Denver Summit FC made history by breaking the NWSL's single-game attendance record, with an impressive 63,004 fans present at the Broncos' Mile High Stadium on Saturday. This attendance far surpassed the previous record of 40,091 fans set last season, when Bay FC hosted a match at the San Francisco Giants' Oracle Park. The event marked the first home game for the new expansion team, one of two joining the NWSL this season, along with Boston Legacy FC.

Attendance in Denver also surpassed the inaugural home match record of 30,207 people, set by the Legacy two weeks ago. The achievement underscores the growing interest and popularity of women's soccer in the region.

Both the Summit and Bay FC records were set in matches against the Washington Spirit, one of the league's buzziest teams, which has participated in consecutive championship matches and re-signed superstar Trinity Rodman this offseason. Colorado is a hotbed for women's soccer, with several members of the U.S. Women's National Team, including Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson, calling the state home. The Summit attracted five Colorado natives to sign with the team, after the NWSL abolished all drafts, including expansion drafts, in its 2024 collective bargaining agreement, spearheaded by USWNT captain Lindsay Heaps, who will join the team after the European season ends this summer.

The presence of key players and local enthusiasm were crucial factors for the event's success.

The NFL stadium will not be the Summit's permanent venue. Like its counterpart in Boston, the team will rotate between several venues during its first seasons as a franchise. The team will play at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, home of the MLS's Colorado Rapids, until the NWSL pauses in June during the World Cup. After the break, the team will move to an interim venue located at its training facility, Centennial Stadium, until its dedicated home at Santa Fe Yards is ready in 2028. The team announced on Thursday that it closed on the future stadium property, whose plan faced resistance from city officials but was approved late last year.

After Saturday, all future Denver Summit venues will hold fewer than 20,000 fans. The team received more than 15,000 season ticket deposits this year, which is more than the planned capacity for both Centennial Stadium and the Santa Fe Yards venue.

The NWSL announced in January 2025 that Denver would become its 16th franchise. Robert Cohen, a Colorado insurance executive, leads the ownership group that paid a $110 million expansion fee for the team. The league plans to add two more expansion teams in 2028. Atlanta has already won a bid, and NWSL leaders said they plan to announce the other team this season. The league's expansion and the growth of women's soccer are clear indicators of a promising future.

The success of Denver Summit FC is a testament to the growing interest and passion for women's soccer in the United States, marking a significant milestone for the NWSL.

The historic event, captured in an enthusiastic tweet from Denver Summit FC, highlights the emotional connection and support of the fans. The record attendance not only celebrates the team's success but also underscores the growing popularity of women's soccer and its potential for continued growth. The enthusiasm of the fans and the league's commitment to expansion are key factors for the future of the sport.

The attendance record in Denver represents a pivotal moment for women's soccer, demonstrating its ability to attract large crowds and solidify its place in the sports landscape.