Mile High Stadium, a storied venue in Denver, Colorado, played a significant role in the city’s sports history. Known for its altitude and enthusiastic fan base, it served as a multi-purpose stadium, hosting a variety of sports events, including a brief but memorable period of Major League Baseball (MLB) with the Colorado Rockies.
Stadium Facts about Mile High Stadium
- Location: Denver, Colorado
- Opened On: August 14, 1948
- Closed On: 2001
- Home Team: Colorado Rockies (National League, 1993-1994)
- Stadium Nicknames: “Mile High Stadium”
- Dimensions: Varied over the years due to multiple configurations
- Capacity: Varied; reached over 76,000 for baseball
- Attendance Record: Over 80,000 (for events after baseball-specific renovations)
- Surface: Grass
- Architect: Unknown
- Owner: City and County of Denver
The History
Originally built as Bears Stadium for minor league baseball, Mile High Stadium expanded and evolved over the years to accommodate different sports, including football and soccer. Its most significant MLB period was during the Colorado Rockies’ inaugural seasons in 1993 and 1994 before they moved to Coors Field. The stadium was known for its high elevation, which significantly impacted the games played there.
Design and Features
Mile High Stadium was known for its large seating capacity and multi-sport versatility. It featured a unique, adjustable upper deck that could be moved to suit either a baseball or football layout, a novel design for its time. The stadium’s elevation of over 5,000 feet above sea level created a unique playing environment, particularly for baseball, where it significantly affected ball flight.
Renovations
Throughout its history, Mile High Stadium underwent several renovations to accommodate the changing needs of the teams and sports it hosted. These included expanding the seating capacity, upgrading the locker rooms and facilities, and enhancing the overall fan experience with improved concessions and amenities.
Facilities
The facilities at Mile High Stadium were reflective of its multi-purpose nature. It offered a wide range of concessions and was known for its lively atmosphere, especially during baseball games. The seating areas provided expansive views of the field, though they were not as intimate as those in baseball-only parks.
Memorable Moments at Mile High Stadium
- Inaugural Rockies Game: Hosting the Colorado Rockies’ first MLB game, with a record-setting crowd.
- Early Rockies Success: The stadium witnessed the early success of the Rockies, including their first playoff appearance.
- Historic Home Runs: Due to the high altitude, the stadium saw numerous long home runs and high-scoring games.
- Farewell Season: The 1994 season served as a memorable farewell to MLB at Mile High before the move to Coors Field.
Interesting Baseball History at Mile High Stadium
- Introduction of MLB to Denver: Mile High played a pivotal role in bringing Major League Baseball to Colorado.
- Impact of Altitude on Baseball: The stadium’s high elevation led to a reevaluation of how altitude affects the game.
- Record Attendances: Drawing some of the largest crowds in MLB history during the Rockies’ tenure.
- Transition to Coors Field: The move to Coors Field marked a new chapter in Denver’s baseball story, with Mile High Stadium laying the groundwork.
Non-Baseball Events
In addition to baseball, Mile High Stadium was a renowned venue for football, notably as the home of the NFL’s Denver Broncos, and other events like concerts, soccer matches, and public gatherings. Its role in hosting diverse events underscored its significance beyond baseball, serving as a central hub for sports and entertainment in Denver. The variety of events held at Mile High Stadium highlighted its role in the broader cultural and entertainment landscape of the city.
