Michael Bridges was part of Leeds United's show of force at the 13th Premier League Mornings Live fan festival in Denver last weekend.
The former Whites striker joined more than 13,000 fans of Premier League clubs at Denver Union Station on Saturday and Sunday for a free event that brought the top flight matchday experience to the state of Colorado.
But Bridges' whirlwind weekend began on Friday with an unforgettable trip to a world famous entertainment venue and an encounter with a Leeds United supporters club. This is his tour diary. Friday
Local media duties. Red Rocks trip. Visiting Colorado Rockies baseball team. LUFC Colorado fan meet-up and Q&A.
"The Red Rocks amphitheater was an incredible venue to witness and to see the amount of people who had played there. We got a guided tour backstage, which was brilliant. They have 200 concerts there a year. We were up at altitude taking in the scenery, everyone thoroughly enjoyed it, ticking off a bucket list thing. The only thing I struggled with was climbing the stairs because at altitude you're a lot less able to get oxygen into your lungs and I'm unfit. All the ex players were knackered at the top.
"It was great to go to our Colorado supporters branch to meet Bo [Barrington] and all his family and friends spreading the word for the club. I think they've got 100-plus members. I know the dedication they all put in. We had a Q&A and shared some banter and booze but had to wrap up pretty early because we had to get down to the media launch for a 4am start. The dedication these fans abroad have got to put in - getting three or four hours sleep."
Saturday
Premier League event. Live on-air NBC interview. Colorado Rapids match.
"Very early start for the Premier League event, 4am we had to be there to be ready for all the fans turning up. Gates opened at 4.30am and it was amazing to see all the queues and our fans all there. They rushed all the way to the front to get to the main stage. I had a 5am live cross [interview] with Robbie Mustoe in front of our tent. It was great. We had a really good start. It was still pitch black but it was amazing to see everyone celebrating our first half performance and the goal we scored. It was very family friendly, everyone getting on. I was blown away by the numbers."
"Then we went to the Colorado Rapids match and got to be pitch side with Kevin Phillips, Mark Bright and David Meyler. We did the special plunger for the water spout to kick off the game, then sat in the crowd. The ball was travelling further because of the altitude and didn't spin as much. I was speaking to Paxten [Aaronson, brother of Brenden] afterwards and he said they always seem to have an advantage from 70 minutes on because they're the fitter team due to altitude training. We chatted about the game and how good the opposition keeper was, and did a Leeds and Rapids shirt swap. It was a really entertaining game." Sunday
Media duties. Travel home. Reflecting on trip.
"There was a massive appetite from the media, wanting to interview us as ex-players. I paired up with Kevin Phillips on the first day and then Shola Ameobi on the second day to do seven or eight media outlets, live crosses and national broadcasters. Lots of people doing different events with VR headset challenges, power shot, mini pitches.
"The ex-players thoroughly enjoyed all the interaction with the fans. We could go round and mix with fans from other teams as well as ours. Lots of banter between the ex-players and competitiveness, who could get the hardest shot or win the VR headset challenges. It was a huge event and a great success on both days, both sell outs. Our fanbase over there is growing hugely."
