Coming to Denver for a Broncos Game: Here’s A Planning Guide
Colorado is Denver Broncos country….but, so are a number of surrounding states and a surprising number of fans in Mexico. If you’re a part of this huge fanbase will and would like to make your way to Denver to watch a game, this planning guide will help you plan out your trip so that you have a great time while you’re here.
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What is Denver’s Weather Like During the Fall
The truth is that the weather during the fall is typically pretty nice. But, I recommend obsessively checking the weather report beginning 10 days from arriving in Denver. Then, don’t trust the forecast. Always wear layers and assume that it may rain or snow-especially as we get closer to the winter months. It’s better to over prepare than be underprepared.
What to Pack for Your Trip to Denver
Here is a list of all the must haves when you’re visiting Denver.
What is Empower Field (Mile High) Like?
When you arrive into town you may encounter two different names for the stadium. If someone refers to it as Mile High-they are a long time resident. But Empower Field now has the naming rights on the stadium and I’m pretty sure they have a pretty long contract, so I’m thinking the name will stick. Empower Retirement is a Colorado based company focused on retirement plans if you were wondering about the name.
The stadium can seat up to 76,125 fans and I think it’s a beautiful stadium. There has been some talk of getting a retractable ceiling but I don’t know if the weather is ever bad enough to need it. But, that could make hosting a Super Bowl easier more compelling if you’re the NFL.
There’s also a MASSIVE new screen that will be finished and ready to go for the 2023-2024 season. Empower Field is also where a number of larger musicians will play such as Taylor Swift.
- Getting to the stadium-Many fans will take the light rail and get off at the Invesco Field station. If you’re coming from Union Station-All of the light rails will stop at this station. If you’re coming up from the Southern part of town-make sure the train says “Union Station” as the final destination on the front of the train.
- Security-You will go through security prior to entering the stadium.
- The clear bag policy is something to be aware of and plan for. I’ve included a link to some clear bags as well.
- Tailgating parties happen before every game.
Where to Stay
Empower Field is very close to downtown Denver. Here are a few hotels located downtown and would be good places to stay during your time in Denver.
Play around with the map below to see where each hotel is located in relation to the football stadium. Type in the name in the blue bar below.
Where to Eat
These spots you would enjoy before or after the game depending on the timing. Make sure to check the websites for daily hours.
- Mimosas-Brunch
- Snooze-Brunch
- Sassafras-Brunch
What to Do
Fall is such a great time to visit Denver and there’s a ton to do. Here’s a very incomplete list of things to do during your trip.
- Enjoy a great cup of coffee from one of the best coffee shops in town. Check out this list of the 21 Best Coffee Shops in Denver.
- The Great American Beer Festival
- September 21-September 23, 2023
- Check out Meow Wolf-an interactive art experience.
- Outlet shopping at Colorado Mills Mall
- Grab a chai at Kataluma Chai
- Enjoy some ice cream at Smith and Cannon Ice Cream
- Attend a concert at Red Rocks
- Go to the Denver Center for Performing Arts and attend a musical or other type of theatrical performance. Love this place.
- Head up to Rocky Mountain National Park/Estes Park and check out the elk bugling.
- Note: Trail Ridge Road closes mid-October due to snow conditions
- Attend the Colorado Avalanche pre and regular season games.
- Attend the 2023 NBA Champions-Denver Nuggets pre and regular season games.
- Walk around Sloan’s Lake then go to Edgewater Public Market for lunch
- Check out Denver Milk Market
- Spend a day in Boulder
- Take a Tour of Vail or a tour of Breckenridge
Coming to Denver for a Broncos Game
You’re going to have an amazing time. I often tell people that you “Experience Denver and Visit Philly” what I mean is that to truly understand the vibe of Denver-you have to dive right in and do the things that we enjoy doing: hanging out in the mountains, watching our favorite sports teams, enjoying beer and having fun.