RTD evaluating high-volume event service pilot for the 2027 Broncos season
DENVER (July 2, 2026) –– The Regional Transportation District (RTD) is evaluating the implementation of a high-volume event service pilot during the 2027 Denver Broncos season. In June 2026, RTD’s Board of Directors approved a service plan for Broncos game days that would support the addition of more than 10,000 seats aboard transit vehicles. While the pilot was originally slated to commence in August 2026, RTD and the Broncos determined that further operational adjustments were needed to implement the service for game days at Empower Field at Mile High.
The Broncos organization has expressed continued support for the pilot and its partnership with RTD. The organization has agreed to coordinate planning efforts along with RTD, the City and County of Denver, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the Denver Police Department (DPD), and other partners in early 2027 to support implementation for the 2027 season. RTD will continue working with the Broncos organization and regional partners to refine the pilot before returning to the Board with updated operational and financial analyses for future consideration.
“The Broncos have a long-standing partnership with RTD, and we look forward to collaborating on transit options to our stadium for the 2027 season and beyond,” Broncos President Damani Leech said.
“The enhanced service pilot being developed aligns with RTD’s commitment to delivering customer‑focused transit service,” said RTD General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson. “By planning ahead with regional partners, we are collectively building a stronger and more connected transit experience for the Broncos fans and the broader community. This collaboration positions the agency to better meet customer needs during the 2027 season.”
“The RTD Board has been focused on providing world-class service at major events,” said RTD Board Chair Patrick O’Keefe. “I appreciate the enthusiasm and commitment our directors have shown for amplifying service to Broncos games and prioritizing other major events. I know we will have a quality service that our customers can count on in the near future.”
The proposed transit service to Empower Field at Mile High relies on designated parking lanes and traffic management to support efficient transit operations before and after games, including bus ingress and egress, bus parking, and customer boarding. In the coming months, RTD will further refine plans for implementing the pilot service by collaborating with stakeholders and partners. Several factors require additional evaluation, including but are not limited to vehicle routing, personal safety and security and infrastructure; bus layover facilities and accommodations for transit workers; operational considerations related to ADA compliance;safe customer circulation and pedestrian access; service reliability; stakeholder agreements; working within budgetary financial constraints, and delivering a safe, reliable, and customer-focused service.