DENVER (AP) — Mitt Romney is touting the support of a pair of Colorado sports icons as he tries to win the pivotal battleground state.

The Republican presidential candidate was introduced by John Elway at a rally Monday night in Denver. Romney also pointed out that Colorado Rockies first baseman Todd Helton was in the crowd.

Romney and President Barack Obama will meet for their first debate at the University of Denver on Wednesday.

PHOTO GALLERY: Romney Denver Rally

Analysts believe it’s a make-or-break moment for Romney after a rough September. As a reminder, the liberal group Moveon.org flew an airplane over the rally location with a banner mocking Romney’s secretly recorded comments about the 47 percent of Americans who don’t pay taxes.

VIDEO: Full Speech: Mitt Romney At Wings Over The Rockies Air Museum | John Elway Introduces Mitt Romney At Wings Over The Rockies

Romney said the debate will let him lay out his vision to voters.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)