The Colorado Rapids' MLS home game Saturday against the Montreal Impact will go on as scheduled, but the the postgame fireworks display has been canceled.
The reason, per a Rapids news release Friday: "the confirmed presence of plague-infested fleas affecting prairie dog colonies" in the area surrounding Dick's Sporting Goods Park.
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That would be "plague-infested" as in The Plague (a.k.a. the bubonic plague), which killed an estimated 50 million people in the Middle Ages, peaking in Europe in the 1300s.
"Our highest priority is the health and safety of our fans, staff, and local community," the team said in its release. "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."
According to the Centers for Disease Control, people typically contract plague by being bitten by rodent fleas carrying Yersinia pestis, the bacterium that causes the disease. Although plague is a very serious illness (thus the abundance of caution by the Rapids), it is treatable with commonly available antibiotics.
The cancellation of the fireworks show at the stadium in suburban Commerce City, north of Denver, was at the recommendations of the Tri-County Health Department and the City of Commerce City, the team said.
Additionally, at the health department’s recommendation for the safety of those planning to attend the soccer game, parking will be restricted to asphalt lots until further notice.
According to the Rapids, the health department feels that these precautions "will greatly minimize the risk of exposure to patrons, players, and employees and help ensure a safe experience".
