Denver Broncos Stadium: La Alma Residents Weigh In on Burnham Yard
The proposed Denver Broncos stadium at Burnham Yard has stirred significant conversation in the La Alma Lincoln Park neighborhood. While many residents express support for the team, concerns are mounting over the potential impacts on daily life, community character, and local infrastructure.
The Vision for Burnham Yard: A New Home for the Broncos
Broncos ownership, the Walton-Penner group, announced their intention in September to move the team to Burnham Yard, a historic 155-year-old former train depot in west-central Denver. This move, supported by Mayor Mike Johnston and Governor Jared Polis, aims to replace the current Mile High Stadium, whose lease expires in 2030. The new privately funded stadium would feature a dome, allowing Denver to host major events like the Super Bowl year-round. Beyond the stadium itself, the redevelopment plans include affordable housing, retail, and hospitality spaces, promising a vibrant area rather than extensive parking lots. The earliest projected opening is the 2031 NFL season.
La Alma Lincoln Park: A Community at a Crossroads
La Alma Lincoln Park, one of Denver’s oldest residential neighborhoods, boasts a rich history rooted in a 1869 homestead and its enduring Chicano legacy. Home to cultural landmarks like the Buckhorn Exchange, Su Teatro, and the Santa Fe Arts District, the area has grappled with gentrification and an uptick in homelessness in recent decades. The proposed stadium would sit in the industrial western half, where properties are already being acquired, placing a major development squarely within this historically significant community.
Community Concerns and Local Impact
An open house organized by the City of Denver on November 19 drew over 300 residents, highlighting a mix of excitement and apprehension regarding the stadium’s arrival. Key concerns frequently raised included traffic congestion, parking availability, and potential increases in property values and crime.
Navigating Traffic and Parking Headaches
Residents like Elva Chavez, a forty-year La Alma Lincoln Park resident and dedicated Broncos fan, voiced worries about overcrowding. “It’s going to be too crowded. It’s going to be too busy,” Chavez stated, imagining game day scenarios. Joe Phillipps, who has lived in the neighborhood since 1985, echoed concerns about congestion, noting the already heavy reliance on I-25, Sixth Avenue, and Eighth Avenue. The thought of post-loss fan behavior also fueled fears of increased litter and disruption.
Worries Over Property Values and Crime
The potential for rising property values is a double-edged sword for long-time residents and property owners. Joe Phillipps, who owns rental homes in the area, expressed uncertainty about what the stadium would mean for his properties. He also shared anxieties about increased crime, stating, “Even now, I’m kind of concerned about walking the streets, especially at night.” These concerns are particularly salient in a neighborhood that has experienced significant gentrification.
Finding Common Ground and Future Ideas
Despite the concerns, many residents acknowledge the inevitability of change and even see opportunities. Mayor Mike Johnston, present at the open house, noted questions about parking, road access, and construction timelines, but also “a lot of excitement” for new bars, restaurants, and housing.
Local Visions for Redevelopment
Local entrepreneur Evan Ackerfeld, whose company Artist Proof Collective operates west of the proposed site, suggested Denver seize the opportunity to create a “Denver Garment District” – a made-in-Denver apparel hub that could tie into stadium merchandise. Jesus Rodriguez, a Broncos fan since 2014, proposed allocating a portion of parking revenue to a community fund. This fund could support local nonprofits, job development, and even help residents manage potential increases in taxes or mortgages.
What’s Next for the Stadium Project?
City planner David Gaspers observed that while residents generally had positive comments, the “details are what people are curious about.” He confirmed that traffic, parking, and bike/pedestrian infrastructure were popular discussion points. Mayor Johnston emphasized that the city is “not in a hurry,” with a full year planned for area and zoning plans, as well as a community benefits agreement, before any ground is broken. This extended timeline offers a crucial window for residents to continue shaping the project.
Comparing Stadium Prospects
| Feature | Current Mile High Stadium | Proposed Burnham Yard Stadium |
|---|---|---|
| Location | West Denver | West-Central Denver (Burnham Yard) |
| Dome | No | Yes (potential Super Bowl host) |
| Funding | Taxpayer-funded (current) | Privately funded (proposed) |
| Surrounding Area | Predominantly parking lots | Affordable homes, retail, hospitality |
| Lease Expiry | 2030 | N/A (new build by 2031) |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is the new Broncos stadium proposed to be built?
The proposed stadium is slated for Burnham Yard in Denver’s La Alma Lincoln Park neighborhood. - What are the main concerns residents have about the new stadium?
Residents are primarily concerned about increased traffic, parking issues, potential spikes in property values, and a rise in crime and litter on game days. - Will the new stadium be funded by Denver taxpayers?
No, the Broncos’ majority ownership, the Walton-Penner group, has promised that the new stadium will be privately funded. - When is the earliest the new stadium could open?
The new stadium could potentially open by the 2031 NFL season. - What other developments are planned around the new stadium?
Plans include building affordable homes, retail spaces, and hospitality options immediately surrounding the stadium.
With an extensive planning process ahead, La Alma Lincoln Park residents have a significant opportunity to actively participate and help draft a game plan that ensures the new Broncos stadium benefits the community while mitigating potential drawbacks.
Burnham Yard Broncos Stadium Sparks La Alma Debate
