Broncos provide details on $100M upgrades to Empower Field at Mile High

Last week it was revealed the Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group (WPFOG) was planning $100 million in renovations to Empower Field at Mile High. The group would pay for most of the project itself, with some of the money coming as a loan from the NFL.

On Wednesday, the Broncos released details of those upgrades, which will take place this offseason and mostly be ready for the start of the 2023 campaign.

With a record $100M in upgrades, a new & improved @EmpowerField coming 🔜

“This demonstrates the deep commitment by the Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group to immediately and continually provide the best possible experience for our fans."

More info » https://t.co/x2OCYkVE6K pic.twitter.com/oWvzmDlgmb

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) December 14, 2022

The biggest and most notable change is the scoreboard in the south stands of the stadium. It will be expanded by 70 percent, which will make it the fourth-largest in the NFL. The team says the new videoboard will be 72 feet tall by 225 feet wide and 31 feet taller than it currently stands. The Broncos anticipate the scoreboard “will be better equipped to display statistics, high-definition replays, improved in-game entertainment and more.”

Another interesting improvement will be the creation of “a new all-inclusive hospitality space — located on Level 0 — that will be built exclusively for fans to enjoy on gameday.” This could mean an area for fans to watch the game on field level like in Los Angeles, Las Vegas or Dallas, although the Broncos don’t explicitly say that in their press release.

The rest of the renovations include significant upgrades to concession stands, new WiFi throughout the stadium coming in 2024, an expansion to the Broncos team store and new elevators to better assist ADA guests.

“This significant investment in Empower Field at Mile High — the largest in the stadium’s history — demonstrates the deep commitment by the Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group to immediately and continually provide the best possible experience for our fans,” Bronco president Damani Leech said in a release. “As we look toward the future with the long-term plans for our stadium, we are equally focused on the present to ensure Empower Field at Mile High remains a premier sports and entertainment venue.”

It is interesting that Leech talks about the future, while also discussing the present. When the WPFOG bought the team, there was speculation and questions about the fate of the current stadium. CEO Greg Penner was asked if he planned on building a new one, and said those conversations were “premature.”

Wednesday’s announcement indicates a new stadium isn’t out of the question, but it could be a ways out, as Empower Field at Mile High gets significant upgrades right now.

To see photos from the team with artist renderings of the improvements, click here and scroll to the bottom.

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