Decades of Tradition on the Line
Back in January, a report shed light on the potential consequences of the Denver Broncos moving away from Empower Field. For Sun Valley, a neighborhood deeply tied to the stadium’s history since 1960, the impact would be more than just logistical. Local businesses like The Original Brooklyn’s could face an uncertain future, while the area itself risks becoming a vast, unused stretch of land if fans stop showing up on Sundays.
Sun Valley’s Fight for Identity
Beyond football, the story is about a community slowly rebuilding itself. Once boxed in by highways and rail lines, Sun Valley has seen deliberate development efforts in recent years, including a $30 million federal grant in 2016 and modern housing replacing outdated infrastructure. Now, just as momentum builds, a possible stadium exit poses a new challenge.
SCOOP: The Broncos have begun buying land near Burnham Yard, a state-owned former railyard in central Denver considered a possible new stadium site, a source tells @Business_Den
We found 10 transactions totaling $150M linked to one attorney pic.twitter.com/ATzISyMQvv
— Thomas Gounley (@tgounley) June 11, 2025
The Silent Move: $150M in Real Estate
A new report reveals that the Broncos’ ownership group has quietly purchased $150 million worth of land near Burnham Yard—a 58-acre railyard just a mile from Empower Field. These acquisitions weren’t publicized, but were done through a network of LLCs and linked directly to the team’s ownership. Legal records show at least ten buying entities with direct ties to the Broncos, guided by legal professionals with links to the franchise.
Why Burnham Yard?
It’s no accident. The location checks key boxes: it’s central, near light rail, and close to healthcare facilities. More importantly, it has room for the kind of entertainment district the Broncos likely want to build. But the yard alone isn’t big enough for a stadium. That explains the spree of nearby property buys—quiet but strategic.
Not Just Speculation Anymore
While Empower Field is under lease through 2030 (and extendable to 2040), the Broncos aren’t waiting around. President Damani Leech confirmed that planning timelines are already in motion, hinting that the team is mapping out the long path of approvals, permitting, and eventual construction. The moves suggest a new stadium is more than a rumor—it’s a blueprint unfolding.
Meanwhile, on the Field…
Even as relocation headlines swirl, the Broncos’ locker room is buzzing for different reasons. Head Coach Sean Payton is building a strong foundation, returning all five offensive line starters and installing structure for second-year quarterback Bo Nix. With veteran additions like tight end Evan Engram and rookie back RJ Harvey, the offense is being quietly reinforced.
Bo Nix’s Breakout Year?
Nix, who threw for 3,775 yards and 29 touchdowns in his rookie year, seems poised to lead. His chemistry with new teammates and his comfort in the playbook show real growth. The team opens its season at home against the Titans on September 7 and enters with solid odds—second-best in the AFC West behind the Chiefs.
The Bigger Picture
So what’s really being built in Denver? A new stadium? A new culture? Or both? With $150 million in real estate already secured, one thing is clear: the Broncos are planning their future—on and off the field. Whether Sun Valley rises with them or gets left behind is still a gamble in play.