Colorado Rapids Cancel Fireworks Celebration Due to the Literal Plague

The Colorado Rapids have announced that their match on Saturday against the Montreal Impact will be played as scheduled. However, the fireworks celebration after the game has been cancelled.

The reason: The plague.

Plague-infested fleas have been found on prairie dog colonies in the area near Dick’s Sporting Goods Park of Commerce City, Denver. For obvious reasons, the Rapids felt the need to take action by following the recommendations given by the Tri-County Health Department and the City of Commerce City.

“Our highest priority is the health and safety of our fans, staff, and local community. We will continue to monitor the situation in the lead up to the Rapids home game with Montreal Impact on Saturday at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park."

- Colorado Rapids Media Relation

The stadium is located near the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to 330 species of animals, including bison, black-footed ferrets, bald eagles, and apparently a bunch of plague-infested prairie dogs.

They should probably throw that somewhere in the brochures.

I can't imagine that every fan will still feel safe just because the fireworks show was cancelled. However, Tri-County Health Director Dr. John M Douglas Jr stated that the plague is actually quite common in Colorado prairie dog colonies and can be managed effectively with insecticides.

Just when you thought you have seen it all.