Empower Field at Mile High Guide
Entry, transit, rideshare, parking, and game-day logistics for Denver.
Last updated: 3/3/2026
Key logistics
| Bag policy | Empower Field at Mile High enforces a clear bag policy. Permitted bags include one clear bag no larger than 12" x 6" x 12" or a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag. Additionally, a small clutch bag or purse, approximately the size of a hand (no larger than 6.5" x 4.5"), with or without a strap, is allowed. Diaper bags are not permitted, but diapers and wipes can be carried in an approved clear bag. |
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| Doors open | For Denver Broncos games, general gates open two hours prior to kickoff. Gates for those with United Club or Ent Credit Union Suite Level tickets open three hours prior to kickoff. For concerts and other stadium events, specific gate opening times should be referenced on the event page. |
| Cashless? | Empower Field at Mile High is a cashless facility. Only cards and contactless payments, such as Apple Pay, are accepted at all points of sale, including parking lots, the ticket office, concessions, and retail. Reverse ATMs (cash-to-card kiosks) are available on each level of the stadium for guests without cards. |
| Rideshare zone | The designated rideshare drop-off area is located at the NE corner of the stadium near Gate 5 on Mile High Stadium Circle. The rideshare pickup area is on the corner of 5th and Walnut St. at the Ball Arena Rideshare Lot, which is approximately a 15-minute walk east of the stadium. |
| Re-entry | Empower Field at Mile High has a strict NO RE-ENTRY policy, meaning ticketed guests who leave the building are not permitted to re-enter with a previously scanned ticket. |
| Transit | Public transportation options to Empower Field at Mile High include RTD Light Rail (E and W lines stop at Empower Field at Mile High Station, and the W line stops at Decatur-Federal Station), multiple RTD Bus routes (including 1, 15L, 16, 30, 31, and 43), and the Denver Trolley, which operates special event service. |
Parking
On-site stadium parking is limited and often pre-sold. Lot C is designated for early tailgating and typically opens six hours prior to kickoff. Carpool Lot A offers a reduced rate for vehicles with four or more patrons. Guests without pre-purchased permits can utilize off-site parking options, including Ball Arena, Auraria Campus, the Denver Aquarium, or Riverside Church. All parking transactions at the stadium are cashless.
Family & accessibility
- Strollers: Small, collapsible umbrella strollers are permitted inside Empower Field at Mile High. The stadium's tour route is also handicap/stroller accessible, though strollers are not available for rent.
- Family perks: Baby changing stations are available in all stadium restrooms. Mane Street, located on the south end of the stadium in front of Gates 9 and 10, opens three hours before kickoff and offers free family-friendly entertainment and activities.
Culture layer
- Signature food: Empower Field at Mile High offers a variety of food options, including newer additions like 'The Assassin Burger' at Atwater Grill, 'Mile High Madness Pastrami Sandwich' from Bagel Deli, lobster rolls, Reuben egg rolls, 'Jackalope Mac Stack,' and Smoked Pork Mac & Cheese. Traditional football fare such as hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, pizza, burritos, and French fries are also available.
- Local tradition: Denver Broncos fans have several strong traditions, including extensive tailgating in the stadium parking lots before games. A notable tradition is the 'Mile High Thunder,' where fans stomp their feet on the metal flooring of the stadium bowl to create a loud clamor. After every Broncos touchdown, fans sing John Denver's 'Rocky Mountain High' and the team's white Arabian stallion mascot, Thunder, gallops the length of the field. Additionally, fans often chant 'In-Com-Plete!' after an opponent's incomplete pass.
Verified places nearby
- Stoney's Bar and Grill (Lincoln St)1111 Lincoln St, Denver, CO 80203 · Capitol Hill / Golden TriangleWhat to order: Colorado beers on tap, solid bar eats including a version of the green chile-covered Pueblo staple, the Slopper.
- The Original Brooklyn's2644 W Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80204 · Sun ValleyWhat to order: Classic bar fare, with breakfast served on weekends (not during events).