If you walk through the parking lot of a Denver Broncos home game today, you’ll hear a thousand different names for the same slab of concrete and steel. People call it "The Mile High," "The New Mile High," or just "The Stadium." But for a massive chunk of the 2010s, it was officially Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Even though that name is technically dead—buried under the bankruptcy of a sporting goods giant—it sticks in the brain. It’s a landmark that defines Denver’s skyline. It’s also a cautionary tale about how corporate naming rights can get messy, fast.
The stadium itself is a beast. Sitting at an elevation of exactly 5,280 feet, it’s a place where visiting kickers feel like gods and opposing offensive linemen feel like they’re breathing through a cocktail straw.
The Name Game: Why Sports Authority Field Stuck (And Then Fell)
Naming rights are a gamble. In 2011, Sports Authority took over the contract for the stadium, which had previously been Invesco Field. They paid a fortune. Specifically, it was a 25-year deal worth about $150 million. People hated it at first. Denver residents are protective of their history, and many still mourned the demolition of the original Mile High Stadium that sat right next door.
But then, the winning started.
During the "Sports Authority" era, the Broncos weren't just good; they were inevitable. We’re talking about the Peyton Manning years. The 2013 season where the offense broke every record in the book. The Super Bowl 50 run where the defense, led by Von Miller, basically turned the stadium into a graveyard for visiting quarterbacks. When you associate a name with that kind of success, it sticks. Even when the company behind the name went belly-up in 2016, the sign stayed on the building for years.
The legal drama was wild. When Sports Authority filed for Chapter 11, they couldn't pay the bill. But the Broncos couldn't just rip the sign down immediately because of the way the bankruptcy court handled assets. For a while, the stadium was in a sort of naming-rights limbo. It was the stadium that "technically had no owner" but still wore the old jersey. Honestly, it was awkward. Fans joked that they should just call it "The Place Where We Keep the Trophies" and be done with it.
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More Than Just a Football Field
You can't talk about Sports Authority Field at Mile High without talking about the architecture. It’s shaped like a horse hoof, which is a nice touch, but the real secret is the "Bucky the Bronco" statue. It’s a 27-foot-tall fiberglass horse that originally sat atop the old stadium. Moving it was a whole ordeal.
And then there's the noise.
The stadium uses these specific steel floors in the stands. Why? To make it loud. When 76,000 people start "stamping the stands" (a Denver tradition), the entire structure vibrates. It sounds like a freight train is passing through your skull. It’s a psychological weapon. Scientists have actually looked into the home-field advantage here, and while the thin air gets the credit, the sheer acoustic violence of the fans hitting that metal is a huge factor.
What People Get Wrong About the Mile High Advantage
A lot of folks think the "Mile High" thing is just a marketing gimmick. It’s not. There is actual science at play here. At 5,280 feet, there is roughly 17% less oxygen in the air than at sea level.
- Recovery time: If a linebacker chases a wide receiver for 60 yards, his heart rate spikes. At sea level, he recovers in maybe 30 seconds. In Denver? It takes significantly longer.
- The "Long Ball": The air is thinner, meaning less drag. Baseballs fly further at Coors Field, and footballs travel about 10% further when kicked at the stadium.
- The Dehydration Factor: People forget that Denver is essentially a high-altitude desert. Visiting teams often have to arrive two days early just to start hydrating, or they’ll be cramping by the third quarter.
I remember watching a game against a Florida-based team—won't name names, but they were struggling. By the fourth quarter, their defensive line looked like they were walking through waist-deep mud. That’s the "Sports Authority" advantage. It’s a literal physiological wall that teams hit.
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The Logistics of a 1.7 Million Square Foot Monster
Maintaining a stadium of this size is a logistical nightmare. The field itself is "Kentucky Bluegrass," but it's reinforced with synthetic fibers. They have a massive underground heating system to keep the grass from freezing during those brutal Colorado Novembers. Think about the bill for that. It’s basically a giant electric blanket for a football field.
The stadium also houses the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame. It’s tucked into the west side. Most people just walk past it on their way to grab a $15 beer, but it’s actually one of the best spots in the city to see the history of Rocky Mountain athletics. It isn't just about the Broncos; it covers everything from Olympic skiers to local legends who never made a headline outside of the state.
The Shift to Empower Field
Eventually, the Sports Authority era ended. In 2019, Empower Retirement stepped in and slapped their name on the building. It was a 21-year deal. But if you ask a local for directions, they’re probably still going to say, "Take a left at the old Sports Authority field."
Why? Because names are tied to memories.
The Sports Authority era gave us the 2013 AFC Championship game against the Patriots. It gave us the "No Fly Zone" defense. It gave us the roar that happened when the orange jerseys took the field under those massive floodlights. You can change the corporate logo on the side of the building, but you can't easily scrub the mental map of a sports fan.
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Actionable Tips for Visiting the Stadium
If you’re heading out there—whether you call it Sports Authority Field, Empower Field, or just "The Mile High"—there are a few things you actually need to know to not have a miserable time.
First, the "RTD" light rail is your best friend. Parking at the stadium is a disaster and costs more than a decent steak dinner. Take the W Line or the E Line. It drops you off right at the front door.
Second, sunblock is mandatory. Even in December. You are closer to the sun here, and the Colorado sun reflects off the snow and the metal stands. I’ve seen people leave games with "stadium tan" where only half their face is burnt because of how the shadows hit the seats.
Third, check the clear bag policy. It’s strict. If your bag is bigger than a clutch, leave it in the car. They will make you walk all the way back, and you will miss kickoff.
Finally, if you want the real experience, go to the south stands. That’s where the "real" fans live. It’s louder, grittier, and you’ll learn words you shouldn't say in front of your mother. It’s the heart of the stadium, regardless of whose name is on the outside of the building.
The stadium has seen a lot of changes, and it'll probably see more as the business of sports keeps evolving. But for a specific generation of fans, it will always be the place where a bankrupt retail chain and a legendary quarterback created a few years of absolute magic.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Download the RTD MyRide app to handle your train fare before you get to the platform.
- If you’re visiting from out of state, drink twice as much water as you think you need for 48 hours before arrival to combat altitude sickness.
- Arrive at least two hours early if you want to see the "Ring of Fame" properly—it circles the entire upper level and features the names of every Broncos legend.