After months of speculation, the Denver Broncos have finally revealed their next chapter. On September 9, 2025, team ownership, alongside state and city officials, announced that Burnham Yard—a 58-acre former railyard west of downtown—will be the site of a brand-new, privately funded stadium. The project is designed not only to keep the Broncos in the heart of Denver but also to anchor a massive redevelopment that includes an entertainment district with restaurants, offices, retail, hotels, and public amenities. The target completion date? Just in time for the 2031 NFL season. (Axios)
Why Burnham Yard Was Chosen
For years, the future of the Broncos’ home field sparked heated debate. Would the team relocate to the suburbs or even outside Denver’s city limits? By choosing Burnham Yard, the organization committed to remaining in the Mile High City while revitalizing an underutilized industrial site.
Key factors behind the decision:
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Accessibility: Located near I-25 and light rail stops, Burnham Yard ensures fans can easily reach the venue from across the metro area.
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Urban Renewal: Transforming a long-dormant railyard into a vibrant entertainment hub creates tax revenue and jobs.
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Legacy: Staying in Denver keeps the Broncos’ identity tied to the city, avoiding the risk of alienating fans with a suburban move.
The Current Stadium and Why a New One Is Needed
Empower Field at Mile High, the Broncos’ current home, opened in 2001. At 24 years old, it is not yet crumbling, but it increasingly shows its age compared to new, state-of-the-art NFL stadiums.
Stadium Age in Context
Empower Field ranks in the middle tier of stadium ages in the league. Older venues like Soldier Field (1924) and Arrowhead Stadium (1972) are already slated for replacement or major renovation. Around the league, teams are opting for new stadiums once their homes approach the 25- to 30-year mark. The Buffalo Bills are building a new venue opening in 2026, while the Tennessee Titans will open a retractable-roof stadium in 2027. (Wikipedia)
Why Replace Mile High?
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Lack of Modern Features: Empower Field lacks a retractable roof, limiting Denver’s ability to host marquee events like the Super Bowl or NCAA Final Four.
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Revenue Opportunities: Premium seating, year-round attractions, and entertainment districts have become critical revenue drivers that the old stadium cannot fully deliver.
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Lease Timeline: The Broncos’ lease ends after the 2030 season. Building a replacement timed with that expiration avoids costly stopgap upgrades.
The new Burnham Yard stadium will include a retractable roof, natural grass field, premium hospitality suites, and integrated commercial development—all designed to keep Denver competitive with cities like Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
Comparison of NFL Stadium Ages (2025)
| Team / Stadium | Opened | Age in 2025 | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Bears – Soldier Field | 1924 | 101 years | Being replaced by new Arlington Heights stadium |
| Green Bay Packers – Lambeau Field | 1957 | 68 years | Renovated, still in use |
| Kansas City Chiefs – Arrowhead | 1972 | 53 years | Major renovation planned |
| Buffalo Bills – Highmark Stadium | 1973 | 52 years | New stadium opening 2026 |
| New Orleans Saints – Superdome | 1975 | 50 years | Renovated, still active |
| Miami Dolphins – Hard Rock | 1987 | 38 years | Renovated |
| Denver Broncos – Empower Field | 2001 | 24 years | To be replaced in 2031 |
| New England Patriots – Gillette | 2002 | 23 years | Still active |
| Dallas Cowboys – AT&T Stadium | 2009 | 16 years | Still active |
| Las Vegas Raiders – Allegiant | 2020 | 5 years | Newest |
| Los Angeles Rams/Chargers – SoFi | 2020 | 5 years | Newest |
Location & Site Details
The Burnham Yard site spans 58 acres between 6th and 13th Avenues. Additional land from Denver Water and private acquisitions will expand the footprint closer to 80 acres, comparable to the current stadium site. Situated near downtown, it will be served by existing highway and rail infrastructure, with public money earmarked only for transit and road improvements.
Stadium Features & Development Vision
The Broncos’ ownership group, led by the Walton-Penner family, envisions more than just a football field. The project is designed as a destination district:
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Retractable Roof: Allowing Denver to compete for Super Bowls, Final Fours, and international soccer matches.
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Natural Grass Field: Maintaining football tradition while meeting player safety preferences.
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Entertainment Complex: Restaurants, hotels, and office spaces to generate year-round revenue.
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Public Amenities: Open spaces, plazas, and retail areas that benefit Denver residents even on non-game days.
Timeline & Funding
Construction is expected to begin by 2027, with opening targeted for the 2031 NFL season, coinciding with the expiration of the current lease. The stadium itself will be 100% privately financed, with public funds limited to infrastructure upgrades such as roads and transit connections.
Community & Economic Impact
The Burnham Yard redevelopment is being touted as one of the largest civic projects in Denver’s history. Beyond football, the mixed-use site is expected to generate jobs during construction and in long-term operations, boost tourism through major events, and enhance surrounding neighborhood property values.
The Bigger NFL Trend
Denver’s move fits into a broader NFL pattern: teams upgrading or replacing stadiums roughly every 25–30 years to maintain competitiveness. Fans increasingly demand modern experiences, and cities see stadium projects as anchors for redevelopment. From Buffalo to Nashville to Chicago, the Broncos are simply the latest franchise to follow this model.
Conclusion
The Denver Broncos’ decision to build a new stadium at Burnham Yard is about more than football—it’s about timing, economics, and city identity. At 24 years old, Empower Field no longer delivers the cutting-edge amenities fans, players, and event organizers demand. By targeting completion in 2031, the Broncos align perfectly with their lease expiration and with an NFL trend toward replacing aging venues with multi-use, revenue-generating districts.
Denver isn’t just getting a new stadium; it’s reshaping a swath of the city into a sports and entertainment hub for the next generation.
