Denver Broncos Announce Plans for New Stadium in Burnham Yard

The Denver Broncos have officially announced plans to construct a new stadium at Burnham Yard, a historic railyard in the La Alma-Lincoln Park neighborhood. This privately funded project, expected to open in time for the 2031 NFL season, will feature a retractable roof and is part of a broader mixed-use development aimed at revitalizing the area. The Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group, alongside Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and Colorado Governor Jared Polis, emphasized that the project will not utilize taxpayer dollars.

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The announcement has sparked a mix of excitement and concern among local residents and businesses. Troy Halouska, a La Alma-Lincoln resident, expressed hope that the Broncos will engage with the community during the development process. "Our hope is that the Broncos are learning from the past," he stated, referencing previous developments that overlooked local needs. City Councilwoman Jamie Torres echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of a community benefits agreement to ensure local priorities are met.

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Local businesses, such as the Buckhorn Exchange, anticipate increased foot traffic and opportunities for special events on game days. Tiffany Emmons, the restaurant's assistant general manager, noted, "It’ll be very impactful... to have kind of that new base." David Griggs, a board member of the La Alma-Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association, sees the stadium as a chance for the neighborhood to gain recognition and appreciation for its rich history.

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Conversely, residents of Jefferson Park, which neighbors the current Empower Field at Mile High, have expressed mixed feelings about the move. Paul Young, a local resident, hoped for redevelopment in his neighborhood rather than a relocation. He voiced concerns about the potential impact on local businesses, stating, "I hope that whatever plans they have, they do quickly so the local businesses would not be impacted."

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Faith Tyler, from Riverside Church, highlighted the financial implications of losing parking revenue from Broncos games, which could exceed $200,000 annually. Despite these concerns, some local business owners, like Derek Friedman of Sportsfan, remain optimistic about the long-term benefits, citing the potential for hosting major events like Super Bowls.

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Mayor Johnston described the stadium project as a "huge win" for Denver, emphasizing the importance of keeping the Broncos within city limits. He stated, "I just could never see a world where the Broncos weren't a part of Denver." The city plans to begin a community planning process for the Empower Field site once the Broncos' lease expires in 2031, with possibilities for housing and community spaces.

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• “I think it’s great for the city,” — Sean Payton, Denver Broncos Coach

Sean Payton backs Broncos stadium plan with roof flexibility

• “If things are done right and with respect, it’s absolutely good news for the neighborhood,” — David Griggs, La Alma-Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association

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• “It's a bummer, but it's still exciting. The stadium will still be in the city, and so we love that for our city,” — Faith Tyler, Riverside Church

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As the Denver Broncos prepare for this significant transition, the community's response remains varied. While many residents and local businesses are hopeful for positive changes, others are cautious about the potential impacts on their neighborhoods. The next steps will involve extensive community engagement to ensure that the development benefits all stakeholders involved.

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