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Denver Summit FC Shatters NWSL Attendance Record with 63,004 Fans at Inaugural Home Game

Denver Summit FC sets new NWSL attendance record with 63,004 fans at Empower Field. The team drew 0-0 with Washington Spirit, earning a hard-fought point.

SportsBy Jennifer Reeves6d ago4 min read

Last updated: April 4, 2026, 7:09 AM

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Denver Summit FC Shatters NWSL Attendance Record with 63,004 Fans at Inaugural Home Game

On a historic day for women's professional soccer, Denver Summit FC proved they're a force to be reckoned with, shattering the all-time NWSL attendance record with an impressive 63,004 fans at their first-ever home game at Empower Field at Mile High. The team, led by owner Rob Cohen, took to the pitch against the Washington Spirit, holding them to a scoreless draw and earning a hard-fought point. The massive crowd, which surpassed the previous record of 40,091 set by Bay FC at Oracle Park, marked a milestone for the club and the league, demonstrating the growing interest and support for women's professional soccer in the United States.

How the Denver Summit FC Attendance Record Affects Women's Professional Soccer

The record-breaking attendance at Denver Summit FC's home opener is a significant indicator of the growing popularity of women's professional soccer in the United States. The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) has experienced steady growth since its inception in 2012, with increasing attendance and viewership numbers. The Denver Summit FC's achievement is a testament to the league's efforts to expand its reach and attract new fans, particularly in the Rocky Mountain region.

The Impact of the Record-Breaking Attendance on the NWSL

The record-breaking attendance at Denver Summit FC's home opener has significant implications for the NWSL. The league has been working to increase its visibility and attract new fans, and the Denver Summit FC's achievement demonstrates the potential for growth and expansion. The NWSL has also been focused on improving the quality of play and increasing competitiveness, with the introduction of new teams and players. The Denver Summit FC's success is a positive indicator for the league's future prospects.

"It was an amazing team effort. It was just bringing together the best of the best and executing on the plan. We set out a vision to play our first match here at Empower Field at Mile High, and we wanted to have over 60,000 people here, and it looks like we accomplished that," said Denver Summit owner Rob Cohen.

Key Factors Contributing to the Record-Breaking Attendance

Several factors contributed to the record-breaking attendance at Denver Summit FC's home opener. The team's ownership group, led by Rob Cohen, has been instrumental in promoting the team and engaging with the local community. The "For Denver FC" campaign, which began in 2022, played a crucial role in connecting with fans and generating interest in the team. Additionally, the team's temporary facility, Centennial Stadium, has been well-received by fans, and the upcoming construction of a purpose-built soccer stadium at Santa Fe Yards is expected to further enhance the fan experience.

The Role of the Ownership Group in Promoting the Team

The ownership group, led by Rob Cohen, has been instrumental in promoting the team and engaging with the local community. Cohen's vision for the team and his commitment to excellence have been evident in the team's preparations for the inaugural season. The ownership group's efforts to connect with fans and generate interest in the team have been successful, as demonstrated by the record-breaking attendance at the home opener.

  • Denver Summit FC sets new NWSL attendance record with 63,004 fans at Empower Field
  • The team drew 0-0 with Washington Spirit, earning a hard-fought point
  • The record-breaking attendance demonstrates the growing interest and support for women's professional soccer in the United States
  • The NWSL has experienced steady growth since its inception in 2012, with increasing attendance and viewership numbers
  • The Denver Summit FC's achievement is a testament to the league's efforts to expand its reach and attract new fans

What's Next for Denver Summit FC

Denver Summit FC will now face Seattle Reign on the road on April 4, before returning home to play at their temporary facility, Centennial Stadium, against San Diego Wave. The franchise recently acquired land to build its future home site at Santa Fe Yards, which will feature a 14,500-seat, purpose-built soccer stadium. The team's success on and off the pitch is expected to continue, with a strong foundation in place for future growth and development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NWSL attendance record?
The NWSL attendance record is 63,004 fans, set by Denver Summit FC at Empower Field at Mile High on their inaugural home game. The previous record was 40,091 fans, set by Bay FC at Oracle Park.
Who is the owner of Denver Summit FC?
The owner of Denver Summit FC is Rob Cohen, who has been instrumental in promoting the team and engaging with the local community. Cohen's vision for the team and his commitment to excellence have been evident in the team's preparations for the inaugural season.
What is the future home site of Denver Summit FC?
The future home site of Denver Summit FC is Santa Fe Yards, which will feature a 14,500-seat, purpose-built soccer stadium. The franchise recently acquired land for the site, and construction is expected to begin soon.
JR
Jennifer Reeves

Sports Reporter

Jennifer Reeves covers college sports, the Olympics, and athletic culture across the nation. She has reported from three Olympic Games and specializes in Title IX issues, women's sports, and the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics. She is a member of the Association for Women in Sports Media.

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