Denver Broncos continue to do due diligence on stadium decision

Broncos president Demani Leech spoke to the media on Saturday and gave an update the franchise’s stadium plans.

Good morning, Broncos Country!

Now that training camp has started, the focus of the Denver Broncos is on football.

But the work has not and will not stop on the business side of the franchise, particularly on the stadium front. Here’s where things stand:

• Stay at the current site and either renovate the current stadium or build a new one.
• Find another place near downtown, specifically the possibility of a new location between the 6th Avenue and 8th Avenue exits off Interstate 25, known as the Burnham Yard.
• Build a new stadium in the Lone Tree suburb.
• Build a new stadium out by Denver International Airport in Aurora.

Based on recent coverage and developments, the Broncos seem to be leaning toward the Burnham Yard site for a new stadium. However, the organization has also met with Lone Tree city officials about the Broncos’ interest in the city as a stadium site, and the mayor has acknowledged those discussions. The two sides have had multiple discussions at the Broncos headquarters and in Lone Tree, according to 9News.

Based on what Broncos president Demani Leech said on Saturday prior to the start of training camp practice, no decision has been made about the stadium.

“Certainly aware of all the media coverage here recently,” Leech said to the media. “We share in the excitement and interest that it’s generated among the fans. We appreciate it. It’s good for us to learn what some of the fans say and hear in response to some of those media reports. But, no, I wouldn’t say any decision is made.

“It’s a very comprehensive, long-term process that we’re going through. We’re trying to be very deliberate about it. (There’s) still no determination about whether it’s a new stadium or whether it’s a renovation or the location that it’s in, a lot of work to go there.”

If Denver Mayor Mike Johnson has anything to do with the decision, it’ll remain in Denver. As he said to Denver 7, the local ABC affiliate, the Broncos will leave and build a stadium outside of Denver “over my dead body.”

When asked about Johnson’s comments and whether they’ll influence the decision, the process, or the timeline, Leech said:

“Certainly respect the excitement and enthusiasm of the mayor. He’s a big fan of the Broncos, whether it’s coming to games ... But also, I think both the mayor and governor (Jared Polis) have been sincere in wanting to do what’s right for the Broncos. They understand the role the Broncos play in this community. So, I’ve had very good conversations with them.

“That being said, we’re not going to put a timetable on it. This is a 30-, 40-, 50-year decision that we don’t want to rush by a matter of weeks here or there. We’re going to continue to do our due diligence until...