In a bold shift that could redefine the Denver Broncos’ future, team owner Greg Penner, part of the Walton-Penner Ownership Group, is reportedly pushing for a state-of-the-art indoor stadium. Sources close to the organization revealed the news to local media, sparking heated discussions among the Mile High faithful.
The Broncos have played at Empower Field at Mile High since 2001, a venue that succeeded the iconic Mile High Stadium, home to the team since 1960. However, Penner, who led the $4.65 billion purchase of the Broncos in 2022, is said to envision a modern indoor facility to enhance the fan experience, boost revenue, and position Denver as a hub for major events. This marks a departure from his 2023 statement to The Denver Post: “Empower Field is special, and we’re committed to its legacy.”
Insiders suggest Penner’s inspiration comes from cutting-edge NFL venues like SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, which offer climate-controlled environments and versatile amenities. “Greg wants a transformative indoor stadium that elevates the game for fans, players, and Denver’s economy,” a source told the Rocky Mountain News. Recent reports of $150 million in real estate deals near Burnham Yard, tied to a team-affiliated lawyer, fuel speculation that a new site is already in play.
The Broncos are currently assessing Empower Field for upgrades to extend its viability through the 2031 lease expiration, but a fully indoor stadium—possibly with a retractable roof, as Penner hinted last year—is now a serious option. Such a venue could enable Denver to host marquee events like the Super Bowl or NCAA Final Four, which Empower Field’s outdated infrastructure cannot accommodate.
Fan reactions on X are polarized. “Indoor stadium? That’s not Broncos Country!” one user fumed. Another countered, “A dome means no more snow games ruining our vibe—Penner’s got vision!” Funding remains a hurdle, as Denver’s history of public skepticism toward stadium subsidies could complicate a public-private partnership.
No official confirmation has come from Penner or the Broncos. Details on costs, timelines, or potential locations are scarce, but consultants evaluating Empower Field are reportedly studying advanced indoor designs. As the Walton-Penner Group charts the franchise’s next chapter, Broncos fans are left wondering if this signals a revolutionary upgrade or the end of an open-air tradition.
