Broncos Stadium at Mile High

Broncos Stadium at Mile High, previously known as Invesco Field at Mile High and Sports Authority Field at Mile High, and commonly known as Mile High, New Mile High or Mile High Stadium, is an American football stadium in Denver, Colorado, named Mile High due to the city’s elevation of 5,280 feet (1,610 m). The primary tenant is the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). It opened in 2001 to replace Mile High Stadium and was largely paid for by taxpayers. Invesco paid $120 million for the original naming rights, before Sports Authority secured them in 2011.

Despite its sponsor’s liquidation and closure in 2016, the Sports Authority name remained on the stadium for two years afterwards because of regulatory hurdles. Nevertheless, the Broncos announced on January 2, 2018 that the stadium’s exterior signage would be removed. The stadium took on its current name on a temporary basis on June 20, 2018 after the city’s stadium authority approved the change, hoping to resell naming rights.

General information

Official website: http://broncosstadiumatmilehigh.com/

Arena capacity: 76,125 spectators

Address: 1701 Bryant St, Denver, CO 80204, USA

GPS coordinates for the navigator: 39°44′38″N 105°1′12″W

Year of construction: September 10, 2001

Construction cost: $567 million

Field: Kentucky Bluegrass lawn with dimensions

Seating plan of the Broncos Stadium

Features & Amenities

The United Club Level occupies most of 300 level seating at Sports Authority Field. In addition to being at a perfect elevation, these sections hang over the back of the 100 level, pushing them closer to the field than one would expect. This premier location affords these seats some of the best sitelines in the stadium. Fans will also find that double-digit rows are covered from above and often receive shade well before the rest of the stadium.

Club tickets include access to club lounges as well as the exclusive Fireside Lounges which feature two custom fireplaces. Upscale food and beverage options are available, which include 8 Action Stations, 4 stone fire pizza ovens for custom pizzas and calzones, 6 full service bars, and 2 coffee stations.

Padded 22 inch seats with extra leg room, exclusive entrances, HDTVs, and personal concierge service complete the package for an-all around impressive club seating experience.

While rarely available on the secondary ticket market, United Premium Club Row seats are at the front of sections 300-302 and 344-346. These seats include all traditional club amenities plus in-seat wait service. Fans in the Premium Club Row will also be seated at a semi-private private, making for an incredibly comfortable experience.

Recommended Seats for Kids and Family

Sections 322, 323 and 324:

• Smaller section so it is easier to get to the concourse;
• Overhang protects a lot of the seats toward the back of the section;
• Directly across from the main scoreboard.

Recommended Seats for Impressing a Guest

Sections 309 and 337:

• Amazing 50 yard line view;
• Exclusive club level amenities including wider, padded seats and upscale dining options;
• Access to club lounges.

Recommended Seats for Partying and Socializing

Sections 130, 131, 132 and 133:

• The South Stands;
• This is an area traditionally for the rowdiest fans in the stadium.

Best Seats for Great Views of the Field at Broncos Stadium

Through its many name changes, Mile High Stadium has remained one of the largest stadiums in the NFL. The home of the Broncos features three main seating levels, each with at least 20 rows of seating. The sheer size of the venue and its seating options can make it difficult to know what to expect when it comes to finding a great view.

Playing it Safe at Midfield

As with most football stadiums, you’ll find that the best views come from the seats closest to the 50-yardline. These seats will give you the best chance to see side-to-side with ease and will give you a perspective similar to what you’re used to seeing on TV.

In the lower level – where most fans will begin their search – we recommend saving money by choosing a seat in the highest row possible. Specifically, we like rows 28 and above for the best overall views from the lower seating bowl.

The entrance tunnel in these 100 level sections is located near row 21. Seats just above this row can often become blocked by people spilling into or out of the tunnel. This is why we recommend sitting in one of the last 10 rows. Meanwhile, if you’re seated below the tunnel in rows 1-20, you might actually be too close to the field. The players may obstruct your view or you may have to turn your head sharply to see scoring plays at the goal line.

Midfield seating is also available on the 300 level, although all of these sections are club seats. Despite their high price-tag, NFL club seats usually have a reputation for providing the best views. While this is partially true at Sports Authority Field, we think that the club seats are elevated a little too high for our liking. They’re certainly great seats – but given the high price point – we only recommend the lower rows. If you’re sitting in a higher row of the 300s, you may as well save a lot of money and get a seat at the front of the 500s.

Sit on the West Sideline in the 500 Level

Within the 500s we recommend seats along the west sideline. In addition to being on the Broncos side of the field, these seats will have the sun at their back. Thus, when the sun is setting during the afternoon, it will not be setting into your eyes like it will be on the opposite side of the field. With entrance tunnels near row 8, our top picks are in rows 1-8 of sections 505-510.

Endzone Views

Unfortunately for Broncos fans, the videoboards at Sports Authority Field leave a lot to be desired. The stadium features two small videoboards high above two corners of the 500 level – and one main videoboard in the south endzone.

If you’re not sitting near midfield, you’d do well to find a seat on the north side of the field. These sections have the best head-on view of the large videoboard – and because the stadium is closed on this side – it’s not nearly as windy as south endzone seating. We really like the lower rows of sections 321-325 where you get a unique video-game-like view of the field.

How to get there?

Parking

Broncos Stadium at Mile High is conveniently located adjacent to downtown Denver at the intersection of I-25 and Colfax Avenue.  There are a total of 6,500 on-site parking spaces at the stadium with an additional 12,000 off-site parking spaces located in close proximity to the stadium area. With BroncosRide game day shuttles, two on-site light rail stations, and direct access to the South Platte Trail of the Denver bike path network, Broncos Stadium is easily accessible by all available forms of transportation.

Stadium Address: Broncos Stadium at Mile High 1701 Bryant Street Denver, Colorado 80204.

Parking in on-site stadium lots is primarily reserved for season ticket holders with pre-sold permits. For lot opening times, please refer to the Hours of Operation and Access tab at the bottom of the page.

Fans seeking on-site permits are advised to visit the NFL Ticket Exchange to purchase permits from other fans.

Single game parking for fans without permits is available in off-site parking lots located adjacent to the stadium area. Fans without parking permits should avoid all roads in the immediate stadium area and proceed directly to offsite parking lots, in order to minimize inconvenience and delay. The Pepsi Center & parking lots on the Auraria Campus, both located east of I-25, provide the largest inventory of off-site parking spaces for Broncos games.  Prices average $15-$20 per space, cash only. Off-site Parking Lots are an average walk of 10-15 minutes to the stadium.

Exercise caution when parking in off-site lots and utilize only those which 1) display a special event parking sign issued by the City & County of Denver, or 2) are existing approved parking lots clearly managed by reputable companies.  Specific pricing and availability of off-site parking lot locations is subject to change without notice.

Parking on neighborhood streets around the stadium is illegal.  violators will be ticketed and towed.

Public transportation

BroncosRide shuttles and light rail offer inexpensive and convenient transportation to the game.  Prior to boarding shuttles or trains to the stadium, all fans should be familiar with the stadium Bag Policy restricting the size and type of bags permitted.

BroncosRide

BroncosRide shuttles transport fans from park and ride lots throughout the metro area. Round trip fares are $ 4.50 to $ 10.00 depending upon your departure point. Busses depart park and rides starting 2.5 hours before kickoff for weekend games and up to 2 hours prior on weekday games and meet fans after the game in Parking Lot A for the return trip. Tickets may be purchased at ticket vending machines or at ticket booths at select light rail stations. Passengers are not permitted to leave personal belongings on busses during the game.

Federal Shuttle

In addition to park and ride shuttles, fans can utilize the Federal Shuttle, which stops at Lincoln High School (2285 South Federal Boulevard) and at bus stops along Federal Boulevard. The Federal shuttle operates every three to five minutes starting two hours prior to kickoff until 10 minutes after kickoff. Following the game, service resumes with the last bus departing 45 minutes following the conclusion of the game.

Light rail

The Broncos Stadium (referred to as Sports Authority Field at Mile High Station) and Decatur-Federal Station provide direct access from light rail to the stadium. Regular one-way Light Rail Fares apply. Fans should purchase a round-trip ticket at your initial boarding station to avoid delays after the game.

Broncos Stadium at Mile High Station

The C, E or W light rail lines stop at the Broncos Stadium at Mile High Station, an 8 minute walk to the stadium. Fans may also take the D or H lines and transfer to the C or E lines at I-25 & Broadway, Alameda, or 10th & Osage stations.

Decatur-Federal Station

The Decatur Federal station provides service to the stadium from the West Corridor Line. The Decatur-Federal Station is also an 8 minute walk to the stadium.

Biking, Bike Valet & Denver B-cycle

Biking to the stadium can be the most enjoyable and hassle-free way to get to the game. Easily accessible from the South Platte Trail of the Denver bike trail system, the stadium has over 354 permanently installed bike racks on-site. All fans should ensure familiarity with the Stadium Bag Policy.

The Bike Valet is located adjacent to parking lot J and outside of Gate 4. There will be no charge to utilize the Bike Valet.  Any donations will go to Denver Bike Sharing, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that owns and operates the Denver B-cycle program.

Taxi service

A taxi stand is located outside the stadium on Bryant Street along the pedestrian walkway outside the Gate 5 area on the northeast corner of the building.

Rideshare

Following the game, exit the west stadium gates (Gates 10, 1, 2, 3 or 4) and walk westbound towards Federal to the 17th and Federal Blvd pickup location to get in an Uber or Lyft.

Denver trolley

The Denver Trolley’s Football Shuttle operates during the season for all Denver Broncos home games.

Directions

Broncos Stadium at Mile High is located in downtown Denver at the intersection of I-25 and Colfax Avenue. To access Broncos Stadium at Mile High:

• From I-25 northbound, exit at 17th Avenue (EXIT 210c).
• From I-25 southbound, exit at either the 23rd Ave. Off Ramp (exit 210c) or exit at Colfax Avenue, then exit at Federal Blvd north bound and turn right at the first light (Dick Connor Ave).

Follow the gray signs to the Ticket Office, Broncos Team Store, Colorado Sports Hall of Fame, Stadium Tours or Stadium Offices and parking lots. Scheduled deliveries are accepted only at the north loading dock. Follow signs to parking lot L.

Transportation

Access & Hours of Operation

Denver Broncos. Parking Lot C (early tailgating lot) opens at:

• 8:00am for a day game (2PM or 2:25PM Kickoff);
• 12:00pm for a night game (6:15PM or 7PM Kickoff).

All remaining parking lots open up approximately 4.5 hours prior to the scheduled kick-off time.

*Police checkpoints are staffed 2 hours prior to each game, to assist with directing permit holders. You must follow the access routes identified on the back of your permit or you may be denied access and redirected by traffic officers. You must have a valid permit for the current game. Vehicles without valid permits will be denied access to the permit lots. There will be NO in-and-out privileges. Permits may not be re-used.

Public Events. Parking lots are scheduled to open approximately 4 hours prior to the event’s scheduled start time for large public events held inside the stadium (stadium concerts, soccer games, college football games, etc.). This is subject to change, so please call for event specific information.

Accessible Parking

Accessible parking – Broncos

Accessible parking is exclusively sold on a first-come, first-served CASH / CREDIT CARD basis in Parking Lots D, G and L starting 4.5 hours prior to the scheduled kick-off time.

Accessible parking spaces in lots D and G, located west of the stadium, sell for $30 per space. Accessible parking spaces in Lot L is sold at $20 per space and is located on the north side of the stadium.

If you need a parking permit in Lot D or G, fans must use the NFL Ticket Exchange to buy from fellow fans.

Accessible game day parking – public events

For larger Public Events like concerts and soccer games, the majority of accessible parking is sold on a first-come, first-served CASH basis in Parking Lots D, G and L.

Accessible cash parking spaces are also sold on a first-come, first-served basis for Outlaws games and smaller events, in Lots B and C.

*All ADA parking spaces at the stadium are restricted to only those guests possessing and displaying valid state-issued ADA parking placards or vehicle registrations. Violators are subject to ticketing and / or fine.

Accessible shuttle cart service

Shuttle carts are available to assist ADA, elderly and other guests requiring assistance from parking areas to locations closer to stadium gates. Shuttles pick up guests from designated shuttle stop points only beginning three hours prior to kickoff until one hour after the game. Please arrive as early as possible to utilize shuttles. Shuttle service operations will cease from 2 minutes left in the 4th quarter until approximately 15 minutes following the end of the game for safety reasons, due to the volume of pedestrians leaving the gates. Shuttle cart service may be reduced or cancelled should inclement weather conditions present safety concerns.

Charter Bus Service

The Denver Broncos proudly partner with Arrow Stage Lines for their charter bus service. For information about Arrow Stage Lines, please visit arrowstagelines.com.

Denver Broncos Single Game Parking

Stadium parking permits

Fans looking to purchase single game parking permits are advised to purchase through the NFL Ticket Exchange from other fans.

Cash/credit card parking on gamedays

Cash parking will be sold in Lot C ($30/space) every game. Lot C opens at 8am for afternoon games & at 12pm for 6:15pm & 7pm games.

Additionally, 4.5 hours prior to kickoff, parking will be sold on a first-come, first-serve cash or credit card basis in:

• Lots F, H & R on the north side;
• Lot N on the south side.

For information on ADA accessible cash parking on gamedays, please click the ADA Parking drop-down box above.

Denver Outlaws Single Game Parking

Parking lots for Denver Outlaws games will open to the public three hours prior to the faceoff. Cash Parking will be sold in Lots A, B, C on the south side of Broncos Stadium at Mile High for $10 per space. RV’s and oversized vehicles will be charged $30. Credit cards are not accepted for payment in stadium controlled parking lots. For more information on Outlaws season tickets and parking permits contact the Denver Outlaws.

***Additional parking lots will be open during the July 4 Fireworks show***

Parking in the neighborhoods surrounding Broncos Stadium at Mile High is strictly prohibited and your vehicle may be cited and or towed.

Prohibited Parking

Parking in the neighborhood streets surrounding Broncos Stadium at Mile High is strictly prohibited. Guests who park in the neighborhoods surrounding Broncos Stadium at Mile High are subject to citation and tow by the City of Denver’s Right of Way and Permit Enforcement Division. Towed vehicles will be taken to the Wastewater Management Facility at 2nd and Umatilla for two hours after the game.

RV Parking

Public event RV parking

Fans interested in bringing down an RV to a public event like a concert or soccer game must know the length of their RV and either A) have the correct number of pre-purchased permits, all in the same lot or B) must purchase the correct number of cash tickets on the day of the event in one of the available cash lots.

To figure out how many parking spaces your RV will require, see below for reference list:

RV Length Size:

• 17′ feet – 20′ feet requires 2 parking permits or cash tickets (parking spaces);
• 21′ feet – 25′ feet requires 3 parking permits or cash tickets (parking spaces);
• 26′ feet – 34′ feet requires 4 parking permits or cash tickets (parking spaces);
• 35′ feet – 42′ feet requires 5 parking permits or cash tickets (parking spaces);
• 43′ feet – 51′ feet requires 6 parking permits or cash tickets (parking spaces);
• 52′ feet – 59′ feet requires 7 parking permits or cash tickets (parking spaces);
• 60′ feet – 68′ feet requires 8 parking permits or cash tickets (parking spaces).

Broncos RV parking

Fans may attempt to buy RV permits from other Broncos fans through the NFL Ticket Exchange to purchase C-RV or R-RV permits from fellow fans.

Fans interested in bringing down an RV to a game must either have a pre-purchased RV permit in C-RV or J-RV or must purchase the correct number of permits required to fir their RV. To figure out how many parking spaces your RV will require, see below for reference list.

RV Length Size:

• 17′ feet – 20′ feet requires 2 parking permits or cash tickets (parking spaces);
• 21′ feet – 25′ feet requires 3 parking permits or cash tickets (parking spaces);
• 26′ feet – 34′ feet requires 4 parking permits or cash tickets (parking spaces);
• 35′ feet – 42′ feet requires 5 parking permits or cash tickets (parking spaces);
• 43′ feet – 51′ feet requires 6 parking permits or cash tickets (parking spaces);
• 52′ feet – 59′ feet requires 7 parking permits or cash tickets (parking spaces);
• 60′ feet – 68′ feet requires 8 parking permits or cash tickets (parking spaces).

On game days, first come, first serve cash spaces are sold in Lots C and Lot N. Arrive early and you may attempt to buy the amount of cash spaces necessary for the size of your RV (see listing above).

Shuttle Cart Service

Shuttle carts for elderly and disabled patrons will begin operating three hours prior to game time and service will continue until one hour after the game ends. Patrons who desire to be picked up from the parking areas must arrive early and depart at least one hour prior to game time. Patrons who desire to be transported back to their vehicles after the game must wait until 20 minutes after the game ends, once the walkways have cleared.

All shuttle patrons will be dropped off or picked up only at the designated shuttle stop points along the ring walkway surrounding the stadium. Please do not hail empty carts that drive by, as they are in route to pick up waiting patrons at the designated pick up points. In order to help get you to your car as soon and safely as possible, shuttle drivers are instructed not to stop for pick-ups along the way, so they can get to the pick up points quickly.

Tailgating Guidelines

Tailgating policies and fan code of conduct

Tailgating is encouraged before all Denver Broncos home games; however, please be respectful of your fellow fans by following the Stadium Tailgating Rules and Regulations.

The Denver Broncos value your enthusiasm and are committed to creating a safe, comfortable and enjoyable experience for all fans in the parking lot. Along with the below policies, a Fan Code of Conduct exists. Fans are responsible not only for their conduct, but also their guests. If a parking permit holder or their guests’ actions are deemed inappropriate or obscene by the Denver Broncos or Stadium Management, they may be subject to ejection from stadium property, citation, arrest and the revocation of parking passes & season tickets without reimbursement. For information on the Fan Code of Conduct please visit www.DenverBroncos.com.

One Parking Permit = One Parking Space.

Tailgating must occur directly behind or in front of your vehicle. *Fans arriving early to tailgate should park in the outer, perimeter parking spaces where you can take advantage of the grass & gravel landscaped areas.*

Drive lanes need to be kept clear at all times.

All tailgate parties must break down and conclude 60 minutes prior to kickoff.

Be aware that fans are subject to citation, arrest and loss of season parking and season tickets if found in possession of, or participating in, the following:

• Commercial activity of any kind (including, but not limited to advertising, promotion, solicitation, etc. without advance, written approval by the Denver Broncos).
• Sales or distribution of products, food or beverages.
• Obstruction of drive lanes.
• Blocking pedestrian aisle ways, sidewalks or disabled access aisles.
• Glass bottles, kegs, open-flame fires.
• Blocking or saving parking spaces. Fans who wish to tailgate together must arrive together.
• Unauthorized vehicles operated within the stadium parking lots or walkways; including, but not limited to: Go-karts, mini-bikes, scooters, etc.
• Unauthorized use of stadium property.
• To report problems, please call Stadium Management at 720-258-3000 or e-mail your concerns to [email protected].

Fans are not allowed to set up tailgate equipment in the empty parking spaces adjacent to them. All tables, chairs, tents, coolers, barbecues, etc. must be within the parking stall or directly behind your vehicle. Overflowing into or blocking the drive lanes is prohibited. A 16 ft. emergency drive lane must be maintained at all times. Tents or canopies exceeding an 8′ x 8′ footprint and vehicles measuring more than 18′ in length and/or 8′ in width are not permitted in a lined parking space.

Tailgating is permitted in landscaped areas adjacent to parking lots. *There will be strict enforcement of the one permit one parking space policy.*

Cooking & Use of Grills. All guests should safely set-up, operate and extinguish all cooking and grilling materials. Please extinguish and dispose of all cooking and grilling materials. Hot coals are to be disposed of in hot coal containers which are located in parking lots.

Vending/Solicitation. Unauthorized soliciting or the collection of contributions, vending, distribution of flyers, or other materials is not permitted. Any advertising or promotion without the Denver Broncos approval is prohibited.

Waste. Please dispose of all waste materials in the proper trash, recycling, and hot coal containers placed throughout the parking lots.

Additional policies

• Parking is on a first come-first serve basis in the appropriately designated lots. The saving of parking spaces will not be permitted. Groups desiring to tailgate together need to arrive together.
• The use of adjacent parking spaces for tailgating, even if a ticket holder is in possession of an extra parking permit, is not permitted. Lined parking spaces must be utilized for vehicles, not tailgate activities.
• 16 ft. drive aisles and fire lanes need to be kept clear at all times for free access of emergency vehicles.
• Grills are permitted for tailgating enjoyment, provided guests do so only in the same space occupied by their vehicle. However, their use near buildings or in areas where guests or property may be damaged is strictly prohibited.
• Open fires are not permitted.
• Ticket holders utilizing light rail, Broncos Ride shuttles or other means of transportation may also participate in pre-game tailgating atmosphere on the Sports Legends Mall on the south side of the stadium or at the Mile High Mountain Village located at Gate #4 of the stadium.
• Ticket holders should cross roadways at the designated crosswalks and should NOT walk on the active roadways that lead to and from the stadium.

Where to eat?

There is a wide variety of food at Broncos Stadium at Mile High – many NFL stadiums have developed over-the-top menu choices with high prices, and Broncos Stadium is no different. For the 2018 season, Centerplate, the stadium’s food service contractor, introduced some unique menu items such as the BBQ Thunder Dog; the Thunder Dog is a foot-long hot dog piled high with tender and smoky chopped brisket, triple hot cheese sauce, fried onions, and a drizzling of sweet BBQ Sauce.

This item is located near section 110 at Legends Grill along with Green Chili Mac n’ Cheese, which is a creamy bowl of white cheddar mac n’ cheese infused with spicy 505 Green Chile, and topped with slow smoked pork shoulder plus fried and green onions.

For pizza lovers there is also the oven-fired pizza sub – a slice of pizza meets a sandwich for a unique Mile High creation. Fans can choose delectable Italian meatballs or sausage, produced locally by Polidori Sausage, toasted on a hoagie bun and topped with marinara, pepperoni, and sliced mozzarella cheese. Of course, there is also basic stadium fare with the basic stadium prices, including items such as chicken sandwiches ($9), stadium dogs ($4.

75), brats ($6), nachos ($5 and up), pretzels ($4.75), BBQ ($9), and regular pizza ($8). Other offerings include various styles of cheesesteaks, Rice and noodle bowls, burritos, and garlic fries.

For fans that want healthy offerings, there are also gluten free and vegetarian choices, the newest item being a vegetarian, non-GMO, and organic superfood-based Acai smoothie, topped with a full profile of dressings, fruits, and nuts. Acai’s jam-packed flavor and lasting energy make it the perfect solution for gameday, and fans can even add peanut butter or almond butter for extra protein. Alternatively, the concessions stands also offer a gluten-free turkey hoagie with tender smoked turkey breast, cheddar cheese, lettuce, and tomato slices on a locally-produced gluten-free bun.

Coca-Cola products serve Broncos Stadium with prices at $5 for a regular-sized soda and bottled water, coffee, and hot chocolate at $4. Two value items for the budget-conscious fan are the bottomless popcorn and bottomless soda at $9 each.

Alcohol can be found in abundance around the stadium keeping lines short, so fans can easily and quickly purchase a beer or cocktail. The domestic beers, such as Coors and Budweiser, are $7.75 for draft while premium draft is $2 more, wine is $7, and a frozen margarita is $8.50. There are also plenty of micro-brew choices for fans that enjoy a different beer experience.

Neighborhood

The neighborhood surrounding Broncos Stadium at Mile High is the Sun Valley neighborhood. The Sun Valley neighborhood is just outside of the downtown area across Interstate 25. While the area doesn’t offer the immediate amenities of Coors Field, you are only a short walk or a light rail ride from the LoDo District, and there are a few places near Pepsi Center that are worth a visit such as Breckenridge Brewery, Brooklyn’s, or Ted’s Montana Grill.

Just past Pepsi Center towards 16th Street Mall is Union Station. Union Station isn’t just a place for public transportation but a place of restaurants and shops. A popular place just a block from Union Station is on Wynkoop St; The Wynkoop Brewery. This brewery has lots of great food and beverage options. ChopHouse & Brewery Denver, Icehouse Tavern, and Rodizio Grill are other restaurants to visit; from there just head north to Union Station and take the light rail two stops up to the stadium.

The 16th Street Mall has a lot of restaurants and bars along its 1.2-mile path, and the 16th Street bus is free from Union Station to the Colorado State Capital. This may seem like a lot of walking but the trolley and Union Station being only 2 stops away from Broncos Stadium makes these very accessible, and the best option before or after a Broncos game. Denver also has plenty of hotels, downtown or north of the stadium, by the I-25/I-70 interchange. One of the closest to Broncos Stadium is near Pepsi Center, SpringHill Suites by Marriott. The choices all depend on one’s budget, but fans will have no problem finding a good hotel in their price range.

There are a few tourist places within walking distance of Broncos Stadium at Mile High. The Denver Center for Performing Arts, the Museum of Cultural Arts, and the Children’s Museum of Denver are all options, along with the state capitol, however, sports fans should check out the other winter sports teams in Denver. The Pepsi Center is home to the Colorado Avalanche and Denver Nuggets, and a sports fan may be able to take in one of those contests during the Broncos season, since basketball, hockey, and football season all overlap.

Denver is a wonderful city year-round, and although the immediate neighborhood around Broncos Stadium isn’t necessarily inviting for fans, a short walk or light rail ride can put fans into great restaurants, breweries, and attractions.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere to every NFL or college game begins with pre-gaming or tailgating. In Denver, the fans continue the long-standing tradition of tailgating throughout all stadium parking lots, but spaces fill up quickly so arrive early. However, if you want to have pre-game without the hassle a long day of tailgating entails, then visit the Noble Energy Sports Legends Mall. The Noble Energy Sports Legends Mall on the south end of the stadium is a grand lawn that provides an on-site festival and event area with a permanent stage, utility service, and other necessary requirements for activities to take place. During Broncos games the area offers fans a variety of interactive activities, music, and a beer garden.

While you are out in Legends Mall you can cheer the Broncos players as they enter the stadium at the South/West Tunnel located below the Gate 10 area, and you can also enjoy Mile High Village. Mile High Village is the Broncos official pre-game tailgate party (taking place in Mile High Village), and is free for all fans with a game ticket; entry is permitted at Gate 4 starting at 11:30 am for day games and 3:30 pm for night games. Fans can also gain early entry into the stadium to catch a glimpse of pre-game player warm-ups and enjoy food and drink specials, and prior to kickoff, the pre-game festivities have a full schedule.

The Stampede start the pre-game show about 20 minutes before kickoff, with the Denver Broncos Stampede drumline and brass band performing the “Broncos Fight Song” along with the Broncos cheerleaders. The Thunderstorm comes on shortly after the Stampede, and consists of 4 skydivers parachuting into Broncos Stadium. The Broncos are then introduced after the visiting team enters the field from the player tunnels on the south side of the stadium, and then the national anthem ceremony introduces members of each military branch as they march onto the field, followed by a jet flyover during most games.

The fans are engaged throughout the game by the PA announcer, and on key defensive plays fans stomp their feet on the metal flooring, creating a loud buzzing sound throughout the stadium. This has been a tradition that started at the old Mile High Stadium when the seating was on metal bleachers. The main scoreboard also shoots off flames after a Broncos score – the scoreboard is on the southern end of the stadium with the Bronco horse rearing on his hind legs on top of it. Overall, the fans decide how the atmosphere continues throughout the game, and Broncos fans are one of the best in the NFL.

Usage

The stadium is used primarily for American football games. It is the home field for Denver’s National Football League team, the Denver Broncos. The stadium also hosts the city’s Major League Lacrosse team, the Denver Outlaws. In college football it has hosted the rivalry game between the Colorado State University Rams and the University of Colorado Boulder Buffaloes. It is also used for the CHSAA class 4A and 5A Colorado high school football state championship games, and has been used for the CBA Marching Band Finals.

In addition, it has been used for the Drum Corps International (DCI) Championships and the annual Drums Along the Rockies competition. It is also used for concerts, music festivals and other events, and was home to the city’s Major League Soccer franchise, the Colorado Rapids, before that team built and moved into Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in suburban Commerce City.

England defeated New Zealand 36-18 in Rugby league.

Location

The construction of the stadium marked the completion of a six-year sporting venue upgrade program in Denver, including the construction of Coors Field and of Pepsi Center. As with the other venues, the stadium was constructed to be easily accessible. It sits along Interstate 25 near the Colfax Avenue and 17th Avenue exits. It is also bordered by Federal Boulevard, a major Denver thoroughfare, on the west side. A dedicated light rail station also serves the stadium. The stadium is located in the Sun Valley neighborhood.

Stadium culture and traditions

A home game tradition (carried over from the original Mile High Stadium) is the “Incomplete Chant.” At Bronco home games, when the opposing team throws an incomplete pass, the stadium announcer will state “Pass thrown by [the opposing quarterback] intended for [the opposing intended receiver] is…” at which time the fans complete the sentence by shouting “In-com-plete!!”

The stadium has sold out every Denver Broncos’ home game since its inception, extending the “sold-out” streak that began during the team’s tenure at Mile High Stadium, where every home game had been sold out. In a tradition carried over from Mile High Stadium, the stadium’s public-address announcer will give the final official attendance for the game, including the number of unused tickets; in response, Broncos fans “boo” the no-shows.

During the stadium’s first years, in another tradition was carried over from Mile High, Broncos fans on one side of the stadium would chant “Go” and fans on the other side would respond “Broncos,” back and forth chanting for several minutes. That tradition has since died out. Another long-term tradition is famed rowdiness of fans seated in the “South Stands,” although this tradition has diminished significantly as well.

Finally, especially in the upper two decks, the fans create their own ‘Mile High Thunder’ (and warm themselves) by stamping their feet on the stadium’s floors. The old Mile High Stadium was built with bare metal, and the ‘Thunder’ reverberated readily. The new stadium was built with steel floors to preserve this unique acoustic feature.

The Broncos announced a $30 million renovation project, including a new high-definition LED video board on the stadium’s south end zone that triples the size of the old video board.

It was revealed that a Neil Smith Kansas City Chiefs Jersey was buried somewhere near the 50-yard line by a couple of out-of-state contractors during renovations, despite Smith’s play on the Broncos’ Super Bowl XXXII and XXXIII-winning teams. The curse the contractors hoped to create did not occur as the Broncos won another Super Bowl two years later, Super Bowl 50.