The High Ground: How Elevation Gives Teams an Edge in Sports

The Science of Thin Air

There's something almost magical about playing at high altitude. The air is thinner, oxygen levels are lower, and suddenly your body is working harder just to stay alive. But for athletes and teams who understand how to adapt, it becomes a competitive edge.

"It's not just about conditioning—it's about reprogramming your entire physiological response."

— Dr. Sarah Mitchell, Sports Physiologist

I remember my first trip to Denver's Mile High Stadium, and how my lungs felt like they were drowning in a sea of air that simply wouldn't give up its oxygen. But that same thin air became the reason the Broncos dominated so many games during their 2013 season—a period when they were playing at elevation for nearly all of their home games.

What Elevation Does to Your Body

At elevation, say, 5,000 feet above sea level, your body begins to undergo changes that are both fascinating and potentially advantageous. Red blood cell count increases as the body tries to compensate for the reduced oxygen saturation in the air. That means when you're playing at high altitude, your body is producing more oxygen-carrying cells—assuming you've adapted.

• Red blood cell production increases by up to 20% at elevation
• Heart rate increases during activity due to lower oxygen availability
• Metabolism adapts over time, becoming more efficient in low-oxygen environments

Teams that train regularly at altitude often see performance improvements when they return to sea level—this is called the "altitude training effect." It's a well-documented phenomenon that's been used by Olympic athletes, NBA teams, and even football squads for years.

The Impact on Sports Performance

In basketball, where quick bursts of energy are crucial, the effects of thin air can be dramatic. Players often feel their legs give out faster—something known as the "high altitude fatigue effect." But teams that adapt, like the Denver Nuggets when they moved to their new arena in 2019, find they gain an edge over visiting teams who aren't used to the conditions.

Similarly, in football, players experience a different kind of challenge. Sprinting and explosive movements are hindered by the lack of oxygen, but teams with players who've trained at elevation often dominate those same games when they return home.

A History of Elevation Advantage

The idea of playing at high altitude has been around for decades. In 1968, the Olympics were held in Mexico City—elevation nearly 7,000 feet—which gave athletes who had trained at elevation a significant edge over those from sea-level cities.

"It was a brutal environment, but we saw it as a chance to be better. The altitude forced us to train differently."

— Tom Bradley, Former NFL Player and Coach

The Denver Broncos and the Colorado Rockies were among the first teams to make the most of high elevation. But the strategy became more widespread when the NBA and MLB started recognizing that altitude could shift the balance of power.

Why Some Teams Are Better Adapted

Not all teams are created equal in this regard. Teams that have trained at elevation for years—like the Denver Broncos, or the Utah Jazz—often dominate when they're at home. But visitors often struggle with the same environment.

There's also a psychological component. The idea of being “at the top” can instill confidence in players. When you're playing in a place like Salt Lake City (elevation over 4,000 feet), it's not just about the physical challenge—it's about the mental edge.

Is It Fair?

This is where things get interesting. Is it fair that some teams gain an advantage based purely on where they play? I don't think so, but the reality is that adaptation is part of sports culture now. It's become a strategic tool, not just a logistical challenge.

Think about the NBA's decision to allow teams to play games at altitude for certain seasons. The idea was to level the playing field—by making sure all teams were exposed to the same conditions. But even then, it didn't stop teams from training in high-altitude environments to prepare.

What It Means for the Future

As we continue to see more teams and leagues adapt to elevation challenges, the conversation around fairness will only grow louder. Some suggest that teams should be allowed to play at sea level in their home venues during certain seasons. Others argue that the beauty of sports lies in its unpredictability—where a small advantage can make all the difference.

Ultimately, I believe elevation is not about unfairness—it's about adaptation. And in sports, that's what separates champions from the rest.