Broncos, Denver Water in talks over campus near Burnham Yard

Denver Water and the Broncos have been in talks for over a year about the water utility’s 36-acre campus, located near a potential stadium site.

Confirmation of the discussions came after documents revealed regular meetings between team executives and Denver Water officials, with Denver city officials also involved.

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The Broncos have shown interest in Denver Water’s campus in Lincoln Park as a potential site for a new stadium. The campus has undergone significant redevelopment, including a nearly $200 million investment and a new headquarters that opened in 2019.

The campus is adjacent to Burnham Yard, a former railroad yard that the club is considering for a new stadium location. Emails and documents obtained by JS show ongoing communication between the two parties since May 2024, with recent meetings scheduled at the Broncos’ Dove Valley facility.

While the exact details of the conversations remain unclear, it is evident that both parties are exploring potential implications for Denver Water facilities and operations if Burnham Yard is chosen as the stadium site.

The Broncos have also been in discussions with officials in Lone Tree and Aurora about potential stadium sites, including the option to renovate or build new at the current Empower Field at Mile High location.

Denver Water spokesperson Jimmy Luthye emphasized the utility’s long-standing presence in the community and their commitment to ensuring that any decisions align with their operations and facilities.

City officials have expressed their dedication to keeping the Broncos in Denver, highlighting the team’s role as a cornerstone of civic pride and community spirit.

Meetings between the Broncos and Denver Water have included various stakeholders such as city officials, lawyers, developers, and construction executives. The discussions have been ongoing throughout the winter and spring, with virtual meetings and in-person visits to the Broncos’ facility.

The involvement of key figures like Denver Water CEO Alan Salazar and Broncos general counsel Tim Aragon underscores the importance of these discussions in determining the future of the potential stadium site.

As the negotiations continue, the sale of Burnham Yard by the Colorado Department of Transportation adds another dimension to the potential development project. While experts suggest the yard may be too small for a standalone stadium, recent property purchases in the area connected to the Broncos indicate progress towards a decision.

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Original Publication Date: June 16, 2025 at 5:24 PM MDT