Once upon a time (read: the 1970s and 1980s) Colorado had a professional hockey team called the Colorado Rockies. The team didn't do too well, so in the early 80s the team owner decided to sell the team. Here's Denver Westword on the situation:
↵↵↵By 1982, owner Peter Gilbert, who'd purchased the team a little over a year earlier, was looking to unload it -- and Steinbrenner was among those who considered purchasing the Rockies and relocating the squad back east. But no: According to a May 26, 1982 United Press International piece, Steinbrenner subsequently withdrew from bidding, declaring that the $30 million pricetag Gilbert had affixed was "much too steep for that particular club.''
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Ultimately the team moved to New Jersey and became the Devils. We know how the story goes for Colorado: The real Colorado Rockies started play in 1993 and hockey returned to Denver in style in 1995-96 with the Colorado Avalanche and a Stanley Cup championship.
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