Watkins opened Diamond Dawgs when Coors Field opened in 1995. What he originally thought might be a one year adventure turned into more than three decades of Rockies games, familiar faces and a cart that became part of the experience of going to a game in LoDo.
During baseball season, Watkins sets up at 19th and Wynkoop. Over the years, he has served generations of fans and built a following that goes well beyond the food. On a typical Opening Day, Diamond Dawgs has sold around 800 hot dogs, and Watkins says the wildest season he remembers was 2007, when the Rockies made their unforgettable run to the World Series.
Now, after 31 seasons, Watkins is retiring. He told CBS Colorado that the decision comes down to his body telling him it is time and wanting to spend more time with family and friends. When asked what he will miss the most, his answer was simple: the people.
The Rockies play their final home game of the 2026 season on Thursday, September 24 against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Coors Field. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. For Rockies fans, it will also be one last chance to stop by Diamond Dawgs and say goodbye to a Denver game day tradition that has been there since the ballpark opened.
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