The development of a dedicated stadium for Denver Summit FC, the city’s new National Women’s Soccer League team, has officially commenced. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on Thursday at Santa Fe Yards, situated off Interstate 25 and Santa Fe Drive, just south of downtown Denver. The forthcoming stadium is designed to accommodate 13,000 fans and marks a significant milestone for women’s professional sports in the region.
Initially awarded the expansion franchise in 2025, the ownership group committed to constructing a stadium by the start of the 2028 NWSL season. However, various delays, including those tied to City Council approvals and land acquisition, have led to a revised timeline.
The team now anticipates that the stadium will be completed in time for the 2029 season, slated to kick off in March. Rob Cohen, the controlling owner of Summit FC, emphasized the broader implications of this construction, stating, “This is a demonstration to the world about how to invest in women and how to invest in professional women’s sports, and hopefully it will become the standard that happens from here forward.”
The stadium, originally proposed to seat 14,500 spectators, will now have a fixed capacity of 12,500. However, with the addition of standing-room-only options, the total capacity will reach 13,000. This adjustment was made in favor of enhancing the overall fan experience and accessibility, as mentioned in a news release.
According to the press announcement, the new design will feature additional areas for social gatherings, intimate seating arrangements, and local food and beverage vendors.
The financial framework for the stadium includes an investment of between $150 million and $200 million from private sources. Beyond the stadium, the 14-acre site aims to develop a vibrant sports and entertainment district, which will incorporate hotel accommodations, residential units, and retail spaces.
To support the project, Summit FC is seeking a total of $70 million in public funding. In December, approval was granted by the City Council to allocate $50 million from interest accrued through the Elevate Denver Bond Program—an initiative approved by voters—toward land acquisition and necessary infrastructure enhancements. Tensions rose during the funding approval process when delays prompted the team to suggest a potential relocation.
Plans for the land transfer had aimed for completion by late 2025, leading to a construction kickoff in early 2026. However, delays surfaced due to an easement issued by the Colorado Department of Transportation. This easement was eventually resolved on March 27, allowing for the official acquisition of the land.
Ownership of the land lies with the Broadway Station Metropolitan District, which is leasing it to Summit FC. The BSMD operates as a quasi-public entity intended to facilitate access to bond funding for the project.
In addition, the city has committed to spending another $20 million for off-site improvements, which will encompass enhancements to Santa Fe Drive, upgrades to Vanderbilt Park, and the construction of an additional pedestrian bridge aimed at improving accessibility to the I-25 and Broadway light-rail station.
A $5.3 million grant agreement with the state, approved in August, is designated for the design of the pedestrian bridge, with the total project expected to cost up to $23 million and aiming for completion by 2030.
Until the new stadium is operational, Summit FC will continue to play at their temporary home—a 12,000-seat stadium in Centennial that opened in July, after experiencing its own set of delays.
Type of Story: News
Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.