2023, the Denver Nuggets finally struck it rich! 

After all, it only took 47 years since the team was founded as a charter team in the American Basketball Association (ABA) in 1967 to claim the title. By 1976, the team made their way into the NBA league, where this past season, they took the championship home.

Join us to mine for some more basketball nuggets, including memorable moments and team history, as we jumpstart the season. 

What’s a Denver Nugget?

Interestingly, the Denver Nuggets were once known as the Denver Rockets, a name they had to give up due to a pre-existing Rockets team in Houston. Historically speaking, the Nuggets name fits much better with Colorado’s mining roots, where gold and silver nuggets meant miners had struck it rich.  

Notable Nuggets Players

Throughout the years, the Denver Nuggets have had several notable players who have paved the way for the team’s success. Some include Dan Issel, David Thompson, Dikembe Mutombo, and Carmelo Anthony. Thompson, the first overall pick in the 1975 draft, and Issel, a six-time NBA All-Star, garnered much praise for their skill and determination on the basketball court. 

Alex English holds three Nuggets records: most points scored (21,645), most assists (3,679), and most minutes played (29,893).

The most recent player to make a mark for the team is Nikola Jokic. He was the 41st pick in the 2014 draft and has made his 7-foot presence known since he arrived. In 2016, he was named to the NBA Rookie First Team. He’s since become the team’s all-time leader in playoff triple-doubles. He was the first-ever Nuggets player to earn the NBA MVP award, and last season was named the Finals MVP. 

High Score Holder

Did you know that the Denver Nuggets hold the record for the highest-scoring NBA game in total points in history? On December 13, 1983, the Nuggets played the Detroit Pistons and racked up an incredible 186-184 triple-overtime game. Led by Kiki Vandeweghe, who scored 51 points (equaling an NBA record for field goals in a game), the teams put on a display that still lives on in history.

Here’s to Your Denver Nuggets!

As the NBA’s current champions, the Nuggets are a slam dunk in your basketball viewing schedule this season as they continue to build on their legacy. Isn’t it about time to put on your Joker jersey, order up your favorite snacks for the game, and enjoy the game with friends at your nearest neighborhood location to cheer on those Nuggets?

Cycle Through Time: How the Tour de France Has Evolved Over the Years

Posted on by Dan Eckersley

Every year, over 51 million Americans ride their bicycles, which means this is the third most-popular outdoor activity in the nation!

While some people bike out of necessity (for commuting), others love doing it to see the scenery. But others would prefer to watch it on screen, such as when big races like the Tour de France are on.

The Tour de France is a race for the ages, which makes it worth learning about. Read on for a brief Tour de France history!

The Starting Line: Origins of the Tour de France and Its Early Years

The very first Tour de France happened on July 1, 1903. The race had six stages, starting and ending in Paris. Each stage was around 250 miles, and took the cyclists through cities like Lyon, Marseilles, and Toulouse.

The competitors only got one to three days to rest between stages. And even though there were no mountain passes, this 1,500-mile race was still pretty brutal.

For instance, it was a completely solo trip for the cyclists. They had to bring their own supplies and fix their bikes when they broke down.

Advancements in Cycling Technology: How Bikes and Gears Have Transformed the Race

We have years of ever-advancing technology to thank for shaping the modern Tour de France. For example, we have aerodynamic bikes with streamlined designs and materials like carbon fiber, which make climbs faster and more efficient.

Bikes also now have electronic shifting and disc brakes. The former allows for easier gear shifting, and the latter provides increased stopping power and consistent performance in various weather conditions.

As for the riders, they can utilize aerodynamic clothing made of moisture-wicking and cooling fabrics. Specialized clothing also have advanced padding, chamois, and temperature regulation technologies for better comfort.

The Route Less Traveled: Changes in the Tour de France Course Over Time

As time progressed, Tour de France changes made the race only more difficult. More stages were added to the Tour de France course, and today, it has 21 stages that span 2,200 miles. There are also mountain climbs and time trials.

The earlier races were held during the day and night, but the darkness covered cheating. So to curb this, the Tour de France only occurs during the daytime.

Iconic Moments and Legendary Cyclists: Memorable Highlights From the Tour de France

One iconic moment was when the first famed yellow jersey was given to Eugene Christophe on July 19, 1919. Another was when a spectator punched Eddy Merckx in the liver; although heavily injured, he was able to finish the race (vomiting at the line).

Lance Armstrong was known for having a record of seven straight wins in the Tour de France. However, they were disqualified in 2012. This leaves a four-way tie of five wins each between Jacques Antquetil, Bernard Hinault, Miguel Indurain, and Eddy Merckx.

Bringing the Race to Bout Time Pub and Grub: Celebrating the Tour de France With Fellow Enthusiasts

Now that you know all about the Tour de France history, don’t you want to get in on the action? Here at Bout Time Pub and Grub, we’ve got more TVs than tables, so you and your buddies can chow down on great meals, drink cold beers, and cheer on the cyclists on the big screens.

So what are you waiting for? Find your nearest Bout Time Pub and Grub location!

Masters Tournament Facts, Trivia, and Predictions for This Year

Posted on by Dan Eckersley

The Masters Tournament is one of the year’s most highly anticipated golf events. It takes place annually at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia and attracts top golfers worldwide. 

If you can’t make it out to Georgia, there are many ways to watch the Masters tournament. All the major sports channels will cover the tournament, and we’ll have it playing at Bout Time Pub! 

Interesting Facts about Past Tournaments and Winners

The Masters Golf Tournament has a rich history from its inception in 1934. Here are some interesting facts about past tournaments and winners:

The youngest winner of the Masters was Tiger Woods in 1997 at the age of 21. He won by a record-breaking 12 strokes and became the first African-American to win the tournament. He went on to win the tournament five times – and his career isn’t over yet! 

The oldest winner of the Masters was Jack Nicklaus in 1986 at 46. He won his sixth green jacket, which is the award given to the tournament winner.

Predictions for Top Contenders in 2023

While it’s always tricky to predict who will come out on top at the Masters, a few golfers will likely be top contenders in 2023. Here are our predictions:

  • Jon Rahm: Rahm is currently ranked as the number-one golfer globally and has consistently been one of the top golfers on the PGA Tour.
  • Collin Morikawa: Morikawa is a rising star in the golf world and has already won two major championships, including the 2020 PGA Championship.
  • Bryson DeChambeau: DeChambeau has become known for his unique approach to the game and has already won a major championship at the 2020 U.S. Open.
  • Jordan Spieth: Spieth has had a bit of a slump in recent years, but he’s still a top golfer with three major championships under his belt. He also won the Masters once before, in 2015.

Iconic Masters Moments

The Masters Tournament has produced many memorable moments over the years. 

Tiger Woods’ comeback win in 2019: After several years of injury and personal struggles, Woods made an incredible comeback to win the 2019 Masters. It was his fifth win at the tournament and his first major championship in 11 years.

Next, Jack Nicklaus’ historic victory in 1986: At 46, Nicklaus became the oldest winner of the Masters with his sixth green jacket. He also made a landmark charge on the back nine, making birdies on five of the last nine holes.

Finally, Phil Mickelson’s approach shot on the 13th hole in 2010: Mickelson hit an incredible approach shot on the 13th hole in the final round of the 2010 Masters. The shot was so good that it’s now known as “The Shot” and helped Mickelson win his third green jacket.

Tips for Watching the Masters Tournament

For fans who can’t make it to Augusta National, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the Masters from home. Head to Bout Time Pub for full Masters Tournament coverage, great food, and quality drinks. 

Don’t have a week to watch golf? Come see us for the Masters final 4. We’ll have all the TV’s tuned to this iconic tournament. See you soon! 

Bracket Busting Facts About the Final Four

Posted on by Dan Eckersley

Are you among the 58% of Americans watching college basketball? If so, you know that March Madness is the pinnacle of every college basketball season. But you might not know much about the history of this storied event.

Read on to learn some bracket-busting facts about the Final Four!

A Sports Broadcaster Coined March Madness 

That’s right — the phrase March Madness hasn’t been around forever. Longtime sports broadcaster Brent Musberger mentioned the phrase during a game in 1982, and the name caught on.

The only hitch? A high school state championship program had also laid claim to the phrase — starting in 1939. Fortunately, the NCAA and the high school sports program were granted permission to use March Madness!

Five Is an Unlucky Number

Earning a #5 seed in the tournament sounds like a solid ranking for a basketball program. Good luck winning the tournament, though!

That’s because there has never been a #5 seed to walk away with the trophy. And only three teams have ever advanced to the championship game with that seed.

Kansas City Has Hosted the Most Games

You might be surprised that this Midwestern city ranks at the top. But that’s largely because Kansas City’s Municipal Auditorium, which dates back to 1935, scored nine hosting gigs between 1940 and 1964. Today, the Superdome in New Orleans tackles most of the Final Four hosting duties. 

The Courts Originate in Michigan

It makes sense to assume that the college basketball teams simply play on the given courts at a venue. But once again, there’s a surprising twist. The gleaming hardwood courts you see Final Four teams battle it out on are installed especially for the game.

Connor Sports sustainably sources the maple at its mill in Amasa, Michigan. Once the floors are processed and finished, they’re shipped to the courts for installation.

You’re Unlikely to Pick the Winning Teams

Have you been following college basketball all season? Even so, you’re probably not going to score a victory with your brackets. You’re better off entering the lottery if you hope to increase your winning odds. 

That said, a man chose the correct outcomes of the first 49 games in 2019. But that’s as far as he got!

1979’s Title Game Drew the Biggest Audience

If you’ve ordered a pizza with friends while watching a Final Four game in recent years, you may think you’re part of history. But the most-watched championship game on television wasn’t a recent one.

That’s understandable when you learn that the marquee players squaring off in 1979 were Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. The Michigan State Spartans, led by Johnson, came out on top. 

Get Ready for the Final Four

When you tune in for the Final Four, you’ll be able to impress your friends with little-known facts about the tournament. You can talk about the special hardwood courts, the history of the term March Madness, and more. Plus, you’ll know better than to let a #5 seed ascend to the championship game when filling out your bracket.

Ready to enjoy some fantastic grub while you indulge in March basketball? Check us out for the best pub in town!