The Start of Something New

For thousands of girls in Denver, Summit FC’s home opener was more than just a soccer game —it was the start of something bigger. Surrounded by thundering cheers and blasts of green fireworks, many realized that their city was finally showing up for them in record-breaking ways.

Summit FC’s home opener broke the National Women’s Soccer League record for single-game attendance as Empower Field was filled with 63,004 people. Seas of green flooded in and out of the stadium, the buzz of such a groundbreaking moment of women’s history heavy in the 80-degree heat. Denver spring, plagued with the typical bipolar nature of March in Colorado, even seemed to appreciate the enormity of the event, offering clear blue skies all day.

Girls from first to eighth grade, primed in Summit FC kickoff t-shirts with bright red “Change the Girl, Not the World” pins on their shoulders, entered the field hand-in-hand with Summit FC’s starting lineup, including Lindsey Heaps, a Colorado local and current member of the U.S. Women’s Team. These girls, most of whom have grown up in Denver, felt the warmth of a stadium full of a community who just wanted to see her, and her heroes, succeed.

“This is a city that values community, embraces growth, and shows up for its teams and we could not be more grateful for the continued support,” says Jen Millet, President of Denver Summit FC, after the record-breaking home match.

A Home for All Athletes

Like Millet suggests, Denver has truly proven itself as a city dedicated to supporting female athletes, on and off the field. Not only did the opening festivities include a range of messaging from prominent female leaders in the Denver region, but women’s rights activist and legend Malala Yousafzai graced the field, showing her support for this historic moment in women’s sports. Yousafzai’s story of perseverance in the face of gender-based discrimination added an unbeatable presence to the already historic match.

Although the match with the Washington Spirit ended in a tie, you couldn’t tell otherwise—whoops of celebration were just as sticky in the air as sweat and sunscreen. Attendees, bonded by green t-shirts and matching sunburns, truly felt a sense of belonging, pride, and excitement for a new future—one that they’re included in.

“From the beginning, our vision for Denver Summit FC has been about more than just soccer—it’s about building something that truly belongs to the community,” says Millet.

Summit FC’s community impact doesn’t stop at record-breaking attendances: their new stadium, set to open in 2028, will be constructed at the Santa Fe Yards, nestled in the cross-sections near Broadway and Interstate 25. The Santa Fe Yards stadium will feature state-of-the-art amenities that are professionally and scientifically catered to fueling women’s athletic success; everything from individualized treatment and training plans that are developed in elite training and recovery spaces, to a video analysis theater, lounges for players and their families, and eight soccer fields.

“We aim to create an environment at Santa Fe Yards where people feel connected, inspired, and proud to cheer on this club,” says Millet.

Looking Ahead

Summit FC’s budding success will soon have a place of its own; a place that lies just a few miles west of Bonnie Brae and Belcaro neighborhoods; a place that, as Millet says, will offer locals the opportunity to connect with the club on a personalized level. The stadium’s individuality isn’t limited to its location, as Populous, a world-renowned architecture studio known for projects such as The Sphere in Las Vegas and Tottenham Stadium in London, is designing it.

“Our hope is that local residents see both the team and the stadium as something they’ve helped shape,” says Millet. “That they feel a sense of pride, ownership, and excitement every time they walk through those gates.”

The community connections are evident beyond the stadium, as Summit FC is a proud partner of the after-school non-profit Girls Inc. and the Denver Gay and Lesbian Flag Football Alliance (DGLFFL). As part of this partnership, Girls Inc. is seeking to expand their opportunities for girls on and off the field, granting them access to soccer lessons from experienced players in their communities and inspiring team activities during programming.

Summit FC’s outward support for girls in sports doesn’t stop with their partnership with Girls Inc.—currently, Summit FC has partnered with Cherry Creek School District and the City of Centennial to open their 12,000-seat interim stadium Centennial Stadium in July. This stadium will be located at Potomac Park in Centennial and will act as their home stadium until their permanent home is constructed at Santa Fe Yards.

After the new stadium is built at Santa Fe Yards, Centennial Stadium will become a permanent home for Cherry Creek School District athletics and a lasting, dedicated space for internship and learning opportunities for students in sports, health, and media. Summit FC’s continued dedication to giving back to the communities that they came from is something that will truly transform the future for women and girls in sports in Denver and beyond.

Chloe Ragsdale is a lifelong writer and journalist whose passion for storytelling helps connect and empower her community. She has written for publications at Westword and The Colorado Times Recorder. She strives to continue her passion for social justice and advocacy in her writing and in her work.