Denver Broncos owner and CEO Greg Penner has confirmed that the franchise plans to build a new stadium with a retractable roof and a surrounding mixed-use residential and commercial district in Burnham Yard — a historic, 100-acre former rail yard located in downtown Denver.

The new heart of sports in Denver

Situated less than a mile southeast of the current Empower Field at Mile High, Burnham Yard is set to become the new hub of sports and entertainment in the city. The site has a rich history — it served as a major railway yard dating back to the 19th century, even before Colorado achieved statehood. Penner revealed that the team intends to preserve and integrate portions of the historic infrastructure, including the old locomotive hall, into the new development. This place is part of Denver’s identity. We want the past to inspire the future, he said. Once a symbol of Denver’s industrial might, Burnham Yard is now envisioned as a modern, multifunctional district, with the stadium serving as one of several key anchors within a much larger urban ecosystem.

We couldn’t have picked a better site, Penner said. Burnham Yard has enormous potential — it’s a space where we can create something truly special, something that will serve Broncos fans and the entire city. This could become the most important sports investment in Denver’s history.

The new Broncos stadium will feature a natural grass field and a retractable roof, offering flexibility for year-round use. While the design allows for major events such as concerts or even the Super Bowl, Penner emphasized that the team’s and fans’ experience remains the top priority. Our main goal is to create a stadium that delivers the best possible experience for our fans and players, Penner explained. We want it to be loud, intimidating for visiting teams, and also capable of hosting world-class events.

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Privately funded — built with the community in mind

Although the stadium and surrounding infrastructure will be privately funded, both the City of Denver and the State of Colorado are expected to support the project through upgrades to local roads, rail lines, and transportation networks. Importantly, city officials have stated that no new taxes will be introduced to finance the development. The Broncos plan to maintain close collaboration with local authorities and community leaders throughout the process.

The vision for Burnham Yard goes far beyond a sports complex. The project calls for the creation of a vibrant, year-round urban district, featuring restaurants, shops, offices, hotels, residential buildings, cultural venues, and entertainment spaces, all connected by public transportation, including access to the TRD light rail line.

Co-owner Carrie Walton Penner emphasized that the goal is to build a destination that draws people in. We don’t want a stadium surrounded only by parking lots, she said. We dream of a space full of life — a place people will remember and tell others, ‘You have to visit Burnham Yard when you’re in Denver.’

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Broncos look ahead

The team’s current lease at Empower Field at Mile High runs through 2030, aligning perfectly with the anticipated timeline for Burnham Yard. If everything proceeds as planned, the Denver Broncos could play their first game in their new home during the 2031 NFL season. As Greg Penner summarized: This is just the beginning of a long journey, but we have a tremendous opportunity to create something that will stand as a symbol of Denver — a stadium that brings together history, technology, and community.