Colorado Broncos Fans: What Security Won’t Let You Bring

There’s nothing like going through a security checkpoint and discovering something you brought from home isn’t allowed inside. When this happens to Denver Broncos fans at Mile High, you have two options. Walk it back to your car or throw the item away.

In 2026, the stadium prohibits everything from oversized bags to stainless-steel water bottles, and perfectly ordinary items can suddenly become game-day headaches. Here’s a look at several items not allowed inside Colorado's Empower Field.

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The Bag Rules Are Probably the First Thing You'll Notice

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Believe it or not, the rule that surprises most fans is the NFL’s clear-bag policy. In Denver, fans can bring a small bag up to 4.5 by 6.5 inches, while approved clear bags can measure up to 12 by 6 by 12 inches. One-gallon clear resealable bags are also permitted. Regular backpacks, oversized purses, diaper bags, camera bags, binocular cases, and oversized totes are not allowed and must stay at home or in the car.

Some Everyday Items Are Surprisingly Prohibited

The list gets more interesting once you move beyond bags. Empower Field does not allow stainless-steel water bottles, including common reusable bottles. Additional restrictions cover items such as large umbrellas, laptops, certain cameras, and outside alcohol. Did you know you can’t bring a standard-size football to a Broncos game? Nope, not in Denver. It’s considered a projectile, which is not allowed in any form.

What Happens If You Accidentally Bring Something Prohibited?

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All is not lost if you end up at the gate with a prohibited item, but it could mean missing the opening kickoff. Empower Field says fans could be asked to return items to their vehicle, throw them away, or hightail it to the lockers outside of Gate 8 near the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame. If you leave something behind in a locker, the stadium says it can’t be responsible for it.