The city of Denver will dedicate $50 million toward a plan to build a new stadium for the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), using the funds to support development surrounding the future up-to-$200 million facility. Currently in the design phase, the stadium is anticipated to be completed by the 2028 season.
The Denver City Council recently greenlit the project, enabling Denver Summit FC to build the 14,500-seat stadium at Santa Fe Yards. For now, the city has provided an initial $50 million to buy land and make preparations in the area. The city anticipates that it will invest an additional $20 million later to support nearby park, trail and bridge projects connecting the stadium to the rest of Denver. The money comes from the city’s capital improvement fund.
The stadium will be purpose-built for Denver Summit FC on a 14-acre site, transforming the site through a significant public-private investment. On top of building a state-of-the-art soccer field, the project will also include a 3.5-acre park and future mixed-use development. Full buildout will see the addition of restaurants, recreation areas, retail and other commercial spaces.
The project will be designed to accommodate future growth, expanding as the need for more space to handle larger crowds and higher demand skyrockets. The site, which has sat undeveloped for decades, is expected to fundamentally transform the area to create a community hub, build connections between neighborhoods and promote economic development.
As part of the agreement, the Denver City Council passed ownership to the Broadway Station Metropolitan District while allowing the team to maintain control of the stadium. However, if Denver Summit FC ever leaves Denver, the site will be transferred back to the city’s ownership.
While stadium construction is underway, the team will build a $25 million temporary stadium, training grounds and headquarters in partnership with the city of Centennial and the Cherry Creek School District (CCSD). The interim stadium will hold approximately 12,000 seats and host the Denver NWSL’s 2026 and 2027 seasons.
Once the team moves to the new stadium, CCSD will be given full ownership of the temporary stadium after downsizing it to 4,000 seats. The planned training center for Denver Summit FC will cover 20,000 square feet. The facility will include eight soccer fields, elite training and recovery spaces, a video analysis theater, player and family lounges and dining space.
Photo by Pixabay
For more of the latest from the expansive government marketplace, check Government Market News daily for new stories, insights and profiles from public sector professionals. Check out our national contracting newsletter here.
