Denver

Mile High Mayhem as Red Bull Soapbox Race Screeches Back to Denver

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Published on June 02, 2026
Mile High Mayhem as Red Bull Soapbox Race Screeches Back to DenverSource: Karen Roe from Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, UK, United Kingdom, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Denver is bracing for a loud, goofy jolt of adrenaline on Saturday, June 13, when the Red Bull Soapbox Race barrels into Empower Field at Mile High. Homemade, non-motorized carts and fully costumed teams will tackle a custom course in the stadium parking lots, marking the event’s first Denver appearance in 18 years.

Event basics and schedule

Gates open at 11:00 a.m., with opening ceremonies set for around noon. Racing will kick off shortly after, with awards expected in the mid-afternoon. According to Red Bull, spectators can swing through “Pit Row” in Parking Lot G to meet teams and cast a vote for the People's Choice winner.

The event is free to attend and does not require tickets. Only about 40–45 teams will make the cut to compete; applications were open from March 2 through April 12, with teams slated to be notified in mid-April.

Where it sits in Denver’s history

Axios Denver points out that the contest last rolled through Colorado in 2008 at Red Rocks and first hit the U.S. in Denver in 2002, making this a notable homecoming. Organizers say the mix of fast runs, theatrical pre-race skits, and wildly creative builds keeps crowds locked in and teams constantly dreaming up bolder designs.

What to know before you go

Empower Field's event listing covers the logistics: parking permits will be available for purchase on-site for roughly $25, with some lots closed for the course. ADA-accessible viewing areas will be provided, and the stadium’s usual clear-bag policy will not be enforced for this event.

For full arrival instructions, prohibited-item details, and on-site services, check Empower Field at Mile High.