The Denver Broncos are preparing to leave Empower Field at Mile High, their home since 2001, for a new, privately funded stadium in Burnham Yard. The announcement marks a pivotal moment in the franchise’s history and has sparked both enthusiasm and controversy across the city.

A Legacy of Stadiums

The Broncos’ stadium journey began in 1960 at Bears Stadium, later renamed Mile High Stadium in 1968. That venue became a symbol of Denver’s sports identity, hosting not only Broncos games but also concerts, civic events, and even Colorado Rockies baseball in the early 1990s.

In 2001, the team moved next door to the newly constructed Invesco Field at Mile High, later renamed Sports Authority Field and now Empower Field. Though the stadium underwent $100 million in upgrades in 2022, its aging infrastructure and limited versatility prompted ownership to explore alternatives.

The Burnham Yard Vision

The new stadium will be built on Burnham Yard, a 58-acre former railyard located just south of downtown Denver. The site, once a hub for the Rio Grande and Union Pacific railroads, was acquired by the state in 2021. The Broncos’ ownership group has reached a conceptual agreement to purchase the land, with plans to open the stadium by the 2031 NFL season.

Key features of the new venue include:
     A retractable roof for year-round use
     A natural grass playing surface
     A surrounding mixed-use district with housing, retail, parks, and transit access
     Full private funding, with no new taxes or public financing

The stadium is designed to position Denver as a contender for major events such as the Super Bowl, NCAA Final Four, and international concerts.

Controversy and Community Concerns

While many fans welcome the move, preservationists and community advocates have raised concerns. Historic Denver, a nonprofit focused on architectural and cultural preservation, has objected to the potential demolition of historic structures on the Burnham Yard site. These include facilities tied to women and minority laborers—spaces that represent rare employment opportunities in the railyard’s operational history.

Local residents have also voiced worries about gentrification, displacement, and whether the promised affordable housing and cultural amenities will materialize. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has pledged a “Small Area Plan” process to engage the community and guide equitable development.

What Happens to Empower Field?

Once the Broncos’ lease expires in 2030, the 80-acre Empower Field site will revert to city ownership. Denver officials plan to redevelop the area into a vibrant neighborhood with housing, green space, and community infrastructure. Businesses near the current stadium hope the transition will bring revitalization rather than economic disruption.

Ownership and Strategic Vision

The Broncos are owned by the Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group, which purchased the team in 2022 for $4.65 billion. The group includes:

     Greg Penner, CEO and controlling owner 
     Carrie Walton Penner 
     Rob Walton, former Walmart chairman 
     Minority investors: Condoleezza Rice, Mellody Hobson, and Lewis Hamilton

Their vision for Burnham Yard is ambitious: a civic hub that blends sports, culture, and community. Whether it becomes a model for inclusive urban development or a flashpoint for civic debate remains to be seen.