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Sports business insider: Denver NWSL announced a plan to build a stadium and entertainment district that is expected to open in the spring of 2028.
Short version
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) announced in January that Denver was selected as its next expansion team to begin play in 2026. Team colors and a potential nickname are still being determined. The club said it will debut in a currently unspecified venue.
Denver NWSL announced a plan on Tuesday to build a 14,500-seat stadium on 14 acres of land at the Santa Fe Yards (Broadway and Interstate 25). It is expected to include an entertainment district and recreational park with access to public transit. The project is being designed by the global architecture firm Populous.
“This will be the largest overall investment in a women’s professional sports team in history. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to leverage this massive private investment to revitalize and transform Santa Fe Yards into a new hub of thriving community activity, a place for outdoor recreation, restaurants, retail, and for building connections with our community,” Denver NWSL controlling owner Rob Cohen said in a news release. “This project will reconnect neighborhoods, create new jobs, and boost the local economy during and after the construction process, unlocking year-round economic, social, and cultural benefits that extend far beyond the stadium’s walls. Most importantly, it will provide our club, our fans, our partners, and our community with a state-of-the-art stadium that will provide us a distinct home-field advantage and will serve as the most inclusive environment in all of Colorado.”
Digital renderings of the proposed stadium and entertainment district for Denver NWSL at Broadway and Interstate 25 (Santa Fe Yards) in Denver.
Courtesy of Denver NWSL
Long version
The Santa Fe Yards is vacant property in the Baker neighborhood of southwest Denver. Mayor Mike Johnston said in a news release: “This project at Santa Fe Yards will transform an underutilized eyesore into a recreational and economic hub where memories are made, culture is built, and championships are won.”
The project reportedly is expected to include entertainment, outdoor, and residential spaces for beyond just women’s professional soccer. Denver will be the 16th team in the NWSL and the only professional women’s sports league currently represented in Colorado.
“This announcement is a game-changer for the NWSL and a bold statement about where women’s sports are headed. Santa Fe Yards will set a new standard for what professional athletes deserve — a purpose-built stadium and entertainment district that reflects the passion of this city and our league’s continued growth,” NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman said in a news release. “Denver is helping to shape the future of women’s soccer, and we can’t wait to see the impact this world-class venue will have on players, fans, and the community.”
Digital renderings of the proposed stadium and entertainment district for Denver NWSL at Broadway and Interstate 25 (Santa Fe Yards) in Denver.
Courtesy of Denver NWSL
Key context
Colorado has produced several notable women’s soccer stars including Lindsay Horan (Golden), Sophia Wilson (Golden) and Mallory Swanson (Highlands Ranch).
Looking ahead
Denver NWSL is acquiring the mix of private and city-owned property in a land deal that must be approved by Denver City Council. A club spokesperson declined to provide specific financial details when requested Tuesday by The Denver Gazette.