Denver Broncos to upgrade Empower Field as new stadium talks loom

• The scope of the rehab remains unclear — the Broncos did not return a message seeking comment. But the plans include upgrades to the club and suites level that most fans won't see, Axios Denver has learned.

What they're saying: "It's a pretty good little change for the stadium," Matthew Payne, executive director for the Denver Sports Commission, tells us.

The intrigue: The Broncos have nine years left on the Empower Field lease, and a new stadium is the top issue facing the Walton family's ownership, which purchased the team for $4.65 billion in August.

• Denver Mayor Michael Hancock is working with the team on the stadium upgrades and nearby development opportunities, a spokesperson said. But the mayor has made clear that the Broncos should remain downtown and not move to open land near the airport, possibly in Aurora's city limits.
• "I know the mayor is very supportive — as we are — of the stadium being downtown. It allows for better sporting event atmospheres in all of sports," Payne said.