Empower Field Parking Guide: Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Rams (Sep 27, 2026)

Heading to Empower Field at Mile High for the Broncos vs. Rams on September 27, 2026? A 6:20 PM kickoff means prime-time traffic, but don't panic. With the RTD BroncosRide bus permanently suspended for the 2026 season and neighborhood street parking heavily patrolled by aggressive tow companies, securing your spot ahead of time is critical.

Night games in Denver bring out a massive crowd, and Interstate 25 turns into a parking lot long before the game even starts. This guide gives you exactly what you need to survive game day logistics. Here is exactly where to park, what time the lots open, how to dodge the insane Uber surge pricing, and how to entirely bypass the post-game gridlock.

Need to secure your spot right now? You can reserve parking ahead of time via Prked so you aren't circling Federal Boulevard searching for a space while the first quarter kicks off.

What Time Do Parking Lots Open at Empower Field for a 6:20 PM Game?

If you are wondering what time do parking lots open at Empower Field for a 6:20 PM game, the official stadium lots open exactly 4.5 hours prior to kickoff, which is 1:50 PM. The only exception is the Early Tailgating Lot C, which opens 6 hours prior to kickoff, allowing early entry at exactly 12:20 PM.

Knowing the best time to arrive for a 6:20 PM Broncos game depends entirely on what you plan to do before kickoff. The early afternoon opening times mean you are going to mix with standard Sunday afternoon Denver traffic.

If you are aiming for Empower Field Lot C tailgating hours, you need to be in line on the stadium perimeter before 12:20 PM. Local regulars know that the line for Lot C forms early. Once those gates open, it typically sells out of drive-up space within 30 to 60 minutes. If you show up at 1:30 PM expecting to get a premier tailgating spot in Lot C, you will be turned away.

For standard ticketholders aiming for the general admission lots, arriving around 3:00 PM is the sweet spot. This gets you parked before the absolute worst of the pre-game rush hour hits the Federal Boulevard exits.

Once you park, if you have mobility concerns or just don't want to walk the massive stadium footprint, the official stadium shuttle carts begin running 3 hours before kickoff at 3:20 PM. These carts circle the stadium perimeter, dropping fans off near the main gates. They run continuously until the 2-minute warning of the fourth quarter, taking a brief pause before resuming 15 minutes post-game.

Empower Field at Mile High Official Parking Map & Game Day Prices 2026

Does Empower Field take cash for parking? No. Empower Field at Mile High is a 100% cashless facility. You cannot use cash at the parking gates, the concession stands, or the merchandise tents. All official on-site parking requires a credit card, debit card, or an advance mobile purchase through Ticketmaster.

If you are searching for the Empower Field at Mile High official parking map and game day prices 2026, expect to pay a premium for convenience. Advance stadium parking via Ticketmaster ranges from $43 to $59 depending on the specific lot and how early you buy.

The most popular official drive-up option is Lot C. A drive-up space here costs $55, but as mentioned, it sells out incredibly fast. You pay via credit card right at the gate.

If you want to save a little cash and don't care about grilling hot dogs, look into the carpool parking Lot A Empower Field hack. The stadium reserves a dedicated section in Lot A for carpoolers. It costs $45, but they strictly enforce a 4+ passenger rule. If you pull up to the gate with three people in the car, you will be denied entry. Absolutely no tailgating is allowed in this specific section, making it a pure "park and walk" option.

If you are attending multiple dates this weekend or want a guaranteed spot without dealing with Ticketmaster fees, check out the Broncos vs Rams — 2026-09-27 Parking options for flat-rate, predictable pricing.

Cheapest Off-Site Parking Lots Within Walking Distance of Empower Field

What is the cheapest place to park for a Denver Broncos game? The absolute cheapest options are off-site lots located just a short walk from the stadium, with prices dropping as low as $4.99 if you book via parking apps, or $10 to $25 at local schools and the Ball Arena campus.

You do not have to pay stadium prices. In fact, parking slightly further away is the ultimate local secret for figuring out how to bypass traffic after a Broncos game. The mass exodus out of the stadium lots onto I-25 South and North is a nightmare. Parking east of the highway lets you skip that bottleneck entirely.

Here is a breakdown of the cheapest off-site parking lots within walking distance of Empower Field:

Lake Middle School (1820 Lowell Blvd)

The Lake Middle School Broncos parking price is a flat $20-$25. This is a massive favorite for locals. It is a 10-15 minute walk straight down West 17th Avenue to the stadium. Not only is it cheap, but the proceeds support the local school. They accept cash or card. The catch? It fills up fast. You need to arrive at least 2 hours before the 6:20 PM kickoff to guarantee a spot.

Riverside Church (2401 Alcott St)

This is an official off-site partner lot that charges $30. It opens 3 hours before kickoff (3:20 PM for this specific night game). It is a highly organized, strict first-come, first-served operation. Like the stadium, they are cashless only. It is about a 10-minute walk to the gates.

Ball Arena / Auraria Campus

If you want to dodge traffic, this is your play. Parking at the Ball Arena lots or the adjacent Auraria Campus runs between $10 and $25. How long is the walk from Ball Arena to Empower Field? It is a solid 15-20 minute walk, but it is highly pedestrian-friendly. You will join thousands of fans walking across the highway pedestrian bridges (often called the Sports Walk). Because your car is already parked east of I-25, when the game ends, you just hop in your car and drive right out into downtown or onto the highway ramps without fighting the stadium gridlock.

Siegel Lot (1408 Zuni St)

If you use parking apps, the Siegel lot often starts as low as $4.99 to $10.00 when booked in advance. It is a 14-minute walk to the stadium. Prices fluctuate based on demand, so lock it in early.

Off-Site Parking Comparison Table

Mile High Stadium Tailgating Rules: What You Need to Know

Can you tailgate at Empower Field off-site lots? Generally, no. Off-site locations like Lake Middle School or the Ball Arena lots do not permit elaborate tailgating setups, tents, or massive grills. If you want the true pre-game party experience, you need to be in the official stadium lots.

The Mile High stadium tailgating rules are strictly enforced by stadium security and Denver Police. The golden rule is that you are strictly limited to the one parking space your vehicle occupies. You cannot buy an empty parking space just to set up a massive tent or a pop-up bar.

If you are planning to grill, you can use gas or charcoal, but you must dispose of all hot coals in the designated bright red ash receptacles located throughout the lots. Dumping hot coals on the asphalt or the grass will get you ejected and ticketed.

Here is the best insider tip for tailgating at Empower Field: Back your vehicle into the perimeter or exterior spaces of the lot. By backing in, you can set up your chairs, coolers, and grills on the adjacent grass strips surrounding the parking lot rather than sitting on the hot asphalt directly behind your car. It gives you significantly more room without violating the "one space per permit" rule.

Remember, if you are utilizing the discounted carpool section in Lot A, tailgating is universally banned. Do not pull out a grill or chairs there, or you will be asked to pack it up immediately.

For fans who want to lock down their pre-game party plans without stressing about Lot C selling out, you can secure Broncos vs Rams Tailgate — 2026-09-27 Parking to guarantee you have a spot waiting for you when you arrive.

Uber and Lyft Drop-Off & Pick-Up Locations at Empower Field

Where is the Uber pickup at Empower Field at Mile High? The designated Uber and Lyft pick-up lot is located at 5th St & Walnut St, which requires a mandatory 15-minute walk from the stadium gates.

Rideshare drop-off and pick-up at the immediate stadium perimeter is strictly prohibited. You cannot just stand outside Gate 4 and call an Uber. The geofencing on both the Uber and Lyft apps will physically block you from requesting a ride until you are walking away from the stadium.

This is a massive pain point for unprepared fans. When the game ends at 9:30 PM, you will be directed by signs and police to walk east across the South Platte River and I-25 toward the Auraria Campus area to reach the rideshare zone.

Once you get to 5th and Walnut, brace yourself. Post-game Uber and Lyft surge pricing routinely spikes to $80-$90 just to go a few miles into downtown or the Highlands, accompanied by massive wait times as hundreds of fans stare at their phones waiting for a driver to navigate the gridlock.

The Traffic Hack: If you are arriving via Uber for the 6:20 PM game, tell your driver to approach the stadium via Federal Blvd from the west rather than getting off I-25. You will skip the highway gridlock entirely. For leaving the game, the smartest move is to walk to a nearby RTD light rail station, take the train one or two stops away from the stadium (like heading into LoDo or Union Station), and order your Uber from there. The surge pricing drops significantly, and the driver can actually reach you.

Public Transit: RTD Light Rail & Is BroncosRide Running in 2026?

Is BroncosRide running in 2026? No. RTD's dedicated "BroncosRide" specialty bus service is permanently suspended for the 2026 season. Do not rely on outdated guides or old forums telling you to catch the Broncos bus from the suburbs. That service no longer exists.

However, the RTD Light Rail remains an excellent way to get to the game. You want to look at the RTD light rail schedule and routes for Denver Broncos games Sep 27, specifically targeting the E Line or W Line. An RTD Regional Day Pass costs just $5.50.

There is an Empower Field at Mile High station, but local experts recommend using the Decatur/Federal Station instead. The Empower Field station creates severe pedestrian bottlenecks on the walkways immediately after the game. The Decatur/Federal station is just a slightly different walking angle, is heavily used by locals, and often clears out faster.

A critical warning: Avoid the Auraria West light rail station on game days. RTD typically closes this specific station for crowd control during Broncos games to prevent people from cramming onto the platforms unsafely.

If you are staying in the downtown area near Confluence Park or LoDo, you have a unique option. You can buy Denver trolley football shuttle tickets. The historic Denver Trolley operates a special football shuttle from the REI building right at Confluence Park. It starts running 2 hours before the game. It costs $10 round-trip or $7 one-way, and drops you off right near the stadium along the South Platte River Trail. It is highly scenic, avoids all vehicle traffic, and is a fantastic game day experience.

ADA Parking at Empower Field for Broncos Games

How much is ADA parking at Empower Field? ADA parking spaces in Lot L cost $35, while ADA spaces in Lots D and G cost $40.

Getting Broncos ADA parking at Empower Field requires strategy because you cannot reserve these spots online ahead of time. ADA parking is available on a strict first-come, first-served basis. You must present a valid state-issued ADA placard or license plate, alongside the person to whom the placard is registered, at the parking gate.

Because these spaces cannot be purchased in advance via Ticketmaster and demand is incredibly high for a prime-time game against the Rams, arriving early is non-negotiable. You should plan to pull up to the lots right when they open at 1:50 PM. If you arrive at 4:30 PM, the designated ADA lots will likely be full, and you will be directed to standard parking further away.

If you do secure an ADA spot but still need assistance getting to the gates, this is where you utilize the stadium shuttle carts. Flag down a cart (they begin circulating at 3:20 PM) and they will drive you directly to the closest accessible gate entrance.

Can I Park in Jefferson Park During a Broncos Game? (Towing Rules)

Can I park in Jefferson Park during a Broncos game? Absolutely not. Neighborhood street parking in Jefferson Park (the residential area immediately west and northwest of the stadium, bordered by Federal Blvd) is strictly prohibited for non-residents during all Broncos games.

Many out-of-towners drive through these neighborhood streets, see an empty spot in front of a house, and think they have scored the ultimate free parking hack. They haven't. The entire neighborhood is zoned for residential permits only during stadium events.

Do not risk it. The neighborhood enforcement is incredibly strict. Tow trucks literally circle the blocks of Jefferson Park continuously from the moment kickoff approaches until the game ends. If your vehicle lacks the specific neighborhood zone permit, it will be hooked up and removed within minutes.

What happens if my car is towed at a Broncos game? It ruins your night and empties your wallet. Your vehicle will be towed to the Gary Price Building (the Denver Sheriff Department Vehicle Impound facility). You will have to call 720-865-0470 to locate it. Recovering your car requires an expensive Uber ride to the impound lot, paying a massive tow fee, paying an impound fee, and dealing with a parking ticket on top of it. The total cost easily exceeds $250 to $300.

Save yourself the massive headache, the ruined Sunday night, and the exorbitant fees. Book a guaranteed space at an off-site lot, take the light rail, or secure your spot through Prked before you ever put your car in drive.