Quick Answer: Empower Field at Mile High holds 76,125 and sits west of downtown Denver off Federal Boulevard and I-25. Parking costs $40-75 and the lots can take 45-90 minutes to exit after a Broncos game. A private car service drops you at the stadium's east side entrances and picks you up at a pre-arranged point away from the main lot exits. For tailgaters, a Sprinter van handles the group and the coolers without anyone driving after a full afternoon of pre-game.
Who This Article Is For
- Broncos season ticket holders looking for a post-game exit that doesn't take an hour
- Corporate suite holders hosting clients at Empower Field
- Out-of-town visitors attending their first Broncos game
- Tailgate groups who want to enjoy the full pre-game without a designated driver
- Families attending Broncos games or stadium concerts with kids
The Scale Problem at Mile High
Empower Field at Mile High is the largest venue in Colorado. At 76,125 capacity — and Broncos games sell out every week — it creates the single biggest transportation challenge in the Denver metro on game days.
The stadium sits on a 90-acre complex with massive surface parking lots (A, B, C, D, and several satellite lots). Those lots hold roughly 10,000 vehicles. After the game, all 10,000 try to exit through the same handful of routes onto Federal Boulevard, Colfax Avenue, and I-25.
The result: 45-90 minutes of post-game parking lot gridlock. On a cold November Sunday, that's not a minor inconvenience — it's the part of the game day experience that makes people reconsider season tickets.
Broncos Game Day Timeline
Kickoff is typically 2:05pm or 2:25pm for regular-season games, with occasional 10am (London) or 6:15pm (Sunday/Monday Night Football) starts.
The traffic pattern:
- 3-4 hours before kickoff: Tailgate lots open. Traffic begins building on I-25 and Federal. This is the best time to arrive if you want parking — and the only way to secure a close spot.
- 1-2 hours before kickoff: Peak arrival traffic. I-25 southbound from the north and Federal northbound from the south are slow. Surface lot parking fills to premium lots only.
- Kickoff to halftime: Traffic clears. This is when your chauffeur positions for the post-game pickup.
- Final whistle to +30 minutes: The first exit wave. Lots A and B (closest to I-25) empty first. If you leave immediately at the final whistle, you can exit in 15-20 minutes.
- +30 to +90 minutes: The gridlock peak. Everyone who stayed for the post-game handshake, walked to their car, and started inching toward the exit. This is the window that makes people rethink driving.
Drop-Off and Pickup Points
Drop-off: The east side of the stadium (facing downtown) has the cleanest vehicle access. Mile High Stadium Circle on the east side allows drop-offs near Gates 1-4. Your chauffeur approaches from Colfax or 17th Avenue, drops at the gate entrance, and exits before the traffic builds.
For tailgaters getting dropped with supplies: the south side of the stadium along Howard Place provides access closest to the tailgate lots. A Sprinter van can pull up, unload coolers, grills, and gear, then park off-site until pickup time.
Post-game pickup: Like Ball Arena, the key is picking a point away from the stadium exit flow:
- Decatur Street and Colfax — 3 blocks east of the stadium, accessible from downtown, away from the lot exits
- 17th Avenue and Federal — north of the stadium, quicker access to I-25 northbound
- Sun Valley neighborhood streets — south and east of the lots, typically clear while the main exits are gridlocked
The strategy is the same as every large-venue pickup: walk 5-10 minutes away from the exit flow, meet your vehicle on a side street, and you're on I-25 while the parking lots are still jammed.
Tailgate Transportation: The Sprinter Solution
Broncos tailgating is a Colorado institution. The lots open 3-4 hours before kickoff, and serious tailgaters arrive with full setups: grills, canopies, coolers, TVs running the early games. The combination of food, drink, and 4+ hours of pre-game means nobody in the group should be driving home.
A Mercedes Sprinter van handles this perfectly:
- Pickup: The Sprinter collects the group from one or two locations with all their gear
- Drop-off: The chauffeur drops the group and their tailgate setup at the lot, then parks off-site
- Pickup: After the game, the chauffeur returns to the pre-arranged point, loads the gear, and drives everyone home
- Capacity: 8-9 passengers depending on configuration, plus cargo space for tailgate equipment
The Sprinter eliminates the designated driver problem entirely. Everyone in the group gets the full tailgate experience — including the craft beers, the bourbon, and the shots after a Broncos touchdown — without anyone worrying about the drive home on I-25.
Corporate and Suite Hospitality
Empower Field has 132 luxury suites and multiple premium seating areas. If you're hosting clients in a suite, the transportation standard should match the hospitality standard.
A corporate game day with Arion:
- 11:00am: Escalade pickup at the client's hotel (for a 2:25pm kickoff)
- 11:30am: Drop at the stadium's VIP entrance on the east side
- Pre-game: Client enjoys the suite's pre-game spread while the chauffeur repositions
- 4th quarter: Client texts the chauffeur with an ETA
- Post-game: Client walks to the east side pickup point — vehicle is waiting, climate-controlled, water ready
- 5:30pm: Client back at hotel, no parking lot experience, no surge-priced Uber
Related reading: Denver Corporate Transportation Guide
Beyond Broncos: Other Events at Mile High
Empower Field also hosts:
- Major concerts — stadium tours (Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Morgan Wallen) that fill all 76,000 seats. Concert exits are worse than game exits because everyone leaves simultaneously.
- College football — Rocky Mountain Showdown (Colorado vs. Colorado State) and occasional neutral-site games
- Soccer — international friendlies and special matches
- Monster Jam, motocross, and specialty events
For concerts, the transportation strategy is the same as games but more critical: 76,000 people leaving at once creates the worst exit scenario of any Denver venue. Pre-arranged private transportation with an off-site pickup is the only way to avoid 60+ minutes in the lots.
RTD and Public Transit
RTD operates the Stadium Station (C and E lines) adjacent to Empower Field. The light rail works for arrival — trains run frequently on game days. Post-game, RTD adds extra service but the platform gets packed: expect 20-30 minute waits to board a train.
RTD is a viable option for downtown residents (Union Station is 3 stops away). For suburban fans or out-of-town visitors, the light rail only gets you to Union Station — you still need transportation from there.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this Empower Field guide cover?
Quick Answer: Empower Field at Mile High holds 76,125 and sits west of downtown Denver off Federal Boulevard and I-25. Parking costs $40-75 and the lots can take 45-90 minutes to exit after a Broncos game. A private car service drops you at the stadium's east side entrances and picks you up at a pre.
Is Empower Field worth visiting?
Empower Field Transportation: Getting to Broncos Games and is one of Colorado's standout destinations. With stunning mountain scenery, year-round activities, and easy access from Denver, it consistently ranks as a top spot for both locals and visitors.
What's the best way to get to Empower Field from Denver?
The most comfortable way to reach Empower Field Transportation: Getting to Broncos Games and from Denver is by private car service. You avoid the stress of mountain driving, parking hassles, and weather concerns. Arion provides door-to-door luxury transportation with professional chauffeurs who know every route.
Can I book same-day transportation to Empower Field?
Same-day bookings are possible based on availability, but advance reservations are recommended — especially during peak seasons. Contact Arion's team to check current availability for your date and time.
What should I pack for a trip to Empower Field?
Layers are essential for any Colorado destination. Even in summer, mountain temperatures can swing 30+ degrees in a single day. Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen (UV is stronger at altitude), and a refillable water bottle are must-haves.
How do I plan a group trip to Empower Field?
Start by confirming your headcount, dates, and key activities. Arion's team can coordinate multi-vehicle logistics for groups of any size, including staggered pickups, venue-to-venue transfers, and late-night returns.
How much does parking cost at Empower Field?
Parking rates at Empower Field Transportation: Getting to Broncos Games and S vary by event and lot location. Pre-paid parking through the venue's website is typically cheaper than drive-up rates. VIP and premium lots closest to the entrance cost more. Private car service eliminates parking costs entirely.
What time do gates open at Empower Field?
Gates at Empower Field Transportation: Getting to Broncos Games and S typically open 60–90 minutes before the scheduled start time. Check your specific event for exact gate times — they vary by event type. Arriving at gate-open gives you the best seat selection for general admission events.
Is Empower Field accessible by public transit?
RTD light rail and bus service can reach some Denver venues, but schedules after events can be limited. For late-night shows, private car service is the most reliable way home. Check RTD's trip planner for specific routes and schedules.
How do I tip a private chauffeur in Denver?
A 15–20% gratuity is standard for private car service and is not included in the base fare. You can tip in cash at the end of your ride or add it when you settle your invoice. Arion's chauffeurs never expect tips but always appreciate them.
Game day transportation
Arion provides private SUV and Sprinter service to Empower Field for Broncos games, concerts, and stadium events. Drop-off, post-game pickup, and tailgate group transportation. No parking lot, no designated driver needed.
