Alan Roach

American sports announcer

Alan Roach

Roach in 2014

Born|

Kelly James Burnham

(1966-03-29) March 29, 1966 (age 59)

Slayton, Minnesota, U.S.

Sports commentary career
Team(s)| Minnesota Vikings (2016–present)
Colorado Avalanche (1999–present)
Colorado Rapids (2016–present)
Denver Broncos (2000–2016)
Colorado Rockies (1993–2006)
Colorado Buffaloes (2007–2009)
Denver Pioneers (2004–2005)
Colorado Springs SkySox (1990–1991)
Denver Grizzlies (1994–1995)
Sports| Football:

Super Bowls XL-XLVII, LI–LIX (2006–2013, 2017–2025)
NFL Pro Bowl: 2009–present
NFL International Series: 2007–present

Hockey: NCHC Championship 2016
NHL All-Star Game (2001, 2003–2004)
NHL Stanley Cup Finals (2001 and 2022)
Winter Olympic Games:

* Sochi, Russia 2014
* Vancouver, Canada 2010
* Torino, Italy 2006
* Salt Lake City, United States 2002

Baseball:
Pan Am Games – Toronto, Ontario 2015
MLB All–Star Game – Coors Field – Denver, Colorado 1998
2019 Inaugural MLB in London Series – London Stadium

MLB London Series – London Stadium – London, England 2019

Soccer:
2018 FIFA World Cup
United States women's national soccer team 2016
MLS All-Stars vs. Tottenham 2015

Rugby:

Churchill Cup 2009–2010
Website| www.alanroach.net

Kelly James Burnham (born March 29, 1966), known professionally as Alan Roach, is an American sports announcer and radio personality. He currently is the public address announcer for the Minnesota Vikings, Colorado Avalanche, and Colorado Rapids. Roach is also the official public address announcer of the Super Bowl, the voice of NFL events worldwide, and a public address announcer at the Olympic Games. He is one of the current voices of the underground train system in Denver International Airport. His announcing credits include 16 Super Bowls, five Olympic gold medal hockey games, and multiple All-Star games for the National Football League, National Hockey League, and Major League Baseball. He also serves as the announcer in EA Sports' since Madden NFL 21, as well as the FIFA series.

## Early life

[edit]

Kelly James Burnham was born on March 29, 1966, in Slayton, Minnesota. He moved from Slayton to Brainerd, Minnesota in ninth grade.[1] Roach began his radio career as a high school student in with KLIZ radio at Brainerd High School. After graduating from BHS in 1984, he began at Southwest Minnesota State University[2][3] While at SMSU, Burnham began to be called "Little Roach" in reference to his older brother Mark, who had the nickname Roach. When he was asked to come up with a radio name some 20 years later in 1991, he chose Alan Roach. After his first year, he was offered and accepted a full-time job as Sports Director at the radio station on Brainerd, dropping out of school.[3]

## Professional career

[edit]

Burnham's first sports announcing job was as the public address announcer for the Colorado Springs Sky Sox in 1990, having been asked to fill in for the regular PA announcer during a vacation. His full-time gig at the time was on-air at Classic Rocker KKFM going by the name Kelly O'Shea.[4] In 1991, Roach became the afternoon host on KRFX radio in Denver.[5] In 2000, Roach began as morning sports anchor on KOA radio in Denver. He was cut from the position during a downsizing in 2015.[5][6]

### Baseball

[edit]

Roach was hired as the public address announcer for the Colorado Rockies prior to the first game they played as a franchise in 1993. Roach served as PA announcer for every home game in Mile High Stadium and later Coors Field through the 2006 MLB season.[7][8][9]

### Hockey

[edit]

Roach began as public address announcer for the Colorado Avalanche with their first game played in Pepsi Center for the 1999–2000 season. On June 9, 2001, Roach missed the Rockies game to announce the historic Stanley Cup Game 7 win over the New Jersey Devils. He announced the post-game ceremony in which Joe Sakic famously handed the Stanley Cup to Ray Bourque. As of 2017[update], Roach continues as the public address announcer for the Avalanche.[9] He was also the public address announcer for the Denver Grizzlies' only season in the International Hockey League from 1994 to 1995 during their Turner Cup-winning season, providing Roach with his first Championship Ring. The Colorado Avalanche hosted the 2001 NHL All-Star game. Roach served as PA announcer for that game and the following NHL All-star games in Sunrise, Florida in 2003 and in St. Paul, Minnesota in 2004.

Roach also served as English-speaking public address announcer for all men's Olympic hockey games at the E-Center in Salt Lake City, Utah for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. Roach also announced hockey in Turin, Italy at the 2006 Winter Olympic Games at Torino Palasport Olimpico. Roach was also heard in Canada Hockey Place in Vancouver announcing men's and women's games at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Roach announced the Canadian women's gold medal win over Team USA on February 25, 2010. Roach was in Sochi, Russia, announcing for the 2014 Olympic Winter Games hockey.[9]

### Football

[edit]

Roach began as the Denver Broncos PA announcer in 2000.[9]

Roach handled public address announcing duties for Super Bowls from 2006 to 2013, starting with Super Bowl XL in Detroit through Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans, Louisiana. Roach did not announce the 2014 Super Bowl, as the NFL cited a potential competitive advantage for the Broncos having their regular P.A. announcer be the announcer at the Super Bowl.[10] The same situation presented itself in 2016, as the Denver Broncos played the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50. Roach resumed PA duties at Super Bowl LI in 2017. Roach is heard regularly at league events like the NFL Draft, Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, NFL International Series in London, England, Pro Bowl, and the Super Bowl.

On June 27, 2016, it was announced that Roach would become the PA announcer at newly completed U.S. Bank Stadium for the Minnesota Vikings. Born in Minnesota, Roach has been a lifelong Vikings fan.[11]

### Other work

[edit]

In addition to sports announcing, Roach has done work for other voice-over projects, such as the underground train system at Denver International Airport.[12][13] In 2019, he served as the voice of London Stadium for the 2019 MLB London series between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees. He also became the announcer of EA Sports' Madden NFL series since Madden NFL 21,[a] as well as the FIFA series.

## Personal life

[edit]

Roach and his wife, Jennifer, have two children.[2] He lives in Denver and flies to Minnesota for his Vikings announcement duties.[3] He has stated that he is a fan of English football club Crystal Palace.[14]

## Notes

[edit]

1. ^ Super Bowl only since Madden NFL 23

## References

[edit]

1. ^ Biakja, Mike (September 29, 2017). "Vikings' announcer to do PA at Warrior homecoming game". Brainerd Dispatch. pp. B1, B4. Retrieved January 21, 2025 - via Newspapers.com.
2. ^ a b Tweed, Jodie (September 24, 2017). "Kelly Burnham, Class of 1984". Brainerd Dispatch. p. 71. Retrieved January 21, 2025 - via Newspapers.com.
3. ^ a b c Mansch, Scott (October 17, 2023). "Conversation: Slayton native Kelly Burnham is an announcer for the ages". Worthington Globe. Retrieved January 21, 2025.
4. ^ "'Colorado Rrrrrrockies' stadium announcer Roach steps down". ESPN. February 27, 2007. Archived from the original on November 4, 2012. Retrieved February 22, 2010.
5. ^ a b Bialka, Mike (July 18, 2016). "Brainerd grad takes dream job with Vikings". Brainerd Dispatch. pp. B1, B5 - via Newspapers.com.
6. ^ "Alan Roach, veteran sports announcer, cut from KOA position – The Denver Post". Archived from the original on July 2, 2019. Retrieved June 27, 2016.
7. ^ "Coors Field announcer Alan Roach steps down from public address duties". Press Release. Colorado Rockies. February 27, 2007. Archived from the original on March 10, 2012. Retrieved February 22, 2009.
8. ^ Williamson, Bill (March 2, 2008). "Bronco's family wants Pats to lose". Denver Post. Archived from the original on June 4, 2011. Retrieved February 22, 2009.
9. ^ a b c d Erickson, Matt (October 2, 2017). "Burnham and Williams inducted into BHS HoF". Brainerd Dispatch. pp. A1, A4 - via Newspapers.com.
10. ^ "Alan Roach can't PA Super Bowl | 9news.com". Archived from the original on May 15, 2014. Retrieved May 15, 2014.
11. ^ Rand, Michael (June 28, 2016). "New Vikings P.A. announcer is longtime fan". Star Tribune. p. C2. Retrieved January 21, 2025 - via Newspapers.com.
12. ^ Flynn, Kevin (May 7, 2007). "New voices coming for DIA trains". The Rocky Mountain News. Archived from the original on July 11, 2007.
13. ^ "These are the voices you will be hearing in the Denver airport "Train Call" after 75,000 people voted". The Know. February 28, 2018. Retrieved March 1, 2018.
14. ^ "NFL announcer Alan Roach reveals how he became a Palace fan - News". Crystal Palace F.C. February 7, 2021.

## External links

[edit]

* Official website
* Voice123.com profile

* v
* t
* e

Colorado Avalanche

* Formerly the Quebec Nordiques
* Founded in 1972
* Based in Denver, Colorado

Franchise|

* Team
* General managers
* Coaches
* Players
* Captains
* Draft picks
* expansion draft
* Seasons
* Current season

History|

* Records
* Award winners
* Retired numbers
* Broadcasters

Personnel|

Owner(s)
Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (Stan Kroenke, chairman)
General manager
Chris MacFarland
Head coach
Jared Bednar
Team captain
Gabriel Landeskog
Current roster

Arenas|

* McNichols Sports Arena
* Ball Arena

Rivalries|

* Detroit Red Wings

Affiliates|

AHL
Colorado Eagles
ECHL
Utah Grizzlies

Media|

Altitude Sports and Entertainment
Radio
KKSE-FM

Culture and lore|

* Colorado Rockies (NHL)
* Quebec Nordiques
* Bernie
* Howler
* Frozen Fury
* Todd Bertuzzi–Steve Moore incident
* Avalanche–Red Wings brawl
* "Stanley's Cup" (South Park)
* 2016 Stadium Series
* 2020 Stadium Series
* Outdoors at Lake Tahoe
* "All the Small Things"
* Alan Roach

* Category
* Commons

* v
* t
* e

Colorado Rockies

* Established in 1993
* Based in Denver, Colorado

Franchise|

* History
* Expansion
* Expansion draft
* Seasons
* Records
* Players
* First-round draft picks
* Managers
* Owners and executives
* Broadcasters
* Opening Day starting pitchers

Ballparks|

* Mile High Stadium
* Coors Field

Spring training
Hi Corbett Field
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick

Culture|

* Dinger
* Blake Street Bombers
* "Hey! Baby" (DJ Ötzi song)
* "Rocky Mountain Way"
* Continental League
* Mike Coolbaugh
* "The Losing Edge" (South Park episode)
* "We Like to Party!" (Vengaboys song)
* Alan Roach

Lore|

* Rocktober
* 2007 NL Wild Card tie-breaker game
* 2018 NL West tie-breaker game
* MLB Mexico City Series

Retired numbers|

* 17
* 33
* 42

Key personnel|

* Owners: Charlie and Dick Monfort
* President: vacant
* General Manager: Bill Schmidt
* Manager: Bud Black

National League pennants (1)|

* 2007

Wild card berths (5)|

* 1995
* 2007
* 2009
* 2017
* 2018

Minor league affiliates|

* Albuquerque Isotopes (Triple-A)
* Hartford Yard Goats (Double-A)
* Spokane Indians (High-A)
* Fresno Grizzlies (Single-A)
* ACL Rockies (Rookie)
* DSL Rockies (Rookie)

Broadcasting|

| Television|

* SportsNet Rocky Mountain (defunct)

|

Radio|

* KOA (AM)
* Radio network affiliates

Broadcasters|

* Drew Goodman
* Jeff Huson
* Ryan Spilborghs
* Jack Corrigan
* Jerry Schemmel

Seasons (33)

1990s|

* 1990 · 1991 · 1992 ·  1993
* 1994
* 1995
* 1996
* 1997
* 1998
* 1999

2000s|

* 2000
* 2001
* 2002
* 2003
* 2004
* 2005
* 2006
* 2007
* 2008
* 2009

2010s|

* 2010
* 2011
* 2012
* 2013
* 2014
* 2015
* 2016
* 2017
* 2018
* 2019

2020s|

* 2020
* 2021
* 2022
* 2023
* 2024
* 2025

* v
* t
* e

Denver Broncos

* Founded in 1960
* Based in Denver, Colorado
* Headquartered in Englewood, Colorado

Franchise|

* History
* All-time roster
* Starting quarterbacks
* Coaches
* Seasons
* First-round draft picks

Stadiums|

* Mile High Stadium
* Empower Field at Mile High

Key personnel|

Owners
Rob Walton
Greg Penner (CEO)
Carrie Walton Penner
Mellody Hobson
Condoleezza Rice
Lewis Hamilton
General manager
George Paton
Head coach
Sean Payton

Culture|

* A Few Seconds of Panic
* Alan Roach
* Barrel Man
* Bucky the Bronco
* Cheerleaders
* Elway to Marino
* Everybody's All-American
* "Hold That Mork" (Mork & Mindy episode)
* "Joy to the World"
* Miles
* Orange Crush Defense
* "Rocky Mountain Way"
* South Park
* "Cartman's Mom Is a Dirty Slut"
* "Sarcastaball"
* Thunder
* "You Only Move Twice" (The Simpsons episode)

Lore|

* 1977 season (Broncomania)
* Snowball Game
* The Drive
* The Fumble
* Tebowmania
* 3:16 game
* Mile High Miracle
* No Fly Zone

Rivalries|

* Kansas City Chiefs
* Las Vegas Raiders
* Los Angeles Chargers
* New England Patriots
* Brady–Manning rivalry
* Pittsburgh Steelers
* Seattle Seahawks

Retired numbers|

* 7
* 18
* 44

Division championships (15)|

* 1977
* 1978
* 1984
* 1986
* 1987
* 1989
* 1991
* 1996
* 1998
* 2005
* 2011
* 2012
* 2013
* 2014
* 2015

Conference championships (8)|

* 1977
* 1986
* 1987
* 1989
* 1997
* 1998
* 2013
* 2015

League championships (3)|

* 1997 (XXXII)
* 1998 (XXXIII)
* 2015 (50)

Media|

* Radio network
* Dave Logan
* Brian Griese
* Scott Hastings
* Ed McCaffrey
* Alan Roach
* TV: KUSA 9News
* Radio: 850 KOA (AM)

Current league affiliations|

* League: National Football League (1970–present)
* Conference: American Football Conference
* Division: West Division

Former league affiliation|

* League: American Football League (1960–1969)

* v
* t
* e

Minnesota Vikings

* Founded in 1961
* Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Headquartered in Eagan, Minnesota

Franchise|

* Franchise
* History
* Expansion draft
* All-time roster
* First-round draft picks
* Quarterbacks
* Head coaches
* Seasons
* Records
* Draft
* Broadcasters
* Ownership
* Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center

Stadiums|

* Metropolitan Stadium
* Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
* TCF Bank Stadium
* U.S. Bank Stadium

Culture|

* Purple People Eaters
* "Skol, Vikings"
* How I Met Your Mother
* "Little Minnesota"
* "Tailgate"
* Cheerleaders
* Alan Roach
* Truth Hurts (song)
* Quarterback
* "Higher" (Creed song)

Lore|

* The Wrong Way Run
* Hail Mary
* Ed Thorp Memorial Trophy
* Santa Claus game
* Miracle at the Met
* Herschel Walker trade
* Gary Anderson's missed field goal
* Love Boat scandal
* Minneapolis Miracle
* 33–0

Rivalries|

* Chicago Bears
* Dallas Cowboys
* Detroit Lions
* Green Bay Packers
* Los Angeles Rams
* New Orleans Saints

Division championships (21)|

* 1968
* 1969
* 1970
* 1971
* 1973
* 1974
* 1975
* 1976
* 1977
* 1978
* 1980
* 1989
* 1992
* 1994
* 1998
* 2000
* 2008
* 2009
* 2015
* 2017
* 2022

Conference championships (4)|

* 1969
* 1973
* 1974
* 1976

League championships (1)|

* 1969

Retired numbers|

* 10
* 53
* 70
* 77
* 80
* 88

Current league affiliations|

* League: National Football League
* Conference: National Football Conference
* Division: North Division

*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template