Mile High Stadium

Mile High Stadium was originally built as Bears Stadium for minor league baseball by Bob Howsam in 1948 at the site of a former landfill. The stadium was built to accommodate the Denver Bears of the Western League. The Denver Broncos were founded in 1960 as a charter franchise of the American Football League and began playing at the stadium, which was expanded to accommodate football. The stadium was renamed Mile High Stadium in 1968 after the city purchased it. The Broncos played there through the 2000 season, including the franchise's first Super Bowl victory in the 1997 season. The Denver Bears, who changed their name to the Zephyrs in 1984, continued to play in the stadium until 1992 when the franchise was moved to New Orleans. In 1993 the Colorado Rockies played their first two seasons at Mile High, setting MLB attendance records while Coors Field was being constructed. The stadium also hosted the Denver Gold of the USFL from 1983 to 1985, including the inaugural USFL championship game on July 17, 1983. Several soccer teams called Mile High home, including the Colorado Rapids of MLS from 1996 to 2001, the last franchise to play there before its closure. After the Rapids' 2001 season, Mile High Stadium was closed and demolished in early 2002. The Broncos moved to the new Invesco Field at Mile High (now Empower Field at Mile High).

Mile High Stadium was originally named Bears Stadium after the Denver Bears minor league baseball team, and was renamed Mile High Stadium in 1968. The stadium sat at an elevation of 5,280 feet (exactly one mile above sea level), giving it its iconic name. It was built on a former landfill site. The stadium hosted the inaugural USFL Championship Game on July 17, 1983. The Colorado Rockies set MLB attendance records playing their first two seasons there while Coors Field was being built, drawing over 4.5 million fans in 1993. The Broncos won their first Super Bowl (Super Bowl XXXII) while calling Mile High home. The stadium was famous for its passionate fans and the 'Mile High Magic' home-field advantage. It hosted 10 different professional sports franchises across baseball, football, and soccer during its history. The stadium's east stands were built into a natural hillside, a unique architectural feature.