If you’re planning to cheer on the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High or attending an event there, you’re in for an iconic experience—but there’s one critical factor you’ll want to prepare for: the altitude.
Known for its mile-high location, the Broncos Stadium altitude does more than provide gorgeous city views. It also creates unique conditions for athletes, fans, and visitors alike. This guide will break down everything you need to know about attending a game, concert, or event at this elevated landmark site, from the effects of altitude to helpful tips for preparation.
Empower Field at Mile High, home of the Denver Broncos, sits at an impressive altitude of 5,280 feet (1 mile) above sea level. This makes it the highest NFL stadium by elevation, a distinction that significantly impacts players and spectators.
Altitude of Denver Broncos Stadium:
The altitude isn’t just a fun fact—Denver’s location plays a crucial role in shaping the game-day experience.
(photo credit: Heath Alseike)
High altitudes come with unique environmental factors that differentiate Denver’s stadium from other venues. Here are some negative effects of the stadium’s mile high elevation:
The high altitude of Denver brings unique challenges and advantages. For visiting athletes, playing at such an elevation can impact performance due to reduced oxygen levels, while the Broncos leverage this as a home-field advantage. Additionally, out-of-town visitors may experience altitude sickness, though locals are largely unaffected.
If you’re a first-time visitor or not accustomed to high altitudes, keep an eye on the following potential symptoms of altitude sickness while at the Broncos Stadium:
These symptoms occur as the body works to adjust to less oxygen and the environmental changes at the higher elevations of Broncos Stadium. Symptoms can usually resolve as your body adjusts to the elevation, but if not acclimated beforehand, proactive preparation is key as we discuss below.
Heading to Empower Field at Mile High? Follow these tips to ensure you’re fully prepared to enjoy your Broncos home game, without altitude-related concerns.
Hydration is one of the most important steps you can take at the Broncos Stadium to combat the effects of high altitude. At higher elevations, the air is dryer, and your body loses water more quickly through respiration and sweat.
Most visitors don't even realize they're dehydrated in Denver. To stay properly hydrated, increase your water intake to at least 2-4 liters per day.
Pro tip: Adding sea salt to your foods can help naturally increase your mineral (electrolyte) intake. And taking Zaca's chewables, a local Denver product, which is known for hydration and recovery benefits.
Traveling to a high-altitude location like Denver can be a shock to the system if your body isn't ready. This adjustment period can help prevent altitude sickness symptoms, such as headaches, nausea, and fatigue.
Arrive a day or a night or two before before the game or event to acclimate. Spend this time doing low-intensity activities around the city, like exploring local parks, walking through museums, or enjoying a light meal at one of Denver's many restaurants.
At higher elevations, alcohol mixed with altitude sickness tends to leave you feeling worse.
Instead, focus on staying well-hydrated with non-alcoholic beverages until you feel acclimated, which can take anywhere from 1 to 5 days. Once your body has adapted to the altitude—typically after a day or two—you may be able to enjoy a drink in moderation.
Sleep and rest plays a major role in helping your body adjust and recover, including blood flow and oxygen. High-altitude, on the other hand, can lower sleep quality and even cause insomnia.
To counteract this, maintain a consistent sleep schedule, get 7-9 hours of sleep, keep a cold and dark sleep environment, and get Denver's sunlight daily to help support your melatonin naturally.
Antioxidants protect your body from oxidative stress, which can be heightened at higher altitudes due to lower oxygen levels. Glutathione, the mother of antioxidants, can be depleted at high altitudes.
By incorporating foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries, nuts, dark leafy greens, and green tea, you can help neutralize free radicals and support your immune system. Supplements like vitamin C, vitamin E, and glutathione are also a way to vastly increase your antioxidant levels.
Visiting Broncos Stadium offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the vibrant area surrounding this iconic venue. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, a foodie, or someone looking for unique attractions, there’s no shortage of activities nearby.
From lively restaurants and breweries to cultural landmarks and outdoor spaces, the area around Broncos Stadium has something for everyone to discover, including:
The mile high city of Denver offers a diverse range of attractions while you attend a game or event at the Broncos Stadium.
Empower Field at Mile High in Denver takes this title. Sitting at an elevation of 5,280 feet, it is a mile high stadium, far higher than all other NFL stadiums. The State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, holds the second spot at approximately 1,070 feet. While not a regularly used stadium, the other highest stadium is Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, which has hosted several NFL games.
The highest stadium in the US is the War Memorial Stadium in Laramie Wyoming at an altitude of 7,220 feet, for the college football team Wyoming Cowboys.
Denver earned its nickname because it sits exactly one mile above sea level (5,280 feet). The city’s elevation is a defining feature and story of its unique charm.
No, the Denver Broncos stadium is an outdoor venue. Be prepared for a mix of sun and potential weather changes during the game.
At higher altitudes, the thinner air creates less drag on the ball, allowing it to travel farther. This gives kickers in Denver a special advantage, like the Denver Broncos, enabling them to achieve longer field goals compared to performances at sea-level stadiums.
Coors Field, home to the Colorado Rockies MLB team, sits at an altitude of 5,200 feet, making it another major high-altitude sports venue in the city.
Formerly known as the Pepsi Center, Ball Arena—home to the Denver Nuggets and the Colorado Avalanche—is located at roughly 5,280 feet, which is the same elevation as the city’s famous one-mile elevation.
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