Denver Broncos vs Chiefs 2026: Empower Field at Mile High Parking Guide

Heading to the 2:25 PM Broncos vs. Chiefs game on November 1st? Don't get caught circling for a spot while tailgates are already firing up. The rivalry is fierce, the stadium will be completely sold out, and the traffic gridlock wrapping around Federal Blvd and Colfax Ave is entirely unforgiving.

If you just punch the stadium address into your GPS and hope for the best, you are going to waste an hour in traffic and end up paying triple for a dirt lot. From scoring an 8:00 AM early-entry spot in Lot C to finding hidden $4 downtown garages, this guide breaks down exactly where to park, how to navigate the permanent RTD BroncosRide suspension, and how to avoid an immediate tow in the residential streets of Jefferson Park.

Whether you are hauling a truck full of grills or just looking for the quickest exit strategy back to I-25 South, here is your battle-tested strategy for Denver Broncos parking Empower Field style.

Empower Field at Mile High Official Parking Map & Game Day Rates

How much does parking cost for a Denver Broncos game?

Official general parking for a Broncos game costs between $43 and $59 when pre-purchased through primary ticketing channels. If you plan to pay on the day of the event, specific specialty lots like Lot A and Lot C charge between $45 and $55. However, because this is a massive Broncos vs Chiefs parking 2026 matchup, official general lots will sell out fast. Once they hit the secondary market, those exact same passes skyrocket to $203 to $308+.

To avoid taking out a small loan just to leave your car somewhere, you need to understand exactly how the stadium's primary lots operate on game day.

Can I pay cash for parking at Empower Field?

No. Empower Field at Mile High parking is a 100% cashless operation. If you are rolling up to a day-of-game lot hoping to peel off a fifty-dollar bill, you will be turned away at the gate. You must have a credit card, debit card, or mobile payment ready for any drive-up purchases.

Here is the breakdown of the specific on-site lots you can actually target on game day without a pre-purchased general permit:

• Lot C (Early Tailgate Lot): This is the holy grail for hardcore tailgaters. Day-of parking here costs $55. It operates on a strictly first-come, first-served basis. You swipe your card, you drive in, and you claim your asphalt. Because it opens extremely early, it sells out within 30 to 60 minutes.
• Lot A (The Carpool Lot): If you have a packed car, this is your best on-site bet. Day-of parking costs $45. To enter Lot A, you strictly must have 4 or more people inside the vehicle. The attendants check, and they will turn away a car of three.

If you want to bypass the stress of first-come, first-served entirely, you should secure a spot before you ever leave your driveway. You can grab your Broncos vs Chiefs — 2026-11-01 Parking pass in advance and guarantee your access to a paved, official space. For a broader look at the facility layout, study our full Empower Field at Mile High parking guide.

Empower Field at Mile High official parking map and game day rates

What Time Do Parking Lots Open for a 2:25 PM Broncos Game?

Timing is everything. If you show up at noon for a 2:25 PM kickoff, you are going to find a wall of brake lights on Federal Blvd and "LOT FULL" signs flashing at every entrance. You need a minute-by-minute timeline to beat the rush.

What time do parking lots open at Empower Field for 2:25 PM game?

For a 2:25 PM kickoff, the standard on-site parking lots open at exactly 9:55 AM, which is exactly 4.5 hours prior to the start of the game. However, if you are aiming for the Lot C early tailgate parking Broncos game experience, that specific lot opens at 8:00 AM.

Here is exactly how your game day morning needs to flow if you want to secure a spot, get your grill fired up, and actually enjoy the pre-game atmosphere:

• 7:30 AM — Line up for Lot C: The gates do not open until 8:00 AM, but the line of trucks and SUVs carrying grills and coolers will start forming well before then. If you want the premier tailgating experience, you need to be idling in this line early.
• 8:00 AM — Lot C Opens: The gates lift. Have your credit card ready to pay the $55. This lot will be completely sold out by 8:45 AM at the absolute latest.
• 9:45 AM — Staging for Standard Lots: If you have a pre-purchased pass or you are aiming for the Lot A carpool lot, arrive near the stadium now. Traffic on the Colfax and Sun Valley exits will start backing up shortly after this window.
• 9:55 AM — Standard Lots Open: All remaining official stadium lots open their gates. If you are targeting the first-come, first-served ADA parking, you must pull up to Lots L, D, or G right at this exact minute.
• 11:30 AM — The Gridlock Window: By this time, the surrounding streets are heavily congested. If you haven't parked yet, you should strongly consider diverting to an off-site lot downtown and walking in.
• 1:40 PM — Tailgate Teardown: Stadium security dictates that all tailgate equipment must be broken down and packed away safely inside your vehicle. Do not leave your grill cooling on the asphalt behind your bumper.
• 2:25 PM — Kickoff: Be in your seat.

The Cheapest Off-Site Parking for Broncos vs. Chiefs

On-site parking isn't for everyone. It is expensive, the exit traffic is brutal, and it requires arriving hours before the game starts. If you want to save money or guarantee a quick getaway to I-25 after the final whistle, off-site parking is your best tactical move.

Where is the cheapest place to park for a Broncos game?

The cheapest parking Denver Broncos game fans can find is the Commons Park West Garage for just $4, located downtown. Because this is a decent distance away, you combine that $4 parking rate with a ride on the Platte Valley Shuttle for $7 roundtrip, bringing your total parking and transit cost to just $11.

Can I park in the neighborhoods around Mile High Stadium?

Absolutely not. This is the biggest mistake out-of-town fans make. Do not attempt to park in the adjacent Jefferson Park (to the north) or Sun Valley (to the south) neighborhoods. These residential streets are heavily restricted by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) permit zones on game days. They do not just issue tickets; violators are towed immediately. Finding your car impounded will ruin your Sunday and cost you hundreds of dollars.

Instead of risking a tow, look at these proven, legal, off-site alternatives:

The Auraria Campus Lots & Garages Sitting just across I-25 from the stadium, the Auraria Campus offers the best mid-range parking option for fans. You will pay between $20 and $30 on game day. The walking distance from downtown Denver to Empower Field from these lots is highly manageable. It is a 10 to 15-minute walk straight across the wide, safe I-25 pedestrian bridge. If you don't feel like walking, there is heavy pedicab availability right at the edge of campus waiting to bike you to the gates.

Riverside Church (2401 Alcott St) Located just north of the stadium in the Jefferson Park area, this private lot charges a flat $30. It is an incredible hidden gem because they actually allow outside food and grilling, making it a viable off-site tailgate spot. It opens 3 hours prior to kickoff. The massive benefit here is the exit strategy. By parking north of the stadium, you avoid the massive Sun Valley exit gridlock and can easily wait out post-game traffic at a local pub in Jefferson Park.

The Siegel Lot (1408 Zuni St) This is a popular, very close off-site option just across the interstate. Prices here are highly variable and dynamic. Depending on demand, you might pay anywhere from $10 to $69.

If you want to lock in your price and avoid the stress of dynamic game day pricing entirely, use our platform to book guaranteed Denver Broncos parking ahead of time. You can view all available off-site spaces, compare walking distances, and secure your spot on your phone. If you are doing a broader trip, check out our full Denver city parking guide for tips on downtown garages.

cheapest off-site parking lots near Empower Field for Broncos vs Chiefs

How Does ADA Parking Work at Empower Field?

Navigating accessible parking at an NFL stadium requires advance knowledge. You cannot just show up and expect a blue-lined spot to be waiting for you near the gate.

How does ADA parking work at Empower Field at Mile High?

Empower Field ADA parking is located specifically in Lots L, D, and G. These spaces cost between $35 and $40 on game day. The most critical piece of information you need to know is that there are no presales for ADA parking. It operates strictly on a first-come, first-served basis.

Because of the massive demand for accessible spots, especially for a high-profile Broncos vs. Chiefs game, these spots sell out exceptionally fast. ADA parking typically reaches full capacity within 1 to 2 hours of the lots opening. For a 2:25 PM kickoff, the lots open at 9:55 AM. If you need an ADA spot, you need to arrive exactly at 9:55 AM. Bring your valid state-issued ADA placard or license plate, and have your credit card ready to pay at the gate.

ADA accessible shuttle carts Empower Field

If you secure a spot in one of the outer ADA areas, you do not have to worry about a grueling walk to the gates. Empower Field operates a fleet of ADA accessible shuttle carts. These golf carts circle the ADA parking areas and provide direct transport to the stadium entrances.

If you are parking off-site (like at Auraria Campus) to save money, but you are traveling with a passenger who has mobility issues, do not make them walk over the pedestrian bridge. Instead, utilize the stadium's dedicated drop-off zone. Drive to the Lot L / Lot J drop-off loop located right between Gates 4 and 5. You can safely drop your passenger off right at the stadium entrance before navigating your car to an off-site garage.

Tailgating Rules at Empower Field (And the 'Grass Perimeter' Trick)

The Denver Broncos have one of the best tailgating cultures in the NFL, but the stadium authority enforces strict rules to keep the lots safe and ensure traffic flows. If you violate these rules, security will shut down your party and potentially revoke your parking pass.

Is tailgating allowed in all Empower Field parking lots?

Tailgating is permitted in most official stadium lots, but it is strictly prohibited in Lot A.

What are the carpool parking rules at Empower Field?

Lot A is the official Carpool Lot. To enter, you must have four or more people in your vehicle, and you pay a reduced day-of rate of $45. Because this lot is designed strictly to maximize vehicle density and get fans into the stadium efficiently, you cannot set up tents, chairs, or grills. You park, you grab your gear, and you walk to the gates.

If you want to tailgate, target Lot C or the general official lots. Here are the specific tailgating rules Empower Field enforces:

• The One-Space Rule: You are restricted to exactly one 8'x10' parking space per permit. You cannot buy a second permit just to set up a massive tent in the spot next to you.
• Placement Requirements: All of your tailgating equipment—tents, grills, coolers, and chairs—must be placed directly in front of or directly behind your parked vehicle. You cannot set up your gear in the driving lanes. Blocking a fire lane will result in an immediate shutdown by security.
• The Teardown Timeline: As mentioned earlier, all tailgate gear must be packed tightly back into your vehicle by 1:40 PM.

The Grass Perimeter Hack

If you are planning a full-day tailgate, standing on hot asphalt for four hours can take a toll. Experienced fans know a specific trick: the grass perimeter hack.

When you arrive early to an official lot, do not pull into a space in the middle of the asphalt grid. Instead, target the outer perimeter spaces that border the landscaping. Back your truck or SUV tightly into the space so your tailgate hangs just over the edge of the asphalt. This allows you to set up your chairs, coolers, and games directly on the grassy perimeter. It gives you more space to breathe, keeps your setup off the hot pavement, and naturally keeps you entirely out of the driving lanes.

For fans who want the ultimate pre-game experience without the stress of hauling their own gear, consider checking out the Broncos vs Chiefs VIP Tailgate — 2026-11-01 Parking options, where the setup, food, and parking are handled for you.

Rideshare Pickup Zones & RTD Transit Alternatives

If you plan on drinking heavily at your tailgate or you just refuse to deal with the stress of navigating a car out of the Sun Valley exit gridlock, public transit and rideshare are your best friends. However, you need to know exactly how the geofencing works, otherwise you will be stranded on Federal Blvd holding a dead phone.

Is the RTD BroncosRide bus still running?

No. The official RTD BroncosRide special bus service has been indefinitely suspended. Do not plan your day around it. Many older guides still mention it, and fans end up waiting at empty bus stops.

BroncosRide shuttle suspended alternatives

Since the BroncosRide is gone, you have two primary public transit alternatives:

1. The Platte Valley Shuttle: This is a fantastic, cheap alternative. You park your car downtown (like at the Commons Park West garage) or get dropped off at Confluence Park/REI. From there, you catch the Platte Valley Shuttle directly to the stadium. It costs just $7 roundtrip (or $5 for a one-way ticket).
2. RTD light rail Broncos game access: The stadium is heavily serviced by the RTD Light Rail. You want to take either the W Line or the E Line. If you are coming from downtown or the north, exit at the Empower Field at Mile High Station. If you are coming from the south, exit at the Decatur-Federal Station. Both stations drop you within a very short walk of the stadium gates.

Uber and Lyft pick-up and drop-off zones Empower Field

Getting to the stadium via rideshare is easy. Getting home is a completely different story.

Where is the Uber and Lyft pickup for Broncos games?

Rideshare pick-up is strictly prohibited at the stadium.

You cannot call an Uber or a Lyft while standing outside Gate 4. You cannot walk over to Federal Blvd and try to hail a ride. The city of Denver enforces a massive digital geofence around Empower Field at Mile High and the surrounding residential neighborhoods. If you open your Uber app while standing near the stadium post-game, it will flat-out refuse to let you request a driver.

where is the Uber pickup at Empower Field at Mile High?

To get an Uber or Lyft after the Broncos vs. Chiefs game, you must walk 15 minutes east, across the I-25 pedestrian bridges, to the Ball Arena Rideshare Lot.

Do not try to outsmart the system by walking into the Jefferson Park neighborhood; the geofence covers that area too, to prevent rideshare traffic from clogging residential streets. You must walk to Ball Arena.

While a 15-minute walk sounds annoying after a long game, this system actually works incredibly well. Rideshare drivers receive a $15 bonus for picking up passengers specifically at the Ball Arena lot post-game. Because of this massive financial incentive, every Uber and Lyft driver in Denver flocks to Ball Arena. You will find a massive staging area of available cars waiting for you.

Just leave the stadium, follow the sea of fans walking across the pedestrian bridge toward downtown, and pull out your phone once you hit the Ball Arena parking lots.

Whether you decide to battle it out for an 8:00 AM spot in Lot C, walk over from a hidden garage in Auraria, or hike to Ball Arena for a surged Uber, having a concrete plan is the only way to survive game day in Denver. Lock in your strategy, prep your payment methods, and enjoy the game.