The construction project for the new Broncos headquarters and training facility is officially underway. Although the shovels in the box of dirt may seem ceremonial, don't be mistaken, this is a serious and exciting project for the team. As the celebrations and photo ops took place on Thursday, construction equipment started to move in and fencing went up, signaling the beginning of the $175 million project.
This new facility, which is set to be completed in 2026, will cover 215,000 square feet and will be a world-class facility dedicated to football. CEO and owner Greg Penner expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating that it will be modern but not too big. The goal is to create a space where players feel at home and can focus on their training and goals.
Broncos president Damani Leech revealed that the planning for this project has been meticulous, down to the exact distances between different areas of the facility. They have taken into account the players' daily routines and even tracked the number of steps they take from the locker room to different parts of the building. This attention to detail is aimed at creating a collaborative environment that will help the team reach their goals.
The timeline for this project is tight, with the goal of moving the team into the new facility in time for training camp in 2026. Leech admitted that he is most nervous about the logistics of moving all their equipment from the current facility to the new one, but they have an expert on their team to help with the process. Amy Dee, who has experience in global construction for Netflix, is a key hire for the Broncos and is confident in the timeline and scope of the work.
The idea for a new training complex first came about during a conversation between Penner and senior vice president of operations Chip Conway. The costs and work needed to maintain the existing building to NFL standards were a major factor in this decision. While some teams have opted to turn their headquarters into part of an entertainment district or build it at their stadium, Denver chose to keep their facility separate for various reasons.
Penner explained that they are currently evaluating options for a new stadium, but were not ready to make a decision yet. He also mentioned that having both the training complex and stadium in one location can have mixed results. While it can be beneficial in some ways, there is something special about having a dedicated space for practice and work without the distractions of entertainment.
Thursday was a day filled with positive vibes for the Broncos as they embark on this new project. With the signing of inside linebacker Kristian Welch and the waiver of rookie inside linebacker Levelle Bailey, the team is already making moves to improve their roster. They are also planning on staying at the current site for training camp in 2025, despite the construction.
As the project moves forward, the Broncos are determined to stay focused on their goals and create a top-notch facility for their players and staff. With the help of experts like Amy Dee and a dedicated team, they are confident that they will achieve their vision. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project!
