Empower Field at Mile High is a football fan’s dream come true. I recently visited this amazing stadium in Denver, and I was blown away by the experience. The stadium’s design offers great views from almost every seat, making it easy to catch all the action on the field.
From the moment I stepped inside, I felt the electric atmosphere. The passionate Broncos fans create an incredible energy that’s hard to describe. I loved exploring the various food options and checking out the team memorabilia scattered throughout the concourse.
One thing that really stood out to me was how easy it was to get around. The stadium layout is well-planned, with clear signage and helpful staff. Whether you’re a die-hard Broncos fan or just visiting Denver, Empower Field at Mile High is definitely worth checking out.
Key Takeaways
- The stadium offers great views and an electric atmosphere for football games.
- There are plenty of food options and team memorabilia to explore throughout the venue.
- The well-planned layout and helpful staff make it easy to navigate the stadium.
History and Overview
Empower Field at Mile High has a rich history in Denver. It’s gone through some big changes over the years. Let’s look at how this iconic stadium came to be.
The Origin of Mile High Stadium
The original Mile High Stadium opened way back in 1948. At first, it was a baseball park. The Denver Broncos started playing there in the 1960s. I love how they kept expanding it over time. They added seats and made it bigger as the team got more popular.
By the 1990s, the old stadium was showing its age. Fans wanted something new and modern. So in 1998, voters said yes to building a brand new stadium. Construction started in 1999.
Renaming to Empower Field at Mile High
The new Mile High Stadium opened in 2001. It had a different name back then – Invesco Field at Mile High. But names can change!
In 2011, it became Sports Authority Field at Mile High. When Sports Authority went bankrupt, they dropped that name. For a bit, we just called it Broncos Stadium at Mile High.
In 2019, Empower bought the naming rights. That’s how we got Empower Field at Mile High. I think it’s a good name!
Notable Milestones
Empower Field has seen some amazing moments. The Broncos won Super Bowl 50 while playing here. That was huge!
The stadium holds 76,125 fans. It’s got 8,200 club seats and 144 luxury suites. Pretty fancy!
I’ve been to a few games there. The atmosphere is electric. The way the seats are set up in a horseshoe shape is cool. It fits with the Broncos’ horse theme.
They’ve hosted some big concerts too. U2, Taylor Swift, and the Rolling Stones have all played here. It’s not just for football!
Tour Experience
I had an amazing time exploring Empower Field at Mile High. The tour offered a unique peek into the stadium’s inner workings and team areas. I got to see parts of the venue most fans never get to experience.
Behind the Scenes Access
The behind the scenes tour was incredible. I saw areas usually off-limits to the public. Our guide took us through player tunnels and onto the sidelines.
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I stood where the Broncos run out before games. The energy was electric, even with no crowd. We visited the press box high above the field. The view was breathtaking.
I learned fun facts about the stadium’s history and operations. Did you know they repaint the field for each game? The guide’s stories made the place come alive.
Exploring the Locker Rooms
Stepping into the locker rooms was surreal. I saw where NFL stars prepare for battle. The home team’s space was massive and luxurious.
Broncos logos and motivational quotes covered the walls. I spotted nameplates of famous players above their lockers. The setup was so cool.
The visiting team’s locker room was much simpler. It felt cramped compared to the home digs. I imagined the tension before big games.
Visiting the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame
The Colorado Sports Hall of Fame was a treat for sports buffs like me. It showcased the state’s rich athletic history.
I saw displays honoring legendary Broncos, Rockies, and Avalanche players. There were cool artifacts from important games and events.
Interactive exhibits let me test my sports knowledge. I even got to try on some replica gear. It was a fun mix of education and entertainment.
VIP and Suite Tours
The VIP areas blew me away. I peeked into luxury suites with amazing views of the field. The amenities were top-notch.
We visited exclusive lounges where the rich and famous hang out during games. The decor was sleek and modern.
I learned about different suite options and their perks. It was fun to imagine watching a game in such style. The tour gave me a taste of the high life at Empower Field.
Atmosphere and Experience
Empower Field at Mile High offers an electric atmosphere for both sports and music fans. I’ve experienced the thrilling energy firsthand during various events at this iconic Denver venue.
Game Day Vibe
When I attend Broncos games, the stadium comes alive with excitement. The fans create an amazing atmosphere that’s hard to beat. Orange and blue fill the stands, and the noise is deafening when the home team scores.
I love how close to the action I feel, even in the upper levels. The stadium design puts fans right on top of the field. This setup makes for an intense football experience.
The energy builds as kickoff approaches. I can feel the anticipation in the air. When the team runs out, the roar of the crowd is unforgettable.
Concerts and Special Events
I’ve also been to concerts at Empower Field, and they’re just as exciting as game days. The stadium transforms into a massive outdoor venue with great acoustics.
One of my favorite shows was a Kenny Chesney concert. The atmosphere was electric, with fans singing along to every song. The sound quality was impressive for such a large space.
The field and lower bowl become a huge dance floor for these events. I love how the stadium lights up at night during performances.
Fan Engagement
Empower Field does a great job keeping fans involved throughout events. During games, I enjoy the interactive elements on the big screens.
The stadium app enhances my experience with real-time stats and replays. I can even order food from my seat, which is super convenient.
Between quarters and during halftime, there are always fun activities on the field. These keep the energy high even when play stops.
I’ve noticed the staff is friendly and helpful, which adds to the positive vibe. They seem genuinely excited to be part of the experience.
Seating and Views
Empower Field at Mile High offers a range of seating options with different views. I’ve checked out various areas and have some tips to share about picking seats and what to expect.
Seat Selection and Views
I found the lower level sideline seats in sections 102-108 and 120-126 give great views close to the action. They’re near midfield on the Broncos and visiting team sides. These sections have about 40 rows each.
For a budget-friendly option, I like the upper deck. But be aware, seats can feel small and cramped up there. I’d avoid bringing lots of stuff to squeeze in.
If you’re in an aisle seat, expect to stand often. I noticed people from the middle need to get by frequently. It’s a trade-off between easy access and less disruption during the game.
Club Level and Third Deck
The club level offers a nice middle ground between the lower and upper sections. I appreciate the extra amenities and slightly more room.
For the third deck, I’ve sat in section 329 before. While high up, I still had a decent view of the whole field. It’s a good cheap option if you don’t mind the altitude.
One tip: check if your seat has a limited view before buying. In my experience, even “limited view” seats weren’t too bad, but it’s good to know in advance.
ADA Accessibility
I’m pleased to see Empower Field takes accessibility seriously. They offer ADA-compliant restrooms throughout the stadium.
For wheelchair users, there are designated spaces in various sections. I’ve noticed they try to provide good views from these areas.
Assistive listening devices are available too. I’d recommend contacting the stadium directly for the most up-to-date info on ADA seating and services. They can help ensure you get the right accommodations for your needs.
Amenities and Facilities
Empower Field at Mile High offers a wide range of amenities to make game day enjoyable. I found plenty of food choices, clean restrooms, shopping options, and free Wi-Fi throughout the stadium.
Food and Beverage Options
The stadium has tons of tasty food and drinks. I saw classic stadium fare like hot dogs and nachos, but also some fancier choices. There are local Denver restaurants with stands inside too. I loved trying the green chili cheese fries.
For drinks, there are beer stands everywhere. I noticed craft beer options from Colorado breweries. Non-alcoholic choices include soda, water, and lemonade.
The lines can get long at halftime. I recommend grabbing food early or during slower periods to avoid waits.
Restrooms and Comfort
I was impressed by how many restrooms there are. I never had to wait long, even during busy times. The bathrooms were clean and well-stocked.
For comfort, there’s plenty of space to move around on the concourses. I saw wheelchair accessible areas at each entrance too.
On hot days, I enjoyed the misting stations to cool off. There are also heating lamps in some spots for chilly games.
Shopping and Merchandise
The main team store is huge and has every kind of Broncos gear imaginable. I found jerseys, hats, t-shirts, and unique souvenirs there.
There are smaller merchandise stands throughout the stadium too. These are great for grabbing a quick hat or foam finger without leaving your section.
Prices are a bit high, but that’s typical for stadium shopping. I recommend checking online prices first if you’re looking for a specific item.
Technology and Connectivity
I was happy to find free Wi-Fi throughout the stadium. The connection was strong enough to post photos and check stats during the game.
There are lots of TVs around so you don’t miss any action when grabbing food. The big screens are crystal clear – I could see replays from anywhere.
For parking, I used their app to pre-pay. It made getting in and out much smoother. The stadium also has mobile ticketing, which was super convenient.
Accessibility and Accommodations
Empower Field at Mile High offers many options to make game day enjoyable for all fans. I’ve found the stadium does a great job with accessibility features and nearby accommodations.
Transportation and Parking
Getting to the stadium is easy. I like that there are ADA compliant ramps in all four corners of the stadium. For sections 229-236, I use the ramps by gates 9 and 10. If I’m sitting in sections 316-330, the ramps near Gates 4 and 5 work best.
Parking is plentiful. I’ve noticed lots of on-site and off-site options. For rideshares, I exit through the west stadium gates (10, 1, 2, 3 or 4) to reach the pick-up areas.
The stadium is right off I-25 and Federal Blvd, making it simple to find. I appreciate how convenient the location is.
Nearby Accommodations
I’ve found plenty of places to stay near Empower Field. The stadium is just minutes from downtown Denver, so there are tons of hotel options.
For food, I like grabbing a bite before the game at one of the nearby restaurants. There’s a good mix of casual and upscale spots within walking distance.
After the game, I sometimes head back downtown. It’s nice having so many choices for post-game activities so close by.
Facilities for Families
Empower Field is pretty family-friendly. I’ve noticed plenty of restrooms throughout the stadium, which is handy when bringing kids.
There are concession stands on every level. I like that it’s easy to grab snacks or drinks without missing much of the action.
For families with babies, I’ve seen changing stations in many of the restrooms. It’s a thoughtful touch that makes attending games with little ones easier.
The stadium has a clear bag policy. I always remind friends to check the rules before bringing diaper bags or other family gear.
Community and Reviews
Fans love Empower Field at Mile High! I’ve seen lots of great reviews online. People share awesome stories about their experiences at the stadium. Let’s dive into what visitors are saying.
Tripadvisor and Yelp Insights
I checked out Empower Field’s Yelp page and found tons of positive feedback. Many fans give it 4 or 5 stars! They praise the stadium’s awesome views and top-notch facilities.
On Tripadvisor, the stadium has a great traveler rating. Visitors often mention:
- Clean bathrooms
- Tasty food options
- Helpful staff
- Easy parking
I noticed a few complaints about crowded concourses, but most reviews are super positive.
Fan Stories and Testimonials
I love reading personal stories from fans who’ve been to Empower Field. One fan on Yelp talked about sitting field-level in the end zone. How cool is that?
Another visitor shared tips about seating. They said the view from section 329 was great, even though it was marked as “limited view” on their ticket.
Some fans rave about the stadium’s atmosphere during big games. They describe the energy as electric and unforgettable.
Many reviewers mention the breathtaking mountain views from the upper levels. It’s a unique feature that sets Empower Field apart from other NFL stadiums.
Additional Experiences
Empower Field at Mile High offers more than just football games. I’ve found some great ways to get involved and learn about the stadium beyond gameday.
Non-Profit Events and Community Outreach
The stadium hosts many charity events throughout the year. I love that they partner with local non-profits to raise money for good causes.
Fundraising walks and runs often start and finish at the stadium. It’s cool to walk on the same field as the players while supporting important causes.
The Broncos also do a lot of community work here. I’ve seen them host youth football camps and health screenings for kids. The players often show up to meet fans and give back.
Food drives and donation events happen in the parking lots too. It’s great to see the stadium used to help people in need.
Educational Opportunities and Tours
I really enjoy the behind-the-scenes tours of Empower Field. You get to see areas most fans never do, like the locker rooms and press box.
The guides share fun facts about the stadium’s history and architecture. I learned a lot about how it was built to handle Denver’s unique climate.
School groups often take field trips here too. The stadium has educational programs about sports science, engineering, and nutrition.
My favorite part is walking out of the tunnel onto the field. It gives you a player’s perspective of how massive the stadium really is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Empower Field at Mile High has a lot to offer fans. I’ll answer some common questions about seating, tours, accessibility, and events at the stadium.
What are the best seating sections at Empower Field at Mile High for concerts?
For concerts, I recommend the lower and club level seats closest to the stage. The 100 level sections near midfield also offer great views. Club seats have nice amenities like padded chairs and indoor areas.
Can you tell me about the experience of taking a Broncos stadium tour?
I really enjoyed my stadium tour! We got to see the locker rooms, press box, and field up close. Our guide shared cool facts about the team’s history. Tours usually last about 75-90 minutes.
Are there accessible elevators available for fans at Empower Field at Mile High?
Yes, the stadium has several elevators for fans who need them. They’re located near most gates and provide easy access to all levels.
Does Empower Field at Mile High have any covered seating sections or a roof?
The stadium doesn’t have a roof or many covered seats. Most seats are open to the elements. I suggest bringing a poncho or jacket if rain is in the forecast.
What sort of events can I attend at Empower Field at Mile High besides Broncos games?
I’ve seen concerts, soccer matches, and monster truck rallies at the stadium. They also host college football games and special events throughout the year.
Are any virtual tours available that showcase Empower Field at Mile High online?
I haven’t found any official virtual tours, but the Broncos website has some great photos and videos of the stadium. You can also check out fan-uploaded videos on YouTube to get a feel for the place.