Denver Broncos fan guide: Best Empower Field at Mile High seats, food and more game tips

Orange jerseys start appearing across Denver hours before kickoff. They fill the light-rail platforms, spill out of downtown bars and gather in the parking lots west of the city as Empower Field at Mile High comes into view beneath the Rocky Mountains.

Inside, the stadium still carries the habits of the original Mile High. Fans pound the metal flooring on big defensive downs and Thunder races across the field after Broncos scores. At 5,280 feet, even the altitude gets involved.

This guide covers the best seats, food, tailgates, transportation and game-day traditions at Empower Field, along with the details first-time visitors should know before attending a Denver Broncos game.

Ultimate guide to experiencing a Denver Broncos game at Empower Field at Mile High

Empower Field at Mile High sits just west of downtown Denver at 5,280 feet, less than 50 feet from the site of the original Mile High Stadium.

Seat choice here should account for both view and weather. Early-season games can bring strong sun and heat, while late-season dates may mean wind, freezing temperatures or snow. Bring layers, stay hydrated and leave extra time for ramps or stairs if you are not used to the altitude.

Getting to and leaving Empower Field at Mile High

Light rail is usually the easiest option for fans who are not tailgating. Empower Field at Mile High Station and Decatur-Federal Station both provide direct stadium access, though RTD routes and schedules can change around construction and special events. Check the current trip planner before leaving and expect crowded platforms immediately after the game.

Driving works best with a prepaid parking pass. Most on-site spaces are reserved in advance, while limited game-day parking may be available in Lots A and C. Lot C opens six hours before kickoff, while the remaining stadium lots open 4.5 hours before the game. Lot A’s designated carpool spaces require at least four people per vehicle, and tailgating is not allowed in that section.

Fans without an on-site permit can also check independently operated parking at Ball Arena, Auraria Campus, Denver Aquarium and Riverside Church. Availability and prices vary, so buy ahead when possible and follow the directions assigned to your exact lot.

Rideshare drop-off is near Gate 5 at the stadium’s northeast corner. Postgame pickup moves to the Ball Arena Rideshare Lot near Fifth and Walnut streets, about a 15-minute walk east of Empower Field. Walk to the pickup area before requesting your ride rather than expecting a driver to reach the stadium gates.

Fans staying in LoDo or near Union Station can continue by train or on foot. The walk is manageable but longer than it looks on a map, so wear comfortable shoes and leave enough time for both the route and stadium security.

What first-time Empower Field at Mile High visitors should know for a Broncos game

Before entering, stop at the Ring of Fame Plaza on the south side of the stadium behind the main scoreboard. The plaza sits beside the Broncos Horse Fountain and features 8-foot steel monuments honoring the franchise’s Ring of Fame members. The pillars were made from the same type of steel used to build the original Mile High Stadium, tying the current venue to the team’s former home.

The stadium’s open-air setting also gives first-time visitors something most NFL venues cannot match. On a clear afternoon, look west from the east side or one of the upper concourses for views of the Rocky Mountains beyond the stadium. Arrive early enough to take in the scenery before kickoff and before the light begins to fade.

The Mile High Monument on the north side preserves pieces of the original stadium, including old seats, Bucky the Bronco and the Barrel Man statue. The outdoor museum is closed to general visitors on Broncos game days, when the ticketed Broncos VIP Tailgate is held at the site.

Denver Broncos game-day traditions

Broncos fans do not wait for the scoreboard to tell them when to get loud. During big defensive moments, they stomp on the metal flooring to create Mile High Thunder, carrying over a tradition from the original stadium. An opposing incompletion brings the familiar “IN-COM-PLETE” chant rolling through the bowl.

Before kickoff, the Thunderstorm skydiving team descends into the stadium, weather permitting. It is the only professional skydiving team that performs at every NFL home game.

Thunder, the Broncos’ live Arabian horse, takes the field during player introductions and races from one end zone to the other after every Denver score.

The Mile High Salute began with Hall of Fame running back Terrell Davis, who saluted the crowd after scoring touchdowns. Broncos players have continued bringing it back over the years, keeping one of the franchise’s championship-era celebrations alive.

Best places to sit for a Broncos game at Empower Field at Mile High

Empower Field offers several different ways to watch a Broncos game, and here are our top picks based on the type of experience you're looking for.

Best premium seats

For the best combination of football view and premium comfort, look at the United Club. Sections 308 through 310 sit near midfield above the Broncos sideline, while Sections 336 through 338 provide a similar elevated angle from the visitor side.

United Club tickets also include extra-wide padded seats and access to private lounges with televisions, full-service bars and dining options unavailable on the public concourses. Food and drinks are sold separately, but club ticket holders can choose from these elevated options without leaving the premium level.

Best lower-level view

Sections 104 through 106 sit near midfield behind the Broncos bench, while Sections 122 through 124 offer a similar angle behind the visiting team. These are some of the best lower-level choices for seeing the full field without losing the speed and contact that make sitting close so much fun.

The first few rows bring you closest to the action, but players, cameras and sideline equipment can block parts of the field. Seats roughly 15 to 30 rows up usually give you a better view while keeping the energy of the lower bowl.

The west sideline also tends to reach the shade earlier during afternoon games. That can make the Broncos side more comfortable for sunny September and early-October kickoffs.

Best upper-level value

Sections 507 through 509 above the Broncos sideline and Sections 533 through 535 on the visitor side offer some of the best full-field views on the 500 Level. They keep you near midfield, where the distance is easier to forgive because you can still see the entire play develop.

The lower rows make a noticeable difference in Empower Field’s steep upper deck. Seats in roughly the first eight to 12 rows feel much closer to the action than those near the top, so the upgrade can be worth it when the price gap is small.

Sections 531 through 537 on the east-side upper deck also give fans a west-facing look toward the Rocky Mountains before sunset. The tradeoff is more direct afternoon sun, so come prepared with sunglasses and sunscreen if you choose a seat in that area.

Best seats for the sights and sounds of the game

The South Stands are where Broncos history and game-day noise come together. Lower-level Sections 128 through 135 and Section 100 wrap around the south end zone, putting fans near one of the loudest and most recognizable parts of Empower Field.

Sections 131 through 133 sit directly behind the goalposts and give you the clearest straight-on view of touchdowns. Sections 128, 129, 134, 135 and 100 create more of a corner angle but still keep you in the middle of the South Stands atmosphere.

These seats are at their best when the action is coming toward you, from crucial goal-line plays to Thunder’s runs across the field.

Where opposing fans should sit

Sections 122 through 124 sit directly behind the visiting team’s bench on the east sideline and offer the best lower-level choice for opposing fans. Sections 120, 121, 125 and 126 may cost less while keeping you close to the visitor side.

For a higher view, United Club Sections 336 through 338 and upper-level Sections 533 through 535 stay aligned with the visiting sideline and make it easier to follow the entire field.

Empower Field does not have a designated visiting-fan section, so opposing supporters are spread throughout the stadium.

Best food options inside Empower Field at Mile High

Empower Field has several choices that feel more specific to Denver than the usual stadium stand. Fans watching their budget should locate the nearest Favs @ Mile High stand before settling for the first concession line they see.

Atwater Grill near Section 100 is the most distinctly Broncos option. The stand honors Hall of Fame safety Steve Atwater with smashed burgers and sides, making it a natural stop for fans sitting near the South Stands.

Empower Field is cashless, and alcohol sales stop at the end of the third quarter. Check nearby choices before kickoff because crossing levels at halftime can turn one food run into a much longer trip than expected.

Best tailgating spots near Empower Field at Mile High

For the classic Broncos tailgate, Lot C is the main game-day option. It opens six hours before kickoff and sells a very limited number of spaces for $55 on a first-come, first-served basis. Fans line up early, and the stadium expects the lot to sell out within 30 minutes to one hour after opening, so this is not a plan for anyone arriving late.

Tailgating is allowed in stadium lots before the game, but everything must stay within the boundaries of your purchased parking space. Grills, tables and chairs cannot take over another stall, block a traffic lane or extend into pedestrian walkways.

Fans who would rather have the food, drinks and setup handled for them can buy access to the Broncos VIP Tailgate at Mile High Monument. The ticketed event takes place at the north side of the stadium before every home game and opens three hours before kickoff. A game ticket and parking are not included, so all three may need to be purchased separately.

Mane Street is the best free option for fans without a parking-lot setup. Located outside Gates 9 and 10 on the south side, it opens three hours before kickoff with food, drinks, music and interactive activities. Matchup-specific programming can also include appearances from Miles (the team's mascot), the Broncos Cheerleaders and the Stampede Drumline.

Pregame and postgame options around Empower Field at Mile High

For the closest sports-bar pregame, Original Brooklyn’s sits just south of Empower Field and is built for Broncos crowds. The back patio turns into a game-day party with satellite bars and a barbecue-and-burger setup, while reservations for home games fill quickly.

Fans staying downtown can begin near Union Station or in LoDo before continuing west by light rail or on foot. McGregor Square is a good choice for groups that want a full sports-viewing setup, with a large outdoor screen and several restaurants and bars, including Tom’s Watch Bar and its wall-to-wall screens. It is farther from Empower Field than Brooklyn’s, so leave enough time for the trip to the stadium.

The Ball Arena area is especially practical after the game because the designated rideshare pickup lot is nearby. Fans can walk east from Empower Field, grab food or a drink and let the first wave of traffic clear before requesting a ride.

Light-rail platforms, pedestrian routes and rideshare areas are busiest immediately after the final whistle. Unless you need to leave right away, extending the day around Ball Arena or downtown is usually more enjoyable than joining the transportation rush all at once.

How to buy Denver Broncos tickets on SeatGeek

A Broncos ticket can put you behind the home bench, underneath the flight path of the Thunderstorm skydivers or high enough to watch the Rockies disappear into the evening. Here’s how to find your spot:

1. Open SeatGeek and search for the Denver Broncos.

2. Select the home game you want to attend at Empower Field at Mile High.

3. Use the interactive map to compare the lower bowl, United Club and 500 Level.

4. Review the section, row, Deal Score and available View From Seat photos for each listing.

5. If you are interested in a more elevated game-day experience, open the Premium tab to browse the available club seats and other upgrades.

6. Purchase a parking pass separately when driving unless the listing explicitly includes one.

7. Add your mobile tickets and parking pass to your phone’s wallet before leaving for the stadium.

Your ticket decides where the day begins. Empower Field supplies the thin air, the orange crowd and the kind of fourth-quarter noise that follows you all the way back downtown.