Empower Field at Mile High opened on August 11, 2001, replacing the original Mile High Stadium after 22 seasons of Broncos football. Located at 39.7439° N, 105.0203° W in Denver, Colorado, the stadium sits at an elevation of 5,280 feet above sea level—the same height as the "Mile High" city it calls home.
Why was Mile High Stadium rebuilt?
See, the old Mile High Stadium was showing its age after decades of use. Back in 1998, Denver residents voted to approve a bond measure that would fund a complete rebuild. The goal? Keep the Broncos in town while giving fans a stadium worthy of the 21st century. That meant better seating, more luxury suites, and amenities that just didn’t exist in the 1960s when the original was built. Honestly, this was long overdue—the old place needed a serious upgrade.
What replaced Mile High Stadium?
After 22 seasons of Broncos football at the old venue, the new stadium opened its doors on August 11, 2001. The name kept the "Mile High" tradition alive, but everything else got a major refresh. You’ll still hear locals call it "Mile High," but officially, it’s now Empower Field at Mile High. (Yes, the corporate sponsorship is a mouthful, but it’s what they went with.)
How long did the rebuild take?
Work started almost immediately after the 1998 bond passed. Construction kicked off in 1999, and by August 2001, the new stadium was ready for its first game. That’s pretty quick for a project of this size—especially considering they had to keep the Broncos playing somewhere during the transition. Temporary arrangements weren’t ideal, but the team managed to stay in Denver the whole time.
What was the final game at the old Mile High Stadium?
That Saturday afternoon drew over 76,000 fans for a bittersweet farewell. The team beat the San Diego Chargers 34-13, but the real story was the emotion in the air. After 31 years at that iconic venue, it was time to move on. The old stadium had seen legends play, countless memories made, and even hosted a Super Bowl. Saying goodbye wasn’t easy for longtime fans.
How much did the new stadium cost?
Adjust for inflation, and that figure jumps to over $700 million today. Not cheap, but remember—this was a public-private partnership. The city and state chipped in, but the Broncos’ ownership also contributed significantly. For context, that’s roughly what a single NFL team earns in revenue these days. So yeah, it was a major investment, but one that’s paid off in spades for Denver.
Who designed the new stadium?
Three firms collaborated on the project, blending their expertise to create something modern yet familiar. Fentress Bradburn, in particular, had experience with sports venues—they designed Denver International Airport, too. The result? A stadium that fits Denver’s landscape while pushing design boundaries. You can tell they put thought into every detail, from sightlines to accessibility.
Did the rebuild include a retractable roof?
Some fans were hoping for a full retractable roof like other modern stadiums, but that wasn’t in the cards here. Instead, Empower Field at Mile High went with a hybrid approach: open-air seating with a roof over most of the stands. It keeps the classic football atmosphere while giving fans some protection from Colorado’s unpredictable weather. (And let’s be real—Denver’s sunshine is part of the charm.)
How many seats does Empower Field at Mile High have?
That makes it one of the larger venues in the NFL. The design prioritizes sightlines, so even the upper bowl feels close to the action. For concerts or big games, they can squeeze in a few thousand more fans by adding temporary seating. Not bad for a city that’s not exactly known for its massive crowds—Denver’s population is under 700,000, after all.
What’s the field size at Empower Field at Mile High?
Standard NFL dimensions, but here’s the kicker: the turf is FieldTurf Classic HD. That’s a synthetic surface designed to mimic natural grass while reducing maintenance costs. Colorado’s weather—hello, snow in October—makes natural grass a nightmare to maintain. So the artificial turf keeps the field playable year-round without turning into a mud pit.
What events has the stadium hosted besides Broncos games?
It’s not just a football stadium—it’s a year-round destination. Big-name artists like U2, Taylor Swift, and the Rolling Stones have played here. Politically, hosting the 2004 DNC put Denver on the national map beyond sports. And the Denver Outlaws of Major League Lacrosse call it home, too. That’s versatility you don’t see everywhere.
Is Empower Field at Mile High still the same as Mile High Stadium?
See, the original Mile High Stadium was demolished after the 2000 season. The new Empower Field at Mile High sits on the same site, but everything else changed. The structure, the materials, even the sightlines are different. The only thing that stayed the same? The elevation—5,280 feet above sea level. That’s one tradition they weren’t messing with.
Where exactly is Empower Field at Mile High located?
Plug that into your GPS, and you’ll end up in the RiNo district, Denver’s trendiest neighborhood. It’s right along the South Platte River Greenway, which is nice if you want to take a walk before or after an event. The location’s a win—easy to get to, surrounded by restaurants and bars, and close to downtown. Honestly, it’s one of the best stadium locations in the league.
How do you get to Empower Field at Mile High?
Public transit is your best bet—parking on game days runs $25–$40, and spots fill up fast. The A-Line drops you right at the stadium, and the Regional Transportation District (RTD) makes it simple. Buses also serve the area, so you’ve got options. Pro tip: If you’re flying in, Denver International Airport is just a 30-minute drive away. Getting there shouldn’t be a headache.
Can you take a tour of Empower Field at Mile High?
You’ll get access to the locker rooms, field-level views, and even some behind-the-scenes spots. It’s a cool way to see the place up close without waiting for a game. Tours last about an hour and cost around $20–$25 for adults. (Kids’ tickets are cheaper, so bring the family if you’re in town.) If you’re a Broncos fan, it’s a must-do.
What’s the elevation of Empower Field at Mile High?
That’s where the "Mile High" name comes from. The original stadium was at the same elevation, and the new one kept it. For visiting teams, that altitude can be a factor—Denver’s famously thin air makes it tougher to play at full capacity. Home teams, though, get used to it over time. It’s just part of the challenge in the Mile High City.
What’s the surface of the field at Empower Field at Mile High?
No natural grass here—just durable, low-maintenance turf that holds up to Colorado’s wild weather swings. FieldTurf is a common choice for NFL stadiums these days, especially in places with harsh winters. It drains well, stays playable in snow, and doesn’t turn into a swamp when it rains. For the Broncos, that reliability is worth its weight in gold.
