The future home of the Denver Broncos is coming into question after land has reportedly been bought by the team at a possible site for a new stadium.
According to Jon Heath of Broncos Wire at USA TODAY Sports, rumors began swirling nearly a week after the Super Bowl when Broncos team president Damani Leech discussed the timetable extending their current lease or the potential to build a new stadium.
Now, it is being reported by Justin Wingerter of BusinessDen that the team bought up $146 million worth of properties, which could potentially house a new stadium.
According to Heath, the team's current lease will end after the 2031 season. Heath has previously written about Leech's excitement about the idea of building a new home for the Broncos.
"I love this role, and I love this job," Leech said. "Part of what I love so much about it is making things better. Not just for myself, but for our staff and also for our fans. A stadium is a signature opportunity and moment to do that and be a part of it."
General view of a giant flag of the United States of America on the field of Empower Field at Mile High before the game between the Kansas City Chiefs against the Denver Broncos.
General view of a giant flag of the United States of America on the field of Empower Field at Mile High before the game between the Kansas City Chiefs against the Denver Broncos.
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
One thing that Leech has also spoken about before is the importance of planning when it comes to a project like this.
"Stadiums generally take about 48 months to build from a construction standpoint," Leech said. "You think about what has to happen from a permitting standpoint and all of those things. We’re starting to build out those calendars to get a better understanding of once you do decide what you want to do how long it’s going to take."
So far the organization has been rather silent about discussing solid plans on the topic, and buying these properties does not necessarily determine whether a new stadium will be built. Instead, it can give them the flexibility to decide and see what their vision for a new venue looks like. Whether that's at the 24-year-old Empower Field at Mile High, or elsewhere.
““We are involved in a comprehensive process regarding the future of our stadium... No determinations have been made as we continue to evaluate several options in and around the Denver metro area," the team told BusinessDen.