The Denver Broncos reached a franchise record. Despite a nine-percent increase in ticket prices, a record 99.5% of season-ticket holders renewed for the following year. Now, it's giving the owners a lot of leverage as they try to build a new stadium.

Broncos' lease expires at Empower Field at the end of the 2030 season. According to the new stadium plan, it would take up a relatively small portion of the site, 30 to 35 acres. The rest of the 150 acres would be used for mixed-use development, roads, and green space.

The development would include a neighborhood park west of La Alma-Lincoln Park and another linear park near West Sixth Avenue and Osage Street. The area once labeled as a tailgate zone has also been renamed “tailgate park” and placed south of the stadium near Eighth Avenue.

“The initial submission of our Infrastructure Master Plan in March represents an early step in a collaborative, ongoing process with the city and community,” said Broncos chief communications officer Patrick Smyth. “As we shape this vision at Burnham Yard together, the plan will continue to evolve to best integrate with the surrounding neighborhoods and reflect community needs.”

However, as per reports, the plan is facing some challenges. The land they want to use is very important to local history and was once home to the Ute and Cheyenne tribes.

They are afraid that the new stadium and bigger roads will push people out of their homes or cause too much traffic.

Meanwhile, building a stadium is not the ultimate goal. The Broncos are involving the community, listening to everyone’s concerns.

Denver Broncos Engage Community Coalition Over Burnham Yard Development

The team’s new owners, Greg and Carrie Penner, want to make sure the team’s success also helps the local neighborhoods.

To do this, the ownership group bought land near the stadium. The Broncos are involving the local people because of the promise they made while acquiring the land.

“Throughout our history, the Broncos have invested deeply in our community through meaningful impact benefiting current and future generations,” Broncos President Damani Leech wrote in a statement provided through a team spokesperson. “That approach will continue to guide our organization as we engage thoughtfully and collaboratively with (the coalition).”

The Denver Broncos are taking into consideration concerns from Burnham Yard Community Action. It is a neighborhood coalition who seek fair development in the area in terms of education, housing, jobs, and local arts programs.

A coalition made up of 16 West Denver organizations was unveiled Tuesday. They will negotiate a community benefits agreement tied to the Denver Broncos' proposed stadium.

Since so many factors are involved, it raises questions about the team's target opening of the 2031 season.

Share your thoughts on the Broncos’ new stadium project.

Read more at Denver Broncos Community.

Written by

Aaindri Thakuri

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar