Expansion side Denver Summit FC made history in its first-ever home match, drawing a record-breaking 63,004 fans and setting a new attendance benchmark in the NWSL.
The milestone came during Saturday’s clash against the Washington Spirit at Empower Field at Mile High, surpassing the previous league record of 40,091 set by Bay FC in 2025.
Record shattered in historic debut
From the outset, Denver Summit made its ambitions clear—hosting its inaugural home fixture at the stadium of the Denver Broncos with the goal of rewriting the record books.
That objective was emphatically achieved.
“This is a pinch-me day,†said team owner Rob Cohen. “We wanted over 60,000 people here, and it looks like we accomplished that.â€
Rapid growth in a new market
The record turnout underlines the rapid rise of the expansion franchise, which has quickly built a strong local following. The club had already surpassed 15,000 season-ticket deposits months before kickoff, signaling robust demand for women’s professional soccer in Denver.
The NWSL itself has expanded to 16 teams this season, with Denver and Boston Legacy FC joining the league—further fueling its growth trajectory.
Stadium plans and long-term vision
While the historic opener took place at a large NFL venue, Denver Summit is planning a more permanent home. The club intends to build a 14,500-seat stadium in the coming years, with a temporary modular venue in nearby Centennial set to host matches in the interim.
The permanent stadium is targeted for completion by 2028, reflecting a long-term commitment to establishing a sustainable presence in the market.
Competitive start on the pitch
Beyond the commercial success, Denver Summit has also shown promise on the field. The team secured its first victory with a 2-0 win over reigning champions Gotham FC and entered the weekend with a competitive start to its inaugural campaign.
The record-breaking crowd not only marks a milestone for the club but also highlights the accelerating momentum of women’s football in the United States—where demand, investment, and visibility continue to reach new heights.