DENVER BRONCOS

The Denver Broncos gameday experience at Empower Field at Mile High is a high-energy, high-altitude celebration of football, tradition, and Rocky Mountain pride. Known for its rowdy crowd, breathtaking setting, and die-hard fan base, Broncos gameday is a true Mile High ritual—blending classic tailgating, thunderous chants, and hometown spirit that runs deep.

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1) Empower Field at Mile High

• Located just west of downtown Denver, with sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains.

• It sits at 5,280 feet elevation, which adds to the mystique (and the challenge for visiting teams).

• Open-air stadium with an electric crowd, especially for divisional games or cold-weather matchups.

• Easy to get to by light rail, Uber, or by foot from nearby lots and bars.

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2) Atmosphere & Crowd Energy

• The stadium gets loud—fans are passionate, knowledgeable, and loud on defense.

• “IN-COM-PLETE!” is a stadium-wide chant when opposing quarterbacks miss throws—a Denver tradition.

• Other common sights and sounds:

  • Fans rocking orange and blue everything

  • Thunderous cheers for the horse Thunder (a live white Arabian who gallops the field after every TD)

  • Fire cannons and smoke when the Broncos enter the field

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3) The Fans

• Broncos Country is loyal, proud, and always shows up—even in down years.

• Lots of season ticket holders, many from across Colorado and surrounding states.

• Visiting fans are usually welcomed, though Raiders and Chiefs fans can expect plenty of friendly trash talk.

• Expect to see:

  • Fans in cowboy hats and orange jerseys

  • Throwback Elway and Terrell Davis gear

  • Plenty of folks who’ve had season tickets for decades

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4) Weather Element

• Gameday conditions range from sunny and 70s to snow and wind—sometimes in the same day.

• Denver fans are used to braving the cold and love the challenge of the elements.

• Late-season games often feature snowy tailgates and bundled-up crowds still yelling at full volume.

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5) Traditions

• After touchdowns, fans sing “Rocky Mountain High” by John Denver.

• The “Mile High Thunder” foot-stomping can actually shake the stadium.

• Pre-game intros feature smoke, fire, and horseback riders charging down the sideline with Broncos flags.

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6) Pregame Hotspots

• Denver Orange Zone Tailgate – Located across from the stadium, All-Inclusive Tailgating Environment with Ticketed and Group Options

• Bars around LoDo (Lower Downtown), Colfax Ave, and Federal Blvd get packed with orange jerseys.

• Many fans head to tailgates in the lots, then walk into the stadium area around kickoff.

The Denver Broncos tailgating experience is a high-altitude, high-energy celebration of football, food, and fan pride set against the dramatic backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. It’s a blue-and-orange ritual that brings out Colorado’s rugged spirit—grills firing, beers flowing, and fans bundled in Broncos gear even when the snow starts falling.

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1) Where It Happens

Tailgating is alive and well across the lots surrounding Empower Field at Mile High:

 Main Tailgating Zones:

• Denver Orange Zone Tailgate – Powered by Gameday Hospitality

• Lots C & E – Closest to the stadium and home to serious long-time tailgaters.

• Lot N & Lot M – Offer more room to spread out, great for larger groups and RV setups.

• Mile High Station & Sports Column – Nearby bars with indoor-outdoor tailgating energy.

• Federal Boulevard – Lined with vendors, food trucks, and rowdy fans pregame.

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2) The Tailgating Vibe

• Chill but passionate: Denver fans are friendly and welcoming, but deeply loyal to their team.

• All-weather warriors: Rain, sun, snow—Broncos fans tailgate through it all.

• You’ll see:

  • Portable grills, smokers, pop-up tents, heaters, and even snow shovels in late season

  • Fans in orange onesies, cowboy boots, and Elway throwbacks

  • Some groups blasting country, others rocking classic rock, and many blaring hype mixes

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3) Food Scene – Mile High Style

Denver tailgating food blends classic grill fare with Colorado flair:

• Brats, burgers, ribs, and green chile sausage

• Smoked meats—some fans bring full-on smokers or deep fryers

• Southwestern dishes like green chili stew, street tacos, and nachos

• Locals often bring homemade snacks like bacon-wrapped jalapeños or chili-cheese dip

• Morning games? Breakfast burritos and mimosas are a Mile High staple

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4) Drinks & Party Energy

• Lots of local craft beer: Try Odell, New Belgium, Great Divide, or Breckenridge Brewing

• Classic tailgate drinks: Fireball, bourbon, hot toddies in the winter

• Altitude matters: The air is thinner—2 beers here can feel like 4 elsewhere, especially for out-of-towners

• Plenty of beer pong, flip cup, and themed cocktail tables in orange and blue

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5) Fan Traditions

• Orange Crush gear and custom Broncos setups (think: painted vans, giant inflatable horses)

• Broncos super-fans like “Barrel Man” inspired costumed characters still show up

• Fans often walk around sharing drinks, giving high-fives, and shouting “Let’s Ride!” or “Go Broncos!”

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6) Cold-Weather Tailgating

• October through December games are often cold or snowy

• Expect:

  • Fans tailgating with portable fire pits, space heaters, and warm chili

  • Snowball fights, hot chocolate, and ski goggles worn unironically

  • Still plenty of people outside—cold never stops Broncos Country