10 toughest NFL stadiums to play in for road teams

9. Empower Field at Mile High, Denver Broncos

Opened in 2001, Empower Field at Mile High, (or, “The New Mile High”) seats over 76,000 fans during Denver Bronco home games each season.

While the Falcons have the benefit of the dome, the Broncos have the benefit of nearly twice as many fans to generate noise – and we’d argue it’s average decibel rating is higher during NFL games.

But, what makes it particularly difficult to play in Denver is the city and stadium’s infamous nickname – Mile High. That, of course, refers to the altitude above sea level where the city (and stadium) resides. The relatively high altitude makes the air thinner and subsequently makes it more difficult to breathe. For opposing foes, this often means using every spare second on the sidelines sucking in extra oxygen to try to keep their wind about them.

Of course, Broncos also play with this disadvantage. But, their bodies tend to be more acclimated to the altitude, making it a distinct advantage to hosting contests.

Former New England Patriots linebacker Teddy Bruschi says it was impossible to ignore the altitude anytime he played a road game in Denver. “It’s real,” Bruschi told ESPN. “It affects you. The oxygen you’re breathing into your muscle isn’t the same. You feel yourself gasping.”