Broncos owner Greg Penner outlines three priorities for Burnham Yard stadium project

Denver Broncos owner and CEO Greg Penner has articulated three primary objectives for the team’s proposed stadium at the Burnham Yard site, emphasizing the preservation of outdoor Colorado weather, a natural grass playing surface, and facilities for the Thunderstorm skydiving team. The announcement follows the ownership group’s recent acquisition of land held by SMR Concrete surrounding the Burnham Yard area, marking a tangible step in the project’s development.

Penner outlined these priorities on Tuesday, stating, “We want to be able to enjoy the outdoor Colorado weather. Number two, we want to be able to grow grass. Then number three, as we were thinking about a retractable roof, we want the skydivers to be able to land.” The Thunderstorm skydiving team, the only such group in the NFL, performs pregame festivities and has featured in promotional material for Madden 27.

The requirement for a natural grass surface under a potential retractable roof presents technical challenges. The Broncos could utilise retractable field trays, a system employed by the Las Vegas Raiders and Arizona Cardinals, or adopt a pitch retraction mechanism similar to that at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu stadium. These solutions aim to maintain the quality of the turf while accommodating the structural needs of a retractable roof.

Preserving the unique weather conditions and mountain views associated with the current Empower Field at Mile High venue is also a stated goal. While Denver experiences over 300 days of sunshine annually, conditions can change rapidly, as evidenced during the 2025 AFC Championship. The new design must balance these environmental factors with the structural implications of a retractable roof.

Penner acknowledged that the project faces significant hurdles beyond design, including city approvals, the relocation of Denver Water infrastructure, and processes involving the CBA. He described the target of a 2031 season opening as aggressive, noting that the team cannot achieve the deadline without extensive collaboration with various external groups.

The ownership group reported making progress on the master plan and with architects, alongside the recent property acquisition. However, Penner cautioned that substantial work remains regarding regulatory and infrastructure steps. The 2031 timeline remains a target rather than a certainty, contingent on resolving these complex logistical and approval challenges.