While rumors persist that the Broncos will build a new stadium at some point in the future, Tuesday’s media tour of Empower Field at Mile High showed that the organization is still interested in improving the fan experience now.
Broncos President Damani Leech unveiled the new club in 1977, along with new murals by local artists and, of course, new food offerings.
“As you recall, we made a pretty big investment last year, a $100 million investment by our ownership group to upgrade the stadium, the largest capital improvement in the history of the stadium. So we’re going to continue with that this year,” Leech said.
While the all-inclusive 1977 Club, which offers access to non-football events, is limited to 54 well-paying members (the Broncos did not disclose prices), the expanded menu options reach all levels of the stadium.
One of the more unique concepts is Buns on the Run by Hall & Worth. These two packs of sticky cinnamon treats are only available at Gates 2, 4 and 10 as you exit the stadium after the game.
“You can eat them on the way home in your Uber or something,” said Michael Sanguinetti, executive chef at Aramark. “One last treat on the way out.”
Sanguinetti has also introduced the Thunder Crunch Wrap, designed especially for kids. The dish consists of ancho chicken with green chili queso, pico de gallo and lettuce wrapped in a spicy tortilla. It’s a crunchy creation that you can hold in your hand.
In total, the stadium will feature 12 new vendors and 10 new specialty items designed to highlight “what’s special about the Rocky Mountain region,” Leech said. New on-site restaurants include Blue Pan Pizza, TAG restaurant group, Bonanno Concepts, Guard and Grace, Lucy’s Burger Bar, Renegade Burrito and Pints Peak Ice Cream.
While burgers and pizza are common stadium fare, the Broncos said they have listened to their fans and introduced higher-quality alternatives like the Old School TAG Burger and Blue Pan.
“I think we know that food and beverage is a really important part of the game day experience for many of our fans,” said Jesse Nading, senior vice president of strategy and business development. “So that’s something we’re watching very closely in partnership with Aramark and really want to listen to our fans on.”
The focus on “local” extends beyond the food selection to the continuation of the Stadium Artist Series, which added three new pieces to the stadium this season in addition to the eight introduced last year.
There’s a fun animal-themed mural by local artist Kaitlin Ziesmer, as well as artwork honoring Colorado and the Broncos’ Ring of Fame Square.
“It was really important to owner Carrie Walton Penner and us to celebrate not only the pride, tradition and history of the Broncos, but also what is special about the Rocky Mountain region,” Leech said.
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