The Denver Broncos’ leadership said on March 30 that the team’s plan to develop a new stadium at Burnham Yard will require significant support from community members and partners. Owner and CEO Greg Penner, speaking at the NFL Annual Meeting, said that while the timeline is ambitious, achieving their goals will not be possible without broad collaboration.
The development of a new long-term home for the Broncos matters to both fans and local stakeholders because it involves coordination with civic leaders, utilities, and multiple organizations. The process is seen as complex due to the involvement of various interests and logistical challenges.
“It’s an ambitious timeline that we have, and we won’t be able to accomplish our goals in terms of timing and getting in there by ourselves,” Penner said. “It’s not just something the Broncos are driving. We’ve got to have a lot of support from partners and others that are involved with the site.” He also noted progress toward finalizing Burnham Yard as their preferred location but stated more steps remain before making it official: “When we change that from preferred site to ‘This is the site,’ we’ll have all of our ducks lined up and be prepared to say we’re formally moving forward with that site. Not sure exactly when that’s going to be, but hopefully sometime in the coming months.”
Penner credited team members including Owner Carrie Walton Penner, President Damani Leech, General Counsel Tim Aragon, as well as engagement with city council members, Denver’s mayor, Denver Water representatives, and other stakeholders for advancing discussions about the project. He stressed attention must be paid so utility services are not disrupted during construction.
Leech echoed these sentiments: “I think what’s important is everyone understanding that while 2031 seems like a long way away, these construction projects take multiple years. You have to get prepared with a number of city and community processes that we’re all invested in and engaged in right now. We can’t do this alone. It’s going to take a lot of key partners at the city level, at the state level, Denver Water — there are real estate transactions that have to be finalized.” Leech described both realistic expectations for completion by 2031 as well as challenges ahead.
If delays occur or an agreement cannot be reached soon enough for completion by 2031, Penner said plans would include extending their lease at Empower Field at Mile High until a new facility opens.
Looking ahead, Penner emphasized continued urgency: “The support has been good… But again there’s a lot of different parties with different interests. As of now we’re on track but again it’s ambitious to get to the 2031 goal that we have.”
