Had a blast in Denver last weekend and saw my first Phish show, so I thought I'd post a reply here to sum things up.
My first Phish show Friday night was a great time. In terms of atmosphere, people, weather and music....I had zero complaints (except for maybe more porto-john's in the lots). I was a little worried we'd get rained out because it was raining when we got to the the lots, but it cleared up before the show and turned out to be a beauty of a night. I didn't know all of the songs, but knew quite a few and all the fans I met were very friendly and dancing the whole show. No one believed me that it was my first show and if they did, their reaction was as if I told a good friend I was going to lose my virginity......pretty funny.
There were a few things that really surprised me about the whole experience......
......1) They had an area about the size of a city block right outside the stadium full of vendors who seemed to travel with the band and just hang out selling stuff (food, booze, shirts, art work, instruments and other "collectibles"). It was like it's own free market and everything was very cheap and very "accessible." There's no way most of those vendors were licensed to sell what they were selling, but no one seemed to care and that made for a great atmosphere and buyer's market. It was pretty fun just walking around and talking to everyone.
......2) I knew the Phish fans were passionate and friendly, but didn't expect them to be as smart and coherent as they were. I know that sounds bad and pretty stereotypical on my part, but I didn't feel like I was surrounded by a bunch of "worthless burn-outs" by any means. Sure, there was plenty of drinkin' and smokin' going on, but it didn't feel out of control by any means. It was not uncommon to see people smokin' in front of police officers or security guards......but then again, we were in Denver were it's basically legal to do so now. As long as everyone was behaving and being respectful, no one really cared. It was just surprising to see that, but also refreshing at the same time. I had multiple locals (cab drivers, hotel staff, etc.) tell me that Phish brings in more $$ to the area this weekend than any other shows or sporting events (including the Broncos). People travel from all over the country for these shows.
.......3) There were some gorgeous ladies at the show. I guess I was kind of expecting a sausage fest. There were definitely a lot more dudes, but was pleasantly surprised by the female turnout.
Here's a link to the set list for the show I saw if anyone is interested in what they played. My favorites of the night (which I had heard before) were "Theme from the Bottom," "Moma Dance," "Lawn Boy," and "Twist."
Better yet,
here is a link to the youtube video of the live webcast from the show. Apparently, all 3 nights were webcast live and I guess the band does this quite often. I haven't watched the whole webcast replay, but we were about 3 rows back in front of Gordon (bassist), so maybe I'm dancing like a fool on there somewhere....?
As for Saturday night, I opted to not go to the show

skeptical

and decided to meet up with an old college buddy downtown, check out the Taste of Colorado and watch the ISU/UNI game @ Stoney's Full Steam Tavern with a bunch of cyclone fans. I ended up having a great time with exception of the game of course. Overall, I was pretty impressed with the alumni gathering @ Stoney's and there had to have been close to 100 cyclone fans there. It was a very nice bar with good ISU drink and food specials too. I had the "Paul Rhoads" pork tenderloin sandwich and it was one of the best I've ever had. If you're ever in Denver for an ISU game, I'd highly recommend checking this place out. Apparently, they're planning to have a hog roast for the ISU vs. OSU game this year too.
I ended up flying back to the Twin Cities on Sunday (9/1) so I could spend time with the fam on Labor Day, so I didn't see the final Phish show in person either. I thought I'd be fine with only seeing Phish one night, but I definitely left wishing I could have seen more. If they end the summer tour again in Denver next year over Labor Day, I may have to seriously consider another trip out there.
That about wraps it up. Thanks for the hospitality Denver. Enjoy your weekend all.