The expansion Denver Summit has made a historic debut in the National Women's Soccer League, smashing the league's all-time attendance record with an announced crowd of 63,004 fans at their inaugural home match. This landmark event took place at Mile High Stadium, the home of the Denver Broncos, where the Summit faced the Washington Spirit in a scoreless draw on Saturday.
A Record-Breaking Crowd for Women's Soccer
The staggering turnout of 63,004 spectators far surpassed the previous NWSL record of 40,091, which was set last season when Bay FC played the Washington Spirit at Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants. This achievement underscores a significant surge in support for women's professional sports, particularly in the Denver area.
Fan Enthusiasm and Milestone Moments
Fans expressed overwhelming excitement about the record-breaking attendance. "This is a big deal, and it's very important," said fan Karmryn Eversole. "I think it's a huge milestone for women's sports to prove that we want more women's sports. And this is what we want, and we're here supporting it, and we want to show it." Another supporter, Nicole DeLue, highlighted the local significance, noting, "If you look at the amount of Denver women's players that have gone to the World Cup, made the national team. We've always been a strong feeder. So to finally have a home base here is just incredible."
Background and Future Plans for the Summit
The Denver Summit were awarded the 16th NWSL franchise in January 2025 for a reported expansion fee of $110 million, beginning play this season alongside the Boston Legacy. After starting with three road games and a record of 1-1-1, this home opener marked a pivotal moment for the team.
Stadium Developments and Upcoming Moves
Following the opener at Mile High Stadium, the Summit will transition to playing home games at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, which is also the home of the Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer. In July, the team plans to move to the temporary 12,000-seat Centennial Stadium while a dedicated women's soccer stadium is constructed in downtown Denver.
The club recently announced that they have secured land at Santa Fe Yards for this future stadium, with hopes of completing it by the 2028 season. This development signals a long-term commitment to fostering women's soccer in the region and building on the momentum generated by this record-breaking attendance.
Context and Comparisons in NWSL History
This record adds to a growing trend of high attendance in women's soccer. In 2024, the Chicago Stars drew 35,038 fans to a game against Bay FC at Wrigley Field, home of the Cubs. The Summit's achievement not only sets a new benchmark but also reflects the increasing popularity and visibility of the NWSL across the United States.
The match itself, though ending in a 0-0 draw, was a showcase of talent and determination, with players like Trinity Rodman of the Washington Spirit and Devin Lynch of the Denver Summit demonstrating skill under pressure. As the league continues to expand and attract larger audiences, events like this highlight the bright future ahead for women's professional soccer.
