Transforming Bronco's Stadium Site into a Vibrant Community
Denver is bracing for a major shift as the Broncos prepare for a potential move to Burnham Yards. If Empower Field is vacated, nearly 100 acres of public land become available for full redevelopment. After seeing the concept visuals created by Ryan Meeks and Anthony E Graves, which were recently featured in the Denver Post, we were motivated to create some of our own to explore what their vision suggests for this rare site.
The idea of transforming this land is not new. In 2019, the city and SAR+ Architects introduced a mixed use plan built around the existing stadium. That early work imagined new development but kept Empower Field in place. Now, with the Broncos expected to play elsewhere, planners can envision a complete redevelopment of the entire site without needing to design around a stadium. This opens far more room for housing, parks, and public life.
With the Metropolitan Football Stadium District’s lease ending between 2030 and 2031, the city has a chance to design a complete neighborhood that reflects Denver’s priorities. Meeks and Graves argue that the moment calls for a reset of the Stadium District Master Plan and a broader public process focused on housing, parks, mobility, and small business opportunities. Their approach also encourages multiple developers to compete on different phases to deliver better design and lower costs.
Their concepts imagine a walkable district with mixed income housing, flexible civic space, new athletic facilities, and 13 acres of parks. Retail would serve nearby neighborhoods. Parking would be limited to about 3000 spaces to avoid garage dominated streets. Public art, childcare, and creative studios would support families and local talent while honoring the history of Mile High and the Broncos.
As Denver begins to imagine a future without a stadium on this land, we want to hear from you. Which vision feels closest to what the city needs now? The early SAR+ plan from 2019, the new concepts from Meeks and Graves, or a fresh start that reimagines the site from the ground up?
