On September 9, 2025, the Denver Broncos, alongside Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and Colorado Governor Jared Polis, announced Burnham Yard as the preferred site for a new, privately funded, retractable-roof stadium set to open by the 2031 NFL season. This historic 58-acre former railyard, located in the heart of Denver’s La Alma/Lincoln Park and Baker neighborhoods, marks a transformative step for the city and the franchise. The announcement ends years of speculation about the team’s future home, as their lease at Empower Field at Mile High nears its expiration in 2030. This article explores the significance of Burnham Yard, its history, the planned development, community implications, and what this means for Denver’s sports and cultural landscape.
A Historic Site Reimagined
Burnham Yard, situated just east of Interstate 25 and north of Sixth Avenue, has been a cornerstone of Denver’s industrial history since its establishment in 1871 by the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad. Named after George Burnham, the CFO of Baldwin Locomotive Works, the railyard served as a vital hub for over 150 years, connecting Denver to broader rail networks across Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico. At its peak, it was part of the largest narrow-gauge rail system in North America, with nearly 1,861 miles of tracks, according to the Utah State Historical Society. The site, which ceased operations in 2016, was acquired by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) in 2021 for $50 million, initially intended for transit infrastructure. However, those plans shifted, paving the way for the Broncos’ bold vision.
Today, Burnham Yard is a 58-acre, banana-shaped plot dotted with aging railroad buildings, some of which hold historical significance. The site’s proximity to the 10th and Osage RTD light rail station and its location just one mile southeast of Empower Field at Mile High make it an ideal candidate for redevelopment. The Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group, which purchased the Broncos in 2022 for $4.65 billion, sees Burnham Yard as more than just a stadium site—it’s an opportunity to create a vibrant, year-round mixed-use district that integrates with Denver’s urban fabric.

The Vision: A World-Class Stadium and Mixed-Use District
The proposed development at Burnham Yard is ambitious, aiming to transform the abandoned railyard into a dynamic hub for sports, entertainment, and community life. The centerpiece is a state-of-the-art, retractable-roof stadium with a natural grass playing field, designed to host NFL games while accommodating major events like the Super Bowl, NCAA Final Four, and high-profile concerts. The retractable roof ensures year-round usability, addressing the limitations of Empower Field, which cannot host events during Denver’s harsh winters due to its open-air design.
The Walton-Penner group, led by Greg and Carrie Penner, will privately fund the multi-billion-dollar project, including the stadium, land acquisition, and surrounding development, with no new taxes imposed on Denver residents. This approach contrasts with other NFL stadium projects that often rely on public funding, a decision that Governor Polis noted avoids potential conflicts with fans. The project also includes conceptual agreements to purchase the 58-acre Burnham Yard from CDOT and an additional 25 acres from Denver Water’s nearby campus, alongside private real estate acquisitions in the area.
Beyond the stadium, the development envisions a mixed-use district spanning over 100 acres, featuring restaurants, retail outlets, hotels, housing (including affordable options), office spaces, and public amenities like parks and entertainment venues. The Broncos aim to triple the number of major events currently hosted at Empower Field, positioning Denver as a top destination for global sporting and cultural events. Multi-modal transportation options, including light rail access, will enhance connectivity, making the district accessible to fans and residents alike.
“This is a remarkable win-win-win for Denver,” said Mayor Johnston. “The Broncos are staying in Denver, we will finally open up Burnham Yard for development, and we get to reimagine the Mile High Stadium site as a thriving community in West Denver.” For more insights on Denver’s urban development, check out our article on Denver’s Evolving Skyline.
Community Engagement and Historical Preservation
The announcement emphasizes a commitment to community engagement and historical preservation. The Broncos have pledged to work closely with the Denver City Council and local neighborhoods through a robust Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) process. This process aims to ensure that the development prioritizes the needs of the La Alma/Lincoln Park and Baker communities, which have deep cultural and historical roots, particularly tied to Denver’s Chicano movement.
Local concerns have already surfaced, particularly regarding the demolition of some historic buildings at Burnham Yard earlier in 2025. John Deffenbaugh, president and CEO of Historic Denver, told Denver7 that the demolished structures, used by women and Black workers in the 1940s and 1950s, represented a loss of cultural stories. David Griggs, a board member of the La Alma/Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association, emphasized the need for the project to respect the area’s history and serve as a community asset. “Whatever happens at Burnham Yard should support the community and respect its history,” Griggs said.
In response, the Broncos and city officials have signaled support for integrating remaining historic structures, such as the three-story diesel locomotive shop, into the new development. This approach aims to blend Burnham Yard’s legacy with modern infrastructure, ensuring that the site honors its past while embracing its future. Residents can stay updated on community meetings and planning at denvergov.org/burnhamyard.
Infrastructure and Economic Impact
The Burnham Yard project aligns with Denver’s broader infrastructure goals, particularly through Mayor Johnston’s Vibrant Denver bond package, which voters will consider in November 2025. The package includes nearly $90 million to replace the 8th Avenue viaduct with a surface street and $50 million for repairs and redesign of the 6th Avenue bridge, both of which cross the railyard and are in poor condition. These improvements, while necessary regardless of the stadium, will enhance access to the new district. The Broncos may also pursue tax-increment financing (TIF), which redirects new tax revenue generated by the development to fund public improvements.
Economically, the project is poised to drive significant growth. The mixed-use district is expected to create jobs, attract tourism, and stimulate local businesses. The inclusion of affordable housing, parks, and amenities like grocery stores and childcare centers addresses long-standing needs in the surrounding neighborhoods. Additionally, the environmental cleanup of the polluted railyard, which operated for over a century, will make the area safer and more livable.
Once the Broncos vacate Empower Field in 2030, the 80-acre site and its parking lots will revert to city ownership, opening opportunities for further redevelopment. Mayor Johnston envisions a vibrant West Denver neighborhood with housing, parks, and community spaces, potentially served by expanded RTD light rail and the proposed Front Range Passenger Rail connecting Fort Collins to Pueblo. “You could get on a train in Colorado Springs or Fort Collins and come to game day,” Johnston said, though these plans await community input starting in 2026.
Why Burnham Yard? The Decision Process
The selection of Burnham Yard followed years of research and collaboration. Since acquiring the Broncos in 2022, the Walton-Penner group evaluated multiple sites, including Lone Tree, Aurora, and the current Empower Field location. Lone Tree offered 440 acres of open land near a light rail stop, making it an easier build, but the team prioritized staying within Denver city limits to maintain their 66-year legacy in the city. Aurora was considered but never gained traction, while renovating Empower Field was deemed less viable due to its age and limited year-round potential.
Greg Penner, Broncos Owner and CEO, noted that Burnham Yard’s proximity to downtown and its transit connections made it a standout choice. “It’s our goal to have world-class facilities for this team and our fans, with the rich tradition and history at Mile High, and find something that fans would love as a site that had proximity to that and Denver,” Penner said. The team’s strategic land acquisitions, totaling over $154 million since late 2023, further signaled their focus on Burnham Yard.
Challenges and Next Steps
While the announcement marks a significant milestone, the project is far from finalized. The Broncos acknowledged that “there is a long way to go and a lot of work to do,” with no groundbreaking ceremony or renderings yet released. The team plans to share initial stadium designs soon, but the timeline targets completion by 2031, aligning with the expiration of their Empower Field lease.
Key challenges include finalizing land acquisitions, navigating environmental remediation, and addressing community concerns. The demolition of historic structures has already sparked criticism, and the Broncos must balance development with preservation to maintain goodwill. The CBA process will be critical, as will negotiations with CDOT and Denver Water, which have expressed cautious optimism but withheld specific details on the deals.
Additionally, the project’s scale—a multi-billion-dollar stadium and a 100-acre mixed-use district—requires meticulous planning to avoid delays or cost overruns. The Broncos’ commitment to private funding mitigates taxpayer concerns but places significant financial pressure on the Walton-Penner group, whose wealth (estimated at $432 billion) makes this feasible. For more on large-scale urban projects, see our piece on Sustainable City Planning.
Fan and Community Sentiment
The announcement has generated excitement and debate. On X, fans celebrated the decision to keep the Broncos in Denver, with user @NathanSerious calling it “incredible news” and praising the retractable roof and private funding. Others expressed nostalgia for Empower Field’s open-air views of the Rockies, with one user noting, “It’ll be a bummer to lose the view of the Rockies from high up in the stands.”
Community members, particularly in La Alma/Lincoln Park, are cautiously optimistic. Denver City Councilwoman Jamie Torres highlighted the potential for a “new future” at Burnham Yard, while emphasizing the need to preserve its history. The project’s promise of jobs, housing, and infrastructure improvements is appealing, but residents like Griggs stress that it must benefit the neighborhood, not just the team.
What’s Next for Burnham Yard?
As the Broncos move into a “deeper and transparent phase of broader engagement,” the focus will shift to community input, design finalization, and infrastructure planning. The team’s commitment to a Community Benefits Agreement signals a desire to address local priorities, from affordable housing to job creation. Meanwhile, the city will begin planning for the redevelopment of the Empower Field site, which could reshape West Denver.
Burnham Yard represents a rare opportunity to transform a blighted industrial site into a vibrant, modern hub. By blending Denver’s rich history with cutting-edge facilities, the Broncos aim to create a legacy that honors the past while embracing the future. For fans, residents, and visitors, the new stadium promises to be more than a sports venue—it’s a vision for a connected, thriving Denver.
For updates on this project and other Denver developments, visit likiy.net and follow the conversation at denvergov.org/burnhamyard. To learn more about the Broncos’ history, check out the Official Denver Broncos Website.

FAQs About Burnham Yard: Denver Broncos’ New Stadium Site
Below is a set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Denver Broncos’ proposed new stadium at Burnham Yard, designed to provide clear, concise answers for your website, likiy.net. These FAQs address key details about the project, its timeline, community impact, and more, based on the announcement made on September 9, 2025. Each answer is optimized for SEO, incorporating relevant keywords, and includes internal and external links where appropriate to enhance user engagement and site authority.
1. What is Burnham Yard, and why was it chosen for the new Broncos stadium?
Answer: Burnham Yard is a 58-acre historic railyard in Denver’s La Alma/Lincoln Park and Baker neighborhoods, selected as the preferred site for the Denver Broncos’ new retractable-roof stadium, set to open by 2031. Its proximity to downtown Denver, access to the 10th and Osage RTD light rail station, and availability for redevelopment made it ideal. The site’s location, just one mile southeast of Empower Field at Mile High, aligns with the Broncos’ goal to stay in Denver while creating a modern, year-round entertainment district. Learn more about Denver’s urban projects at likiy.net/denver-evolving-skyline.
2. When will the new Broncos stadium at Burnham Yard open?
Answer: The new stadium is targeted to open for the 2031 NFL season, coinciding with the expiration of the Broncos’ lease at Empower Field at Mile High in 2030. The project is in early planning stages, with no groundbreaking date set, but designs and community engagement are expected to progress soon. Stay updated at denvergov.org/burnhamyard.
3. Who is funding the Burnham Yard stadium project?
Answer: The Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group, which owns the Denver Broncos, will privately fund the multi-billion-dollar project, including the stadium, land acquisition, and surrounding mixed-use development. No new taxpayer funds or taxes will be used, a decision praised by Colorado Governor Jared Polis for avoiding public financial burden.
4. What will the Burnham Yard development include besides the stadium?
Answer: The Burnham Yard project envisions a 100-acre mixed-use district with a retractable-roof stadium as its centerpiece. Additional features include restaurants, retail, hotels, affordable housing, office spaces, parks, and entertainment venues. The development aims to triple the number of events hosted compared to Empower Field, attracting global sports and cultural events. For more on urban redevelopment, see likiy.net/sustainable-city-planning.
5. How will the Burnham Yard project impact the local community?
Answer: The project prioritizes community benefits through a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) process, engaging La Alma/Lincoln Park and Baker residents. It promises jobs, affordable housing, and infrastructure improvements like parks and transit access. However, concerns about historic preservation and gentrification are being addressed through community meetings. Visit denvergov.org/burnhamyard for engagement opportunities.
6. What is the history of Burnham Yard?
Answer: Established in 1871 by the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, Burnham Yard was a key rail hub named after George Burnham, CFO of Baldwin Locomotive Works. It operated for over 150 years, supporting Denver’s industrial growth, before closing in 2016. The site, acquired by CDOT in 2021, includes historic buildings, some of which may be preserved in the new development. Explore Denver’s history at likiy.net/denver-history.
7. Will historic buildings at Burnham Yard be preserved?
Answer: The Broncos and city officials aim to integrate historic structures, like the diesel locomotive shop, into the new development. However, some buildings were demolished in 2025, sparking criticism from groups like Historic Denver. The team has committed to balancing preservation with modern needs, guided by community input. Learn more about historic preservation at historicdenver.org.
8. How will transportation and infrastructure be improved around Burnham Yard?
Answer: The project includes multi-modal transportation enhancements, leveraging the nearby 10th and Osage RTD light rail station. Denver’s Vibrant Denver bond package, up for vote in November 2025, allocates $90 million to replace the 8th Avenue viaduct and $50 million for 6th Avenue bridge repairs, improving access. Future plans may tie into the Front Range Passenger Rail. Check likiy.net/denver-infrastructure for updates.
9. What happens to Empower Field at Mile High after the new stadium opens?
Answer: Once the Broncos move to Burnham Yard in 2031, the 80-acre Empower Field site will revert to city ownership. Mayor Mike Johnston envisions redeveloping it into a vibrant West Denver neighborhood with housing, parks, and community spaces. Planning begins in 2026, with community input shaping the vision. Follow the discussion at denvergov.org.
10. How can residents get involved in the Burnham Yard planning process?
Answer: The Broncos and Denver City Council are launching a Community Benefits Agreement process to gather input from La Alma/Lincoln Park and Baker residents. Public meetings and forums will allow locals to voice priorities, such as affordable housing and job opportunities. Stay informed by visiting denvergov.org/burnhamyard or following likiy.net for local news.

11. Why not renovate Empower Field instead of building a new stadium?
Answer: The Walton-Penner group evaluated renovating Empower Field but found it less viable due to its age, open-air design, and limited year-round event potential. Burnham Yard offers a fresh start with a retractable-roof stadium and a larger mixed-use district, better suited for modern NFL and entertainment needs. Read more about stadium trends at likiy.net/sports-venues.
12. Are there environmental concerns with redeveloping Burnham Yard?
Answer: Burnham Yard, a former industrial railyard, requires environmental cleanup due to over a century of rail operations. The Broncos and city are committed to remediating the site to ensure safety for residents and visitors. This cleanup is part of the broader redevelopment plan, enhancing the area’s livability. Learn about sustainable redevelopment at likiy.net/sustainable-city-planning.
These FAQs are designed to be user-friendly, answer common queries, and drive traffic to your website through internal links to related content. They also incorporate external links to authoritative sources like denvergov.org and historicdenver.org to boost credibility. For further details on the Burnham Yard project, refer to the full article at likiy.net/burnham-yard-broncos-stadium.