Denver sports are basically a religion at altitude. Whether it’s the Broncos, Nuggets, Rockies, or Avalanche, there’s something special about the way this city connects with its teams. Sometimes you're stuck in traffic on I-25. Other times you’re hiking in the foothills where the cell service is spotty at best. You just want to listen to Denver game broadcasts without the frustration of a lagging stream or a paywall you didn't see coming.
Honestly, the radio landscape in Colorado has shifted a ton lately. It used to be simple—just tune into one or two AM stations and you were set. Now? You’ve got flagship FM stations, proprietary apps, and national blackouts to navigate. It’s a lot.
The Powerhouse: KOA 850 AM & 94.1 FM
If you want the definitive way to listen to Denver game coverage, especially for the Broncos, KOA is the undisputed king. They’ve been the home of the Broncos since 1969. That’s a massive legacy. Dave Logan’s voice is synonymous with Denver football. When he screams "Touchdown Broncos!" you can practically feel the stadium shaking, even if you’re just sitting in your kitchen.
KOA isn't just for football, though. They carry the Colorado Rockies games too. The signal is a monster. 50,000 watts means you can often hear the game in neighboring states once the sun goes down. It’s that old-school, clear-channel magic that makes radio feel alive.
But here is the catch. If you’re trying to stream the game through their website or a generic radio app like iHeartRadio, you might run into geographic restrictions. The NFL and MLB are notoriously picky about "digital rights." If your IP address isn't within the designated home market, the stream might just cut to generic talk or music the moment the first pitch is thrown.
Moving Over to the Ice and Hardwood: Altitude Sports Radio
When it's time for the Nuggets or the Avalanche, you’re looking for 92.5 FM (Altitude Sports Radio). This is where things get interesting because the ownership is the same as the teams (Kroenke Sports & Entertainment).
The chemistry between the announcers here is top-tier. For the Avs, you’re listening to guys who live and breathe hockey. For the Nuggets, hearing the radio call often provides way more tactical depth than the national TV broadcasts.
- Local FM 92.5: This is your primary source. Best for clear, local reception.
- The Altitude App: This is a lifesaver for people who have cut the cord.
- 950 AM: Sometimes used as an overflow station when the Nuggets and Avs play at the exact same time, which happens more often than you'd think during the spring.
Why Digital Streaming Isn't Always the Answer
You'd think in 2026 it would be easier to just click a button and hear the game. It’s not. Digital rights management (DRM) is a headache. If you want to listen to Denver game broadcasts on your phone, you usually need the official team app or the league's specific audio service (like MLB At Bat or NFL+).
Generic radio apps often get "blacked out" during live play. It’s annoying. You’re listening to the pre-game show, everything is fine, and then—silence. Or worse, a loop of the same three commercials for a local law firm.
If you're out of state, your best bet is actually the league-specific subscriptions. They aren't free, but they are reliable. For about twenty bucks a year, MLB At Bat gives you every single Rockies radio broadcast with no blackouts. For the Broncos, the NFL+ app is the way to go if you aren't in range of a local affiliate.
The "Secret" Affiliate Network
People forget that Denver sports aren't just for Denver. There is a massive network of affiliate stations across the Rocky Mountain region. If you're driving through Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, or even out toward Grand Junction, you can usually find a local station carrying the game.
- Fort Collins: 1410 AM or 102.9 FM are usually reliable bets for Denver coverage.
- Colorado Springs: 740 AM (KVOR) often picks up the slack for the bigger games.
- Vail/Eagle: 101.5 FM is a common landing spot for mountain listeners.
The beauty of these smaller affiliates is that they sometimes don't have the same strict digital blocking as the big city stations. It’s a bit of a "pro tip" for the tech-savvy fan.
Dealing with Latency Issues
One thing that drives fans crazy is the delay. If you’re watching a "live" stream on a betting app or a pirate site while listening to the radio, the radio is almost always faster. You’ll hear the crowd cheer three seconds before you see the play.
On the flip side, if you're at the stadium and trying to listen to the commentary through an app, the delay is brutal. You’ll see the touchdown, and then 30 seconds later, the announcer will describe it. If you’re at Mile High or Ball Arena and want the play-by-play, you need a literal, physical radio. A small transistor radio with headphones is the only way to get "zero-latency" audio. It feels a bit 1950s, but it works perfectly.
The Fan Influence: 104.3 The Fan
While they don't always carry the live play-by-play of the games (that's usually KOA or Altitude), 104.3 The Fan is where you go for the aftermath. If the Broncos lose a heartbreaker on a missed field goal, you listen to The Fan to hear the city melt down.
The analysis is "colorful," to put it lightly. It’s sports talk in its purest, most reactionary form. Sometimes you don't want the professional, unbiased play-by-play. You want to hear a former player explain exactly why the coach should be fired. That's the value of the "secondary" listen.
💡 You might also like: North Point Football Schedule: Everything You Need to Know About the Eagles' Season
Practical Tips for the Best Experience
If you're serious about never missing a snap or a power play, do these three things right now:
First, download the iHeartRadio app but also the official Denver Broncos/Nuggets/Avs apps. The iHeart app is great for the talk shows, but the team apps often have a direct "Listen Live" button that bypasses some of the browser-based restrictions.
Second, check your data settings. Streaming high-quality audio for a four-hour baseball game can eat through a data plan faster than you'd expect. If you’re on a limited plan, stick to the AM/FM dial.
Third, if you’re a satellite radio subscriber, SiriusXM is a godsend for road trips. They carry every NFL and NBA game. The announcers might be the "away" team's guys sometimes, but it’s better than static.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Game Day
To make sure you're ready when the clock starts, follow this quick checklist:
- Confirm the Station: Check the team's official social media accounts about an hour before kickoff. They always post the flagship station.
- Test the Stream: If you're using an app, start it 10 minutes early. This gives you time to troubleshoot any "location services" errors.
- Check the Battery: Live streaming audio drains phone batteries significantly. If you're using Bluetooth to connect to a car or speaker, make sure you have a charger handy.
- Grab a Backup: If you're in a dead zone, try to find a physical AM radio. It sounds like a relic, but in the Colorado mountains, it’s often the only thing that works.
The best part about listening to the game is the community. Whether you're in a bar with the sound off or working in the garage, that voice coming through the speakers connects you to the rest of the Mile High City. It’s about more than just the score; it’s about the shared experience of being a fan.