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Broncos vs. Bears: Everything you need to know for Denver's home opener

 'Broncos Stadium at Mile High'
Posted at 8:27 AM, Sep 14, 2019
and last updated 2019-09-14 10:27:43-04

The Broncos open their home schedule Sunday against the Chicago Bears. Kickoff at Empower Field at Mile High is 2:25 p.m., as Denver tries to bounce back from a loss to the Oakland Raiders.

Here's everything you need to know if you're heading to the game – or if you're just there for the tailgating.

Parking

Lots open at 10 a.m. Sunday, 4 1/2 hours before kickoff. Here's a printable map of the lots surrounding the stadium.

Parking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis, with spaces costing $30 in most lots. Parking spaces in Lot N, the furthest from the stadium, cost $20.

A couple warnings: If you're arriving after 1 p.m., you probably shouldn't bother trying to find a spot near the stadium. Head to the $15/$20 offsite parking at the Pepsi Center, Denver Aquarium or Auraria Campus, and take a shuttle.

Also, if you're buying a parking permit ahead of time, make sure the permit is on your mobile device. The Broncos will not accept print-at-home PDF tickets this year.

Rideshare/light rail

A good way to avoid any parking problems: Take the light rail. Both the Broncos Stadium station and the Decatur-Federal station stop near the stadium.
Here's an RTD light rail map.

If you Uber/Lyft to the game, the rideshare pickup location for the after the game is near Federal Boulevard and 17th Street, west of the stadium.

Tailgating

The main rule here: One parking permit, one space. No taking up multiple parking spaces, and tailgating must happen directly behind or in front of your vehicle, per the Broncos rules. If you arrive early enough, grab a spot on the outer perimeter of the parking lot, where you can take advantage of the grassy areas for more space.

Also prohibited: Glass bottles, kegs, open-flame fires.

Security/Entrance

Like with the parking permits, only tickets on mobile devices will be accepted at the games. So no print-at-home tickets.

But the big one to remember here is the stadium's clear bag policy. Here's what's allowed: Clear tote bag no bigger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches; a one-gallon re-sealable plastic storage bag; or a small clutch or purse no bigger than 4 1/2 inches by 6 1/2 inches.

Additional clothing and blankets are allowed, if carried loosely or in an approved clear bag. Here's the stadium's full policy on what is and isn't allowed.

Food and drinks

Here's the full map of each concession location in the stadium.

A few highlights: The Broncos are introducing a kiosk system in some locations, including section 101, where fans will be able to order their food on a screen and use refillable soda stations. The idea is to speed up service. Self checkout will also be available in the 300 and 500 sections.

Also, this year the stadium won't remove caps on non-alcoholic beverages, making it easier to carry your drinks to your seats.

Weather

Stay hydrated because we're in for a hot one. Temperatures could reach 90 by kickoff Sunday. The tailgating earlier in the day should be nice, though, with temps in the 70s. The good news: It'll be dry all day, so concerns for weather impacting the game.