A new women’s soccer stadium is set to be built in Denver following a City Council decision to allocate $50 million towards the land for the project.
Despite initial skepticism from some council members, the majority expressed their support for the project.
Councilman Paul Kashmann stated, “I believe that the majority of Denver voters would think that this is a worthwhile project. Denver will be a better city if we build it than if we don’t.”
The 14,500-seat stadium will be located at Santa Fe Yards in south Denver and will be accompanied by a mixed-use development featuring housing, restaurants, and a hotel. The stadium is expected to host numerous events throughout the year.
Designed by Populous, the stadium will be the first of its kind in Colorado, specifically tailored for women’s professional sports.
The City Council approved the project with a 10-3 vote, with Councilwomen Stacie Gilmore, Shontel Lewis, and Sarah Parady voting against it.
Mayor Mike Johnston expressed his excitement for the project, calling it a “monumental day for South Broadway, women’s soccer, and Denver as a whole.”
The decision comes after the Denver Summit FC threatened to relocate if the council did not approve the $50 million investment. The team is required to have a stadium ready for play by March 2028.
Community members gathered to show their support for the project, with many already purchasing season tickets for the Summit FC games.
The city will invest up to $70 million in the project, with funding coming from the 2017 Elevate Denver bond program. The team will also contribute approximately $200 million towards the stadium construction.
The Summit FC has already sold 25,000 tickets for its inaugural home match, with plans to play at a temporary stadium before the completion of the new facility.
A community-benefits agreement has been reached with local residents, ensuring a $7 million investment over the next decade for community initiatives.
The club has selected a project contractor and will commence construction soon.
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