Denver is positioning itself as a potential host for the Super Bowl, contingent on meeting a series of stringent requirements set by the National Football League (NFL). Despite boasting recent championships in basketball, football, and hockey, the city has yet to welcome the country’s most-watched sporting event. Currently, Empower Field lacks a roof, a critical factor in the NFL’s selection process, particularly considering Denver’s cold winter weather and the potential for snow in February.
The ownership of the Denver Broncos has announced plans to replace Empower Field with a new stadium featuring a retractable roof at Burnham Yard, a former train yard situated near La Alma/Lincoln Park. This development could eliminate one major obstacle in Denver’s quest to host the Super Bowl. Yet, the city must still fulfill numerous other requirements outlined in a comprehensive 150-page NFL guideline for prospective host cities.
Infrastructure and Amenities Required
A stadium eligible for the Super Bowl must accommodate at least 70,000 seats, each measuring at least 19 inches wide, and include suites with unobstructed views. Empower Field currently has about 76,000 seats and around 144 suites. Reports suggest that the proposed new stadium is expected to feature an increased capacity and a greater number of suites.
In addition to seating capacity, the NFL mandates that a Super Bowl venue provide at least 35,000 paved and well-lit parking spaces on site or nearby for fans, staff, and security personnel. The NFL requires approximately 3,000 parking spaces within a half-mile radius of the stadium for the entire “Super Bowl period,” which spans 30 days leading up to the event. While Empower Field features a total of about 39,000 parking spots, the current redevelopment plan for Burnham Yard indicates a shift away from traditional vast parking areas, favoring off-site and shared parking solutions.
Furthermore, the NFL requires that any potential Super Bowl venue have sufficient hotel accommodations within a one-hour drive. For Empower Field, this translates to needing more than 27,000 hotel rooms available during peak traffic times. Additionally, at least 19,000 “top quality, full-service” hotel rooms must be set aside for NFL personnel and related groups, many of which are expected to be provided at no cost. According to Visit Denver, the city currently has about 13,000 hotel rooms within walking distance of the Colorado Convention Center, which is located approximately a mile and a half from the proposed stadium site.
Government Support and Unique Requirements
To secure a Super Bowl, local government must also create a temporary “clean zone” within a one-mile radius of the stadium. This zone would suspend certain permits for events within that area, including temporary signage and sales. The NFL emphasizes that these measures are necessary for health and safety reasons. Local law enforcement is expected to support the NFL’s anti-counterfeit initiatives by providing officers to prevent counterfeit merchandise for six days surrounding the event.
The NFL also seeks significant tax exemptions, which would exempt the league from various local taxes, including income, sales, and occupancy taxes. This includes ensuring that revenue from ticket sales and parking remains tax-exempt.
Interestingly, the NFL has additional less conventional requirements for hosting the Super Bowl. These include provisions for two quality bowling venues and three top-tier eighteen-hole golf courses. These facilities are intended for events like the NFL Foundation Golf Classic and the Super Bowl Celebrity Bowling Classic, aimed at former players. The golf courses must be in close proximity to each other, and green fees for players must be waived.
As the NFL prepares for the 2026 Super Bowl on February 8 in Santa Clara, California, Denver’s aspirations to host the event hinge on fulfilling these extensive criteria. With the Broncos’ plans for a new stadium in place, the city is laying the groundwork for what could become a significant milestone in its sports history.
