Broncos football is back at Empower Field, and if you're heading to Friday night's preseason game, you may want to leave the car at home.
With thousands of fans expected to make their way to the stadium, the Regional Transportation District (RTD) is adding capacity to several train lines and reminding fans that public transportation can be an easier way to get to the game without dealing with event traffic and parking.
RTD Is Adding Rail Cars for the Game
For Friday's Broncos preseason game, RTD plans to add rail cars to the C, E, W, and N lines to accommodate the expected increase in ridership.
The C, E, and W lines provide direct service to Empower Field at Mile High Station, while the A, B, G, and N lines connect to Denver Union Station, giving fans additional options for getting into downtown before transferring to the stadium area.
RTD recommends using its NextRide trip-planning tool and entering "Broncos" as the destination. The tool can show available train and bus options, including departure times from your starting location.
Don't Forget About the Bus
Rail isn't the only option.
Several local bus routes operate near Empower Field, including:
Route 30, serving South Federal Boulevard
Route 31, serving North Federal Boulevard
Routes 1, 15L, and 16
If you're coming from elsewhere in the metro area, RTD also recommends using the Flatiron Flyer and several local routes to connect to the C, E, or W lines at Denver Union Station.
Why Take Transit to a Broncos Game?
Anyone who's driven to a major event at Empower Field knows that getting there is only half the challenge.
Traffic builds around the stadium, parking can be expensive or limited, and getting out after the final whistle can take some patience.
Taking transit means you can avoid some of that hassle and let someone else do the driving.
It can also make the experience more social. Meeting friends at a station, riding in with other fans, and heading toward the stadium together can become part of the game-day tradition.
A Few Tips Before You Go
If you're planning to use RTD Friday, a little preparation can make things easier.
Plan your route ahead of time. Check NextRide before leaving home so you know which train or bus you'll need.
Give yourself extra time. Large crowds are expected, particularly before and after the game.
Don't wait until the final whistle to think about getting home. Check your return options ahead of time and know when the last scheduled service is running.
Expect crowds. Even with additional rail cars, platforms and trains may be busy after the game.
Check for updates before heading out. Service conditions can change, so it's worth checking RTD's website or NextRide on game day.
More Than Just Football
Events like Broncos games are a good reminder of how important Denver's transportation network is to the city's lifestyle.
Empower Field is surrounded by rail and bus connections, which means you don't necessarily have to live downtown or directly next to the stadium to enjoy easy access to games and other major events.
From concerts at Empower Field to games at Ball Arena and events throughout downtown, transit can open up more ways to enjoy the city without having to drive everywhere.
And with RTD continuing to make changes to its system throughout 2026, transportation is becoming an increasingly interesting part of the conversation about how Denver neighborhoods connect to one another.
Ready for Kickoff?
Whether you're heading to Friday's preseason game or already looking ahead to the regular season, Broncos season is officially becoming part of Denver's fall routine.
So grab your jersey, plan your route, and give yourself plenty of time to get to the stadium.
Thinking about buying or selling in Denver this year? Location isn't just about the house. It's also about how easily you can get to work, restaurants, parks, concerts, sporting events, and everything else you enjoy. If you're looking for a Denver neighborhood that fits your lifestyle, our local team would love to help you find it.