When you think of Colorado and “Star Wars” it might surprise you to know the state has some of the movie franchise’s biggest fans in the nation.
With Star Wars Day coming May 4, BetColorado.com — which typically features extensive coverage of Colorado sports betting — decided to look at the states most fanatic about the “Star Wars” franchise.
We utilized Google Trends to see the search volume in each of the U.S. states for the topic “Star Wars,” which covers all movies, shows and more of the franchise. For a solid sample size, we used searches over the past five years.
Most Star Wars Fanatic States
Star Wars Celebrations Started in Denver
Despite the fact none of the movies have been filmed here, and there’s no amusement park rides honoring “Star Wars,” Colorado is tied for ninth with New Hampshire in the nation for being the most fanatic about the franchise. The Pueblo-Colorado Springs and Denver metro areas top the state for the most searches.
The top five topics from the “Star Wars” universe have included two animated series in “Star Wars: The Bad Batch” and “Star Wars: Visions,” the “Andor” series on the Disney Plus streaming service, and Grogu, the little star of the “Mandalorian” series on Disney Plus.
The most recent Star Wars Celebration event was held in London in April, and it updated fans about new films, television shows and more. Thousands of fans attended the event.
One reason Colorado ranks so high among fanatics is the first Star Wars Celebration event was held in Denver in 1999. According to historycolorado.org, Colorado’s Dan Madsen ran the Star Wars Fan Club and helped plan the event in 1999, which preceded the release of “Episode I: The Phantom Menance.”
The event was held at the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum and about 20,000 fans attended to see some of the movie’s stars.
In a more recent update that may or may not have anything to do with “Star Wars” fandom in Colorado, George Lucas’ wife, Mellody Hobson, became one of the new co-owners of the Denver Broncos in 2022. Of course, Lucas is the mastermind behind all things “Star Wars.”
Starting this season, betting on the Broncos with Colorado sportsbook promo codes could more literally provide an “out of this world” experience.
So as May 4 approaches, just know many in Colorado will be celebrating. May the force be with you.
Author
Douglas Pils has been a sports journalist for 30 years in Texas, Arkansas and New York having worked for the San Antonio Express-News, the Associated Press, The Dallas Morning News and Newsday. He most recently ran the Student Media Department at Texas A&M for eight years.
