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Empower Field at Mile High Guide

NFL · Denver · 76,125 capacity

Last updated: 3/3/2026

Staying near Downtown Denver or Union Station is your best bet, as you can hop on RTD's E and W light rail lines straight to the stadium. Driving is tough—on-site parking is very limited and almost always pre-sold. For your ride home, just know the designated rideshare pickup is at the Ball Arena lot, which is about a 15-minute walk.

At a glance

Bag policy
Clear bag policy
Cashless
Cashless
Re-entry
No re-entry
Outside food
Outside food OK
Getting here
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.
Family friendly
Baby changing stations are available in all stadium restrooms.
Capacity
76,125

No upcoming multi-sport weekend featuring Empower Field at Mile High on the calendar. See Denver home weekends on the city hub →

Where to stay for Empower Field at Mile High

Downtown Denver and the Union Station area are ideal hotel neighborhoods for visitors to Empower Field at Mile High, offering convenient access to the stadium via light rail and a wide array of amenities. Several highly-rated hotels, such as the Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver, Residence Inn by Marriott Denver Downtown, and Springhill Suites by Marriott Denver Downtown, are located within a short distance or walkable from the stadium.

LoDo (Lower Downtown)

Denver's historic district, LoDo, offers a vibrant blend of past and present with its 19th-century brick warehouses, diverse restaurants, nightlife, and boutique shops. It's considered ideal for sports fans due to its central location and proximity to major venues.

LoDo is centered around Denver Union Station, a major multimodal transit hub. The E and W light rail lines directly serve Empower Field at Mile High and Ball Arena stations from Union Station. The Free MallRide shuttle also operates along the 16th Street Mall, connecting to Union Station.

Ballpark District

Located directly adjacent to Coors Field, the Ballpark District is a lively urban area offering numerous bars, restaurants, and entertainment options. It's a prime spot for baseball fans and those looking for a bustling atmosphere.

Coors Field is easily walkable from anywhere in the Ballpark District. The neighborhood is also close to Union Station, which provides extensive RTD light rail and bus connections, including the E and W lines to Empower Field at Mile High and Ball Arena.

RiNo (River North Art District)

RiNo is a trendy and energetic neighborhood known for its industrial-chic aesthetic, vibrant street art, craft breweries, and diverse dining and nightlife. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a lively atmosphere with a creative edge.

RiNo (within the Five Points area) has an excellent transit score and is connected to Downtown Denver by light rail. The L Line serves the 30th & Downing area, which provides connections to other downtown light rail lines at Union Station.

Five Points

Five Points is a historically rich and diverse neighborhood with a vibrant community feel. It boasts over 400 dining and drinking establishments, offering a wide array of choices for visitors.

Five Points has an excellent transit score, ranking among the highest in Denver, with multiple bus and rail lines running through it. It is well-connected to Downtown Denver by light rail, making it convenient for accessing various parts of the city. The L Line serves the 30th & Downing area.

See full Denver stay guide →

Arrival and exit strategy

Transit and approach

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.

Rideshare and parking

Rideshare: 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.

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.

After the event

The Original Brooklyn's, located at 2644 W. Colfax, Denver, CO 80204, states it is open after most events, making it a potential post-game late-night spot near the stadium. For a wider selection of late-night options, downtown Denver areas like Union Station or Larimer Square offer numerous bars and restaurants accessible via light rail.

Works well with these Denver venues

Map context

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The game-day experience

  • Atmosphere area: Empower Field at Mile High is located near Downtown Denver, at the intersection of I-25 and Colfax Avenue. The official address is 1701 Bryant Street, Denver, CO 80204.
  • Tailgating: Tailgating is permitted in the parking lots at Empower Field at Mile High before publicly ticketed stadium events, but fans must adhere to specific rules. One parking permit grants one space for one vehicle, and tailgate equipment must be kept within the parking stall or directly behind the vehicle. Drive aisles and fire lanes must remain clear at all times. Barbecue grills are allowed, but open flame fires are prohibited. All tailgate parties must conclude 45 to 60 minutes prior to kickoff. Tailgating is not permitted in the B-Valet and the carpool section in Lot A.
  • 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.
  • Fan 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.
  • Pregame institution: The Original Brooklyn's (2644 W. Colfax, Denver, CO 80204)

Where to eat and drink nearby

Pregame picks

  • Stoney's Bar and Grill (Lincoln St)
    1111 Lincoln St, Denver, CO 80203 · Capitol Hill / Golden Triangle

    A long-standing Denver favorite and award-winning sports bar, known for accommodating big crowds with plenty of TVs, Colorado beers on tap, and solid pub grub. It's a Colorado-themed sports & music bar that hosts many teams.

    What to order: Colorado beers on tap, solid bar eats including a version of the green chile-covered Pueblo staple, the Slopper.

  • The Original Brooklyn's
    2644 W Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80204 · Sun Valley

    An 'OG sports bar' just outside Empower Field at Mile High, offering classic bar bites and drink specials. It's known for being open after most events.

    What to order: Classic bar fare, with breakfast served on weekends (not during events).