The Ultimate Guide to Empower Field at Mile High in Denver

The Denver Broncos, an integral part of Denver's professional sports scene since 1960 and one of the most popular National Football League (NFL) teams, play at Empower Field at Mile High, where game days are known for sellout crowds and passionate fan devotion. Empower Field at Mile High is just over 2 miles from downtown Denver, with 360-degree views of the Rocky Mountains and city skyline. Not only is it a top stadium for NFL games, but it is also one of the country’s most scenic venues for blockbuster concerts and events. Here’s how you can experience the magic, whether you’re coming to catch a home game, cheer on your favorite visiting team or enjoy a stadium event.
 

The Empower Field at Mile High Experience 

Empower Field was designed to honor the unique characteristics of the original Mile High Stadium, the Broncos' home for 41 years and one of the most storied and beloved stadiums in NFL history. Designed in the Broncos’ traditional horseshoe shape, it stands less than 50 feet from the site of the original Mile High Stadium at an elevation of 5,280 feet (exactly 1 mile) above sea level. A day at the stadium is an unmistakably Denver experience, likely to bring blue-sky views, golden sunsets, occasional snowflakes in late fall and an infectious (and, for Broncos games, orange-clad) energy.

• Inside and Around the Stadium
• Know Before You Go
• Things to Do Near Empower Field at Mile High
• Restaurants Near Empower Field at Mile High
• Pre- and Post-Game Hangouts
• FAQs
   

Inside and Around the Stadium

There are unobstructed views for 76,125 fans on five levels of seating, including 8,100 club seats and 132 luxury suites. The 13,500 tons of steel-tread risers and a severely pitched seating bowl allow Broncos fans to recreate a hallmark of the stadium, a metal clamor known as “Rocky Mountain Thunder.” 

Food and Drink: A large selection of classic game-day favorites and local Denver bites are available throughout the stadium. For a taste of the city, fans rave about the crispy, cheesy Detroit-style slices at Blue Pan Pizza and the tender, smoky meats at local favorite GQue BBQ. For the full list, visit the stadium's food and beverage guide.

Mane Street Presented By Ford: Outside on the south end of the stadium, this grand lawn area is the location of a variety of interactive activities, music and a beer garden for fans to enjoy during Broncos games. 

Ring of Fame Plaza: Located adjacent to the Broncos Horse Fountain outside the stadium, just behind the main south scoreboard, the plaza incorporates 38-foot steel monuments in honor of each of the Broncos Ring of Fame inductees. 

High School Football Wall presented by Denver Broncos Foundation: Visible from five levels of the stadium, this wall spans 35 yards and honors all three avenues of high school football in Colorado: Tackle, Girls Flag and Unified Flag.

Mile High Monument: Located in parking lot J, where the old stadium once stood, Mile High Monument is one-eighth the size of the original and seats 241 people, with 165 seats repurposed from the original stadium. Note: Mile High Monument is closed on gameday for the VIP Tailgate experience. Tickets for the VIP tailgate are available for purchase.
 

Tips for the Best Experience

Tailgating Rules: Fans are encouraged to tailgate in stadium parking lots (except for the carpool section of Lot A) and must break down their tailgates 30 minutes before kickoff. 

When to Arrive: For Broncos games, general gates open two hours before kickoff. Those with United Globe Club or Wings Credit Union Suite Level tickets can access the club lounges starting three hours before kickoff. Please use the gate indicated on your ticket when entering. 

Where to Sit: When choosing seats, shade can generally be found on the Broncos’ home side of the stadium on the west sideline. Sunny spots can be found on the east sideline and end zones (especially the north end zone). For the best views of the game and the Denver skyline and Rocky Mountains, choose upper-level seats on the west side (sections 530–540). For closer-up views of the players on the field, lower-level seats near midfield (sections 120–130) offer the best sightlines.
 

Know Before You Go to Empower Field at Mile High

What You Can Bring 

Allowed: Bags no larger than 4.5”x6.5”, with or without a strap, are allowed in. This also applies to fanny packs and cross-body bags. Clear bags no larger than 12"x6"x12" will also be allowed in. This includes a clear backpack, gallon zip-lock bag, clear carry bag or clear cinch bag. Each ticket holder, including children, may bring an approved clear bag and a clutch. You can bring food for individual consumption if it fits in your clear bag. You can also bring non-alcoholic beverages as long as they are in factory-sealed plastic bottles. 

Prohibited Items: Backpacks, outside alcohol of any kind, weapons, artificial noisemakers of any kind, banners, signs or flags that are not event related or larger than 3’x5’, laser pointers, stainless steel water bottles, glass bottles, cans, coolers of any kind and thermoses are prohibited. 

Only small, collapsible umbrellas are allowed (no large-sized golf umbrellas with metal tips). Be sure to check the weather and dress in layers to prepare for sun exposure (you’re a mile closer to the sun here!) or cold-weather games. 

Read the full bag policy and prohibited items list.
 

Transportation, Parking and Arrival

Security: Before entering the field, you’ll go through a security screening, including a metal detector screening and inspection of bags and items you’re carrying. Arrive at your gate no later than one hour before the event starts to ensure you get to your seat on time. 

Public Transit: RTD offers convenient and inexpensive public transportation options to and from the stadium. On game days, the C, E and W rail lines stop at the Empower Field at Mile High Station and the W rail line stops at Decatur-Federal Station (both stations are an eight-minute walk to the stadium). 

Parking: Parking procedures vary by event. On gamedays, most stadium lots open 4.5 hours before kickoff, with the exception of Lot C. Fans without stadium parking permits should plan to park at a nearby off-site facility. Popular options include Ball Arena, Auraria Campus, Downtown Aquarium and Riverside Church. These facilities generally open about four hours before kickoff, but pricing and availability vary. For concerts and other events, attendees may purchase on-site parking permits through Ticketmaster or use the same off-site options, subject to availability. Lot opening times are listed on the permit. Parking on neighborhood streets surrounding Empower Field at Mile High is prohibited. Find event parking information and lot-specific directions

Rideshare: The drop-off area is located at the northeast corner of the stadium near Gate 5 on Mile High Stadium Circle. The pickup area is on the corner of 5th and Walnut Street at the Ball Arena Rideshare Lot, about a 15-minute walk east of the stadium. 

Biking and Walking: The stadium can be accessed directly via the South Platte Trail. There are around 250 on-site bike racks for securing the bikes.

Trolley: Denver Trolley’s popular Football Shuttle runs frequent roundtrips from the Confluence Park Trolley stop behind REI (1416 Platte St.) to the Broncos Bridge Trolley stop under Interstate 25, about 100 yards east of the stadium.
 

Things to Do Near Empower Field at Mile High

South Platte River Trail and Confluence Park: An easy, scenic path with skyline views and a relaxed pre-game atmosphere.  

Meow Wolf Denver's Convergence Station: An immersive, mind-bending art experience that’s one of the most unique things to do in the city. 

LoHi (Lower Highland): A hip neighborhood north of the stadium with great views, acclaimed dining, shops and pre-game energy. 

Millennium Bridge and Commons Park: A walkable stop for green space, photo ops and a moment of calm before heading into the stadium.

Restaurants Near Empower Field at Mile High

We recommend exploring LoDo or LoHi for great Denver dining options, both just a short drive or bus ride away — or strap on your walking shoes to get there by foot if you have a little extra time.
 

Casual and Quick Bites

Briar Common Brewery + Eatery (LoHi): One of the closest options to the stadium, ideal for a quick, easy pre-game stop with craft beer and elevated pub food. 

Denver Milk Market (LoDo): A food hall located on downtown’s Dairy Block. This lively spot has a wide range of fast, crowd-pleasing options for groups. 

Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs (LoDo): A Denver staple known for creative sausages and bold toppings, perfect for a fast bite with local flavor. 
 

Sit-Down Dining

Mercantile Dining & Provision (LoDo): A standout Union Station restaurant with seasonal, chef-driven dishes in a polished but approachable setting. 

Tavernetta (LoDo): A Michelin-recognized Italian restaurant with mouthwatering handmade pastas, an extensive all-Italian wine list and renowned hospitality. 

Root Down (LoHi): A short ride away, offering inventive, vegetable-forward small plates, craft cocktails and chic retro decor.
 

Classic Denver Spots

Wynkoop Brewing Company (LoDo): Denver’s first brewpub and a longtime favorite for hearty food and local beer near the action. 

Sam’s No. 3 (Downtown): A classic Denver diner with a huge menu, great for a casual, filling meal any time of day.
 

Pre- and Post-Game Hangouts

ViewHouse Ballpark (Downtown): One of the most popular nightlife spots near Coors Field with a rooftop, DJs and a party vibe that continues well after the game. 

Tom’s Watch Bar (Downtown): Features massive screens and a stadium-like atmosphere. 

Poka Lola Social Club (Downtown): A stylish cocktail lounge in the Dairy Block with music and a more upscale nightlife feel.

Little Machine Beer (Sun Valley): A brewery and taproom right by the stadium. Diverse craft brews are served up in an industrial setting. 

Jackson’s LODO (LoDo): A go-to for post-game crowds with indoor/outdoor space, music and a lively dance floor.