Empower Field at Mile High | Denver

Empower Field at Mile High is a modern, multipurpose stadium located in Denver, Colorado, primarily serving as the home field for the NFL’s Denver Broncos. Opened in 2001 to replace the original Mile High Stadium, it has become a central sports and entertainment landmark for the city and the region, combining rich football tradition with state-of-the-art facilities and versatile event hosting capabilities.

Location and Design

Situated in Denver’s Sun Valley neighborhood just west of downtown, Empower Field at Mile High occupies a strategic and accessible urban site. The stadium’s design embraces a horseshoe shape, featuring an exterior made of steel, glass, and aluminum that reflects Denver’s mountainous surroundings and skyline. This contemporary architectural approach creates a visually striking but functional venue that connects fans with the natural and urban elements around them.

The stadium’s address is 1701 Mile High Stadium Circle, Denver, CO 80204. It is well-integrated into the city’s transport network, with access to the RTD light rail station named after the stadium, numerous bus routes, and several large parking areas, making it convenient for tens of thousands of fans on game days or during major events.

Capacity and Facilities

Empower Field can seat approximately 76,125 spectators during football games, with a maximum capacity exceeding 85,000 for concerts and other large-scale events. The playing surface is Kentucky Bluegrass, updated in 2015 to ensure optimal performance and durability.

The stadium includes a wide array of seating options, from general admission and premium club seats to luxury suites and hospitality areas such as the Breckenridge Bourbon Club, an exclusive lounge offering upscale amenities and an enhanced viewing experience.

Multiple concession stands and retail outlets throughout the stadium offer diverse food, beverages (with a focus on Colorado craft beers and regional cuisine), and merchandise, catering to varied tastes and enhancing the fan experience.

Recent and Planned Upgrades

In 2023, Empower Field underwent a $100 million renovation, the largest in its history, focused on technological and fan-experience improvements. Major upgrades include:

Installation of a new massive HD LED video scoreboard measuring 225 feet wide by 72 feet high, ranking as the fifth-largest in the NFL. This delivers crystal-clear visuals, replays, and dynamic content during games and events.

Expanded and modernized team retail stores to better serve fans.

Upgraded Wi-Fi infrastructure throughout the stadium to support the increased digital engagement of attendees.

Addition of the Breckenridge Bourbon Club, providing all-inclusive hospitality with premium seating and exclusive amenities.

Looking forward, there are ambitious plans for a $5.3 billion renovation project aimed at transforming Empower Field into one of the most advanced sports venues worldwide. This visionary overhaul includes integration of 6G wireless technology, AI-powered virtual concierges, immersive augmented reality experiences for fans, interactive LED seating, and real-time fantasy sports integration. These innovations are designed to create an unparalleled, futuristic fan environment.

Events and Usage

While Empower Field is best known as the Denver Broncos’ home stadium, it is a multipurpose venue hosting a variety of events:

NFL Games: Serving as the fortress for Broncos football, the stadium brings together tens of thousands of passionate fans for every home game.

Concerts: The venue regularly hosts major music acts spanning genres, including Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and The Weeknd. Its large capacity and open design make it ideal for large-scale concerts and festivals.

Special Events: Empower Field has hosted historic moments such as the 2008 Democratic National Convention speech by Barack Obama.

Other Sports: The stadium has been used for rugby league matches and formerly hosted the Colorado Rapids soccer team, showcasing its versatility.

Fan Experience and Atmosphere

Empower Field is celebrated for its energetic, passionate crowds and lively game-day atmosphere. The design incorporates ample open concourses and fan zones where attendees can socialize, access concessions, and enjoy panoramic views of the field and Denver skyline.

The addition of premium hospitality spaces like the Breckenridge Bourbon Club elevates the experience for fans seeking luxury and exclusivity. Meanwhile, general admission and club seats provide varied price points and amenities, making the stadium welcoming to diverse audiences.

Accessibility and Transportation

The stadium emphasizes accessibility, featuring ADA-compliant seating, entrances, restrooms, and services to accommodate guests with disabilities. Its location is well-served by Denver’s public transportation system, including the nearby Empower Field at Mile High light rail station, multiple bus lines, and easy access to major highways.

Parking facilities include numerous lots and garages in the immediate vicinity, with options for pre-booking to streamline arrival on event days.

Community and Economic Impact

Since its opening, Empower Field at Mile High has been a significant driver of economic activity in Denver, supporting local businesses, tourism, and job creation. Its presence has catalyzed development in the surrounding Sun Valley neighborhood and remains a focal point for community events, concerts, and civic gatherings beyond sports.

Future Outlook

Despite recent and planned investments, the Denver Broncos and local authorities continue to evaluate the long-term future of the stadium. A large-scale redevelopment proposal intended to create a mixed-use neighborhood around the stadium has been temporarily paused pending decisions on the team’s stadium plans. This reflects ongoing considerations about potential relocation or further modernization to meet evolving standards for professional sports venues.

Empower Field at Mile High stands as a testament to Denver’s sports culture, architectural innovation, and commitment to fan engagement. Its blend of modern technology, rich tradition, and urban integration make it not just a stadium but a dynamic venue central to the city’s identity and entertainment landscape.