Denver Debates New Broncos Stadium at Burnham Yard

On November 19, hundreds of residents from the La Alma Lincoln Park neighborhood gathered to discuss the proposed Denver Broncos Stadium in Burnham Yard. While many expressed support for the project, significant concerns arose regarding its potential impact on their community and the wider city, particularly concerning traffic, parking, and infrastructure costs. City officials, including Mayor Mike Johnston, were present to hear the community’s thoughts directly on this complex development.

Community Concerns Mount Over New Broncos Stadium Plans

The proposed location for a new Denver Broncos stadium at Burnham Yard has ignited a passionate debate among the city’s residents. While the idea of a modern facility is appealing, the community has articulated several pressing concerns that officials will need to address to ensure the project benefits everyone.

Traffic Congestion and Parking Woes

One of the most frequently cited anxieties revolves around Denver’s already strained transportation network. Residents like Elva Chavez, a forty-year resident of La Alma Lincoln Park, expressed deep worry about the inevitable increase in traffic and the struggle for parking on game days. “It’s going to be too crowded. It’s going to be too busy,” Chavez noted, reflecting a sentiment that existing city bottlenecks, as commenter Jessica pointed out, would only be exacerbated. The prospect of massive influxes of vehicles into an already dense urban area raises questions about daily commutes for non-game-day residents and the overall livability of the neighborhood.

The Burden of Infrastructure Costs: Who Pays?

A central question for many Denverites is the financial responsibility for necessary infrastructure upgrades. Commenter Joe encapsulated this concern pointedly: “So, the Denver Broncos pay for the stadium, but we pay for the roads to get there?” This highlights a common public frustration when private developments necessitate significant public spending on supporting infrastructure. Kevin’s comment further fueled this debate, suggesting that the company, which has “already given hundreds of millions of dollars,” should bear these additional costs, implying accountability for broader community impacts beyond the stadium walls.

Mass Transit: A Viable Solution or a Pipe Dream?

Amidst the concerns, public transit emerged as a frequent suggestion for mitigating traffic and parking issues. Reader Erin optimistically mused, “If only there were some kind of existing mass transit near the proposed location, enabling people to avoid the traffic, stiff parking costs and DUIs…” Taking this further, Marek put forth an ambitious proposal: that the Penner family, owners of the Broncos, should fund a significant expansion of light rail to the southeast suburbs (up to Firestone/Dacono) and a Boulder/Longmont line, along with contributing to the Front Range Runner commuter rail from Cheyenne to Pueblo. Marek argued this could be a “massive tax write-off” for the family but, more importantly, would provide a “public transit system that Denver and the Front Range desperately needs to reduce the insane traffic we deal with on a constant basis.” While appealing, the practicality and reliability of such extensive public transit on game days were questioned, with Mike’s skeptical reply: “Rail will be down every Sunday.”

The Specter of Outpriced Fans

Beyond infrastructure and logistics, a more fundamental concern for some revolves around the long-term accessibility of Broncos games for the average fan. Carlos voiced worry about “outpricing the fans,” a sentiment that Bryan succinctly affirmed with, “That’s already happened.” This speaks to the broader issue of affordability in Denver and whether a new, potentially luxurious stadium development might inadvertently alienate the very fan base it seeks to serve, making game attendance a luxury rather than a regular tradition for many.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What were residents’ immediate reactions to the stadium plans?
  While many welcome the project, residents expressed worries about increased home values, crime, litter, and particularly, severe traffic and parking issues on game days.
• Who is expected to fund the associated infrastructure, such as roads?
  This is a major point of contention. While the Broncos are expected to fund the stadium, residents question if taxpayers will be responsible for road upgrades and other supporting infrastructure.
• Were any public transportation solutions discussed?
  Yes, suggestions included expanding light rail lines to various suburbs and funding a Front Range Runner commuter rail, with some proposing the Broncos’ ownership should contribute to these projects.
• Could the new stadium impact ticket and game accessibility for fans?
  Concerns were raised that the overall development could lead to increased costs, potentially “outpricing” a segment of the long-standing Broncos fan base.

The proposed new Denver Broncos stadium at Burnham Yard presents both opportunities and significant challenges for the city. As discussions and planning move forward, it is crucial for Denver residents to remain informed and actively participate, ensuring that community needs and concerns are prioritized alongside the excitement of a new facility. Share your thoughts with city officials and local media to help shape Denver’s future.

Denver Debates New Broncos Stadium