Broncos game Logistics
 

I spent a lot of time in central Denver before the new airport opened, but have only connected since then. We're thinking about going to the Broncos game on New years Day. We would probably fly in on the 31st and out on the 2nd. The big question is where to stay, considering traffic on game day. Is there any decent lodging near the stadium? Or should we stay at the airport and take a cab to the game and back? Or something in between? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

Given the sad state of the Broncos this year, there will probably only be 30,000 people for the game. :o

You can stay downtown and take the light rail to the Mile High station, then walk about 1/4 mile to the stadium.

The only lodging near the stadium is a decrepit former Red Lion hotel now called Hotel VQ. Horrible reviews online.

For the U2 show earlier this year I stayed south of Denver at Doubletree I think. The light rail station was next door and drops you off right at the stadium, I think it was $4 each way (might be a little off but on the total). It was so easy, makes me wish we had a system like that here in Houston.

I went to a game a couple of years ago. Stayed a little out of the city. Game day, drove to the train station (don't remember the name, but it was right off the interstate). Parked there, took train to/from game. Then afterwards, got right on interstate, drove to the airport.

Very smooth all the way around.

The light rail situation after the concert was BRUTAL.

But, as DenverBrian noted, if Tebow continues to play like he does, you won't have to worry about traffic since everyone will have started their ski season early, or they will recover from their hangover in peace at home (they don't want to be looking at something that will cause more headaches :p).

Staying by the airport would be pretty boring, and an expensive cab ride to the game. A better idea would be to either stay downtown and cab to the game, or anywhere in the Tech Center/Meridian area and use the light rail. Downtown will be pretty wild on NYE, and hotel rooms will be relatively pricey. I would avoid using the light rail on NYE unless you want to get thrown up on.

I dunno, as long as you avoid the amateur hour crowd, the light rail's generally been a pretty OK experience on NYE. Certainly better than the 6 hour cab stand at Union Station. Though neither beats a sober driver, once you find parking.