Fans attending the upcoming AFC Championship Game between the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots on January 19, 2026, at Empower Field at Mile High are encouraged to arrive early for a range of pregame activities and entertainment.
The Broncos have announced that fans should be in their seats by 12:40 PM to watch the Thunderstorm skydiving team, Miles the Mascot, and other pregame entertainment. Colorado singer and songwriter Nathaniel Rateliff will perform the national anthem. Attendees will also receive a Conference Championship Rally Towel as a giveaway, and halftime will feature a Broncos Dance Party.
From 11:00 AM until kickoff, Bud Light Backyard will offer $5 Bud Light 12 oz drafts at sections 512 and 536. Fans can find additional team news and key matchup information on the gameday page.
For transportation, parking options include both on-site and off-site lots. Public transit is available via light rail or bus. Rideshare users should note that drop-off is near Gate 5 on Mile High Stadium Circle, while pickup is located at the Ball Arena Rideshare Lot at 5th and Walnut St., about a 15-minute walk from the stadium.
Pregame activities include a live broadcast of “NFL Today on CBS” with hosts James Brown, Bill Cowher, Nate Burleson, Kyle Long, and Kirk Cousins just north of Mane Street from 11:00 AM to noon. Mane Street Presented by Ford opens three hours before kickoff on the south side of Empower Field between Gates 9 & 10. Activities there are free for all fans and include appearances by Denver Broncos Cheerleaders, Stampede Drumline, Miles the Mascot, food specials at Chevron Grill plus local food trucks such as Blessed BBQ, J Street Food Truck, and WeChef Kitchen. Entertainment includes a live DJ, yard games, face painters, photo opportunities with marquee letters, and more.
Tailgating is permitted in designated areas but must not block drive lanes or walkways or occupy more than one parking space per vehicle.
Stadium entry policies require adherence to a clear bag policy: only bags no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″ (including fanny packs) or clear bags up to 12″ x 6″ x 12″ are allowed. Clothing with heating devices powered by lithium-ion battery packs no larger than specified dimensions is permitted; however, battery packs using AA, C or D cell batteries are not allowed. For faster entry through security screening guests are advised to detach battery packs from clothing before reattaching them after screening.
No outside alcoholic beverages are allowed inside; violators will be ejected without refund.
All tickets for home games must be accessed via mobile entry through the Denver Broncos app for contactless stadium access.
Inside the stadium fans can purchase featured retail items such as playoff-themed hoodies and t-shirts from Team Store locations. Concession stands will offer new playoff menu items including Margherita Pizza and BBQ brisket sandwiches with green chili slaw along with other exclusive dishes designed for postseason excitement.
Additional information regarding fan guides, cash-to-card locations for purchases within the stadium, concession options and concourse maps can be found online or through official team resources.
