Empower Field at Mile High has changed names through the years, but one thing remains the same: the energy of Broncos Country. But what about the energy that keeps Mile High powered up each and every day?
“The amount of power and energy that it takes to run a stadium like this is similar to that of a small city,” says Chris Hoag, project manager, Empower Field at Mile High. “We have everything from commercial kitchens to office buildings, all the way out into the parking lots, to the top of the light rack for all the sports lights, down to the headset cards and replay cards on the sidelines for football.”
With over 200 events a year and up to 2 million people coming through the doors annually, powering a small city isn’t an exaggeration. It takes 13,000 volts to keep the power on at Empower Field, and in a 1.9 million square foot stadium, that energy needs to be nearby and distributed constantly. That’s why there are five substations housed here; the fifth substation was added in 2023 just to bring all the power necessary for the new scoreboard.
“With a stadium like ours, reliable power is required,” says Zach Myhra, senior director, Facilities, Empower Field at Mile High. “Our game day experience is something that we can't fail at. We have to be successful. Xcel Energy is our behind-the-scenes partner, providing that reliable energy for us that allows us to provide a great game day experience.”
For over a century, Xcel Energy has powered the state of Colorado. We’re proud to help bring the energy to game day and every day.