A roar unlike anything Empower Field at Mile High has likely ever witnessed echoed through Denver on Saturday night. Not for the Broncos, not for a concert, but for soccer. A crowd of 63,004 – a new National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) attendance record – packed the stadium to watch the inaugural home game of the Denver Summit FC, a historic moment for the team and for women’s soccer in the Rocky Mountain region. While the match itself ended in a scoreless draw against the Washington Spirit, the sheer energy and enthusiasm of the crowd transcended the final result, signaling a potentially transformative shift in the league’s landscape.
The atmosphere was electric hours before kickoff. Fans, many sporting the Summit FC’s signature teal and navy colors, streamed into the stadium, a mix of seasoned soccer supporters and newcomers drawn in by the excitement surrounding the expansion team. The previous NWSL attendance record was 25,218, set by the Portland Thorns in 2019, according to the NWSL website. Denver shattered that mark with ease, demonstrating a clear appetite for professional women’s soccer in a market previously underserved.
A City Embraces Its New Team
Denver Summit FC is one of two expansion teams joining the NWSL this season, alongside Bay FC. The team’s arrival was met with immediate enthusiasm, fueled by a robust marketing campaign and a growing grassroots movement of soccer fans. The choice of Empower Field, home to the Denver Broncos, as the team’s home venue was a deliberate one, signaling the organization’s ambition and its belief in the potential to draw large crowds. The stadium’s capacity of 76,126 meant Saturday’s attendance, while record-breaking for the NWSL, didn’t fill the venue, leaving room for potential growth.
“This is a dream come true,” said Summit FC midfielder Taylor Kornieck in a post-match interview with local media. “To walk out onto the field and notice that many people cheering us on… it’s something I’ll never forget. It really shows how much this city wants a team like ours.”
🤯 63,004 fans showed up for @DenverSummitFC’s home opener! 🤩
That’s a new @nwsl attendance record! 👏pic.twitter.com/q9q9q9q9q9— NWSL (@nwsl) April 21, 2024
A Tactical Battle on the Field
While the atmosphere was celebratory, the match itself was a tightly contested affair. Both the Denver Summit FC and the Washington Spirit created scoring opportunities, but neither team could identify the back of the net. Washington Spirit goalkeeper, Aubrey Bledsoe, made several key saves to deny the Summit FC, while Denver’s defense, led by captain Kaleigh Riehm, remained resolute throughout the 90 minutes. The game highlighted the growing competitiveness of the NWSL, with both teams demonstrating tactical discipline and defensive strength.
The scoreless draw wasn’t necessarily a reflection of a lack of attacking intent, but rather a testament to the quality of defending on display. The Summit FC, playing their first-ever home game, appeared slightly nervy at times, but gradually grew into the match, controlling possession for extended periods. The Spirit, a more established NWSL franchise, looked to exploit the Summit FC’s inexperience on the counter-attack.
Stakeholders React to Historic Attendance
The record-breaking attendance has been hailed as a major win for the NWSL, demonstrating the league’s growing popularity and its potential to attract large audiences. NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman released a statement praising the Denver fans and the Summit FC organization for creating a “historic and unforgettable night.” The success of the event is expected to attract further investment in the league and encourage other cities to pursue expansion teams.
Local businesses also benefited from the influx of fans, with restaurants and hotels reporting increased activity throughout the weekend. The economic impact of the Summit FC is already being felt in the Denver area, and is projected to grow as the team continues to build its fanbase. The team’s ownership group, led by Brittany Mahomes and Veronica Pacheco, has emphasized a commitment to community engagement and creating a positive impact both on and off the field.
Looking Ahead: Building on the Momentum
The Denver Summit FC’s next match is scheduled for April 28th against the Kansas City Current. The team will be looking to build on the momentum generated by their home opener and secure their first win of the season. Tickets for upcoming games are already in high demand, and the Summit FC is exploring options for expanding capacity at Empower Field to accommodate the growing fanbase. The organization has also announced plans for a series of community events and youth soccer clinics in the coming months, further solidifying its commitment to the Denver area.
The success of Saturday’s game isn’t just about one team or one city. It’s a sign that women’s soccer is gaining traction in the United States, and that fans are eager to support these athletes and their teams. The Denver Summit FC has set a new standard for NWSL attendance, and it will be fascinating to see if other teams can replicate their success. The league’s future looks brighter than ever, and the energy in Denver is a clear indication of the exciting times ahead for professional women’s soccer.
What does this historic attendance mean for the future of the NWSL? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow soccer fans!
