Denver Summit FC’s plans for a permanent stadium near downtown Denver are delayed and will not be completed in time for the start of the 2028 NWSL season, as initially anticipated. A team spokesperson confirmed that construction schedules are currently being finalized, with hopes to host some home games at the new venue, Santa Fe Yards, located just south of the city center.
Originally intended to launch for the 2028 season, the development of the stadium faced setbacks due to delays in land acquisition, pushing back the timeline at least into the latter half of that year. The Denver Business Journal was the first to report on these developments.
Stadium Details and Future Prospects
Denver Summit FC’s new facility will accommodate 14,500 spectators and will include options for future expansion to host larger events. This venue is noteworthy as only the second stadium constructed specifically for an NWSL team. The Kansas City Currents unveiled their purpose-built 11,500-seat stadium in 2024, which has consistently sold out, and they recently announced plans to expand its capacity to 18,000.
Until their new location is fully operational, Summit FC will continue to host matches at Centennial Stadium in Centennial, Colorado, approximately 25 miles south of Denver. The team’s newly opened temporary stadium can seat 12,000 fans and welcomed a full crowd for their inaugural game, where they secured a 2-1 victory over the Portland Thorns.
As construction advances on the permanent venue, Centennial Stadium will be downsized and handed over to the local school district. This facility is adjacent to the NWSL team’s recently built training center. Denver raised its profile in the league this year, joining Boston Legacy FC and bringing the total number of teams in the NWSL to 16.
In contrast, Boston Legacy FC has encountered significant challenges with their stadium operations. They are scheduled to split their home games between Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, and a new soccer facility in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. The long-standing White Stadium is set to open next year, but its debut has been delayed by approximately a year.
Denver broke NWSL attendance records for its inaugural home match in March, attracting an impressive 63,004 fans to Mile High Stadium, home of the NFL’s Denver Broncos. The team also played four games at DICK’s Sporting Goods Park, which hosts Major League Soccer’s Colorado Rapids, overcoming some initial scheduling obstacles due to construction delays at Centennial Stadium.
NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman emphasized the importance of maintaining interim solutions that meet the league’s standards while developing dedicated infrastructure for teams. She noted that the challenges of building a stadium require effective strategies, which Boston Legacy FC has employed to navigate their circumstances.
Summit FC President Jen Millett noted that they had to limit season ticket sales to 8,200 to accommodate single-game ticket buyers. By late March, a waiting list of 7,500 had formed for season tickets. Owner Rob Cohen highlighted the extraordinary progress the team has made in just 15 months, a timeframe that saw the organization grow from a concept into a functioning team ready for league competition.
