Fans ‘Bolt Up' on Chargers Spirit Day

The Chargers take on the Broncos Sunday in Denver in the second round playoffs game

With just two days left until the Chargers’ playoffs game against the Broncos, San Diego was a sea of blue and gold Friday as fans “bolted up” for the gridiron showdown and celebrated Chargers spirit day.

In National City, businesses showed their Chargers pride by decking out their store in team colors, flags and other Bolts gear. Participating businesses on the “Bolt Up” crusade include Appliance Parts Center, Inc. on East 8th Street as well as Aunt Emma’s Pancakes, Clarion Hotel South Bay and Frank Motors, all on National City Boulevard.

Meanwhile, on Mira Mesa Boulevard, Chargers fans held an early morning pep rally Friday at the Mira Mesa Park and Ride off Interstate 15.

There, Bolts fan Robert Farrell said he’s looking forward to watching an exciting game and celebrating a Chargers victory come Sunday.

“The only thing that I’m a little bit worried about is the cold weather. It’s going to be crazy cold up there and I’m not sure if that’s going to be a problem. But other than that, they’re going to play great ball. We’ve had a great season,” said Farrell.

At the rally, attendees who contributed a $10 donation to local charity Just in Time received a special Bolts-themed T-shirt featuring the tagline, “Fear the Bolo.”

That is, of course, a reference to the bolo tie worn recently by Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers. Ever since Rivers sported the stylish neckwear, the buzz behind the bolo has been strong in America’s Finest City.

The “Fear the Bolo” shirt was made by the James Gang Company in Ocean Beach. The apparel has become so popular, store employees say they’re completely sold out of the shirts and are currently printing more to accommodate customer demand.

Store employees told NBC 7 Rivers himself has even ordered some of the T-shirts for his family and friends.

Meanwhile, over at Rady Children’s Hospital, even young fans showed their Bolts pride. Signs of encouragement in hand, little Chargers fans posed for photos (see gallery above) sending the team their best wishes ahead of the game against Denver.

Even San Diego Interim Mayor Todd Gloria got in on the action by encouraging all city employees to wear Chargers colors or gear Friday in honor of spirit day.

Gloria also placed a bet on the Bolts with Denver Mayor Michael Hancock earlier in the week. If the Broncos win, Hancock will send Gloria some of Denver’s finest green chili.

If the Bolts win, Gloria has agreed to send Hancock some San Diego staples including a California burrito, carne asada fries and deep-fried catfish tacos.

Finally, at NBC 7 San Diego, the morning news crew made a friendly wager with our NBC station in Denver on the outcome of the game. If the Broncos win, NBC 7 will send the Denver news crew some fish tacos and famous San Diego craft beer. If the Bolts win, the Denver crew will send some of their city’s best craft beer.

Are you celebrating the Chargers today at a local spirit event? Let us know how you plan to “Bolt Up” in the comments section below. Go Chargers!

Contact Us