The Denver Broncos have unveiled extensive details about their upcoming stadium and mixed-use development at Burnham Yard, located near La Alma Lincoln Park. At a community meeting on Thursday night at the La Alma Recreation Center, the organization shared significant updates on the scale and timeline of the project, aiming to address concerns from residents about traffic, neighborhood impact, and future designs.
Early Community Engagement and Information Gaps
For several months, residents in the La Alma Lincoln Park area—the community closest to the planned stadium—have received limited information regarding the Broncos’ development. Initial glimpses came at a November open house, followed by a community advisory committee’s three meetings since October, focused on city planning and connectivity to the stadium. Yet, questions remain from both local and wider Denver residents about the project’s size and the volume of traffic it will generate.
Felix Herzog, a La Alma Lincoln Park resident, expressed ongoing uncertainty about the project’s final look, stating,
“The (community advisory) committee was fantastic at creating the language that defined equity and access to resources and what we want out of this entire project,”
but added,
“What I haven’t seen yet so far is what the final design is going to look like.”
Expanded Stadium Site and Design Considerations
While the ultimate design is still in progress, the Broncos provided more comprehensive details during the recent meeting. Josh Brooks, an architect with Sasaki leading the stadium’s design plan, revealed that the development’s footprint has grown to cover 150 acres. The stadium itself will be sited on the western boundary of the complex, a deliberate choice aimed at minimizing noise disturbance to the La Alma community. Brooks also shared updated renderings illustrating a potential tailgate zone just south of the stadium and surface parking areas further south along West Sixth Avenue.
Broncos president Damani Leech commented on the development’s scale, indicating the stadium’s seating capacity remains undetermined but emphasizing the wider property plans. The organization anticipates between 5 and 7 million square feet of mixed-use development within the site.
Leech reassured that
“Hopefully, people feel good that it’s not going to be a bunch of skyscrapers right up against the residential neighborhood.”
Preliminary Phasing and Mixed-Use District Plans
The Broncos outlined initial phases for the mixed-use district that will surround the stadium, targeting a 2031 opening. The first stage includes open space, entertainment venues, and temporary parking lots that will accommodate early visitors. Brooks noted these parking areas are planned as interim uses, with long-term developments envisaged above them, potentially including commercial buildings supported by underground garages.
During the meeting, organizers engaged attendees through polls, seeking input on the types of structures and activities residents prefer within the stadium district. Attendees overwhelmingly identified traffic congestion and potential increases in property taxes for local housing as their principal concerns.
Reflecting these uncertainties, Christy Shinbara, a 49-year-old resident, shared her conflicted feelings:
“I have mixed feelings about this, because we just don’t want any of our neighbors displaced. … A lot of them are scared about what’s going to happen to everybody.”
Community Perspectives on Safety and Access
Members of the advisory committee have also raised safety concerns, particularly regarding pedestrian crossings near the RTD rail line. Christina Eyre, a committee member, highlighted apprehensions about proposed crossings on 10th, Ninth, and Eighth Avenues, as these are close to residential homes in La Alma Lincoln Park.
In an effort to improve connectivity, the Broncos proposed extending an RTD rail line across Burnham Yard and over West 13th Avenue. This plan includes creating an underpass below West 13th Avenue to facilitate safer passage for both vehicles and pedestrians.
David Gaspers, a city community planning and development official, noted the complexity of such projects:
“I think there’s a lot more work to be done on, actually, what that looks like and what the community wants,”
adding,
“At-grade crossings, especially with that many trains, is something that we need to think about thoroughly.”
Project Timeline and Next Steps
The small area plan, which will guide development details for Burnham Yard, is anticipated to be finalized by late 2026. Meanwhile, the Broncos are coordinating their larger development plan to align with this schedule. During the meeting, the organization shared an updated timeline anticipating a community benefits agreement to be completed by early 2027, followed by the start of stadium construction midway through that year.
Despite new information, community members remain cautiously optimistic yet anxious. Herzog expressed concern about the impact during construction, mentioning the stress anticipated on the neighborhood from parking lot construction. However, some residents, like Shinbara, expressed hope:
“It’s honestly exciting … if it goes the way they say,”
she said.
“It sounds like they have our best interests at heart.”
Broader Implications for Denver and Surrounding Neighborhoods
The Broncos stadium development will significantly transform the Burnham Yard area, reshaping the adjacent La Alma Lincoln Park neighborhood and influencing traffic, property values, and local infrastructure. As the design evolves, balancing growth with neighborhood preservation remains a central challenge. The collaborative efforts between the Broncos, city planners, and community committees underscore the complexity of large-scale urban developments in active residential zones.
Looking ahead, residents and officials will continue their dialogue to refine designs, manage construction impacts, and address concerns about displacement and accessibility. The forthcoming community benefits agreement and final area plan will be critical in defining how the project can support equitable growth while maintaining neighborhood character.
