Denver is set to make a bold statement in women’s sports and urban redevelopment with the upcoming debut of a purpose-built National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) stadium in spring 2028. More than just a home for Denver Summit FC—the city’s new NWSL expansion team—the 14,500-seat stadium will serve as the heart of a sweeping 41-acre sports and entertainment district designed to revitalize a long-overlooked corner of the city.
Located at Santa Fe Yards, south of the downtown area, the site—formerly used by an industrial tire plant—will be transformed into a vibrant, multi-purpose complex that integrates sport, environment, and community. The Denver City Council has committed $70 million in development investments to unlock the site’s development potential as an expression of strong public support for the vision.
The new 14,500-seat stadium, expandable up to 20,000 will be designed by international sports architecture firm Populous, in collaboration with landscape and urban design firm Civitas. The two firms are creating a space that contradicts the typical sports stadiums. A space where professional soccer meets green public parks, local commerce, and walkability.
Along one edge of the outdoor stadium, fans will have panoramic views of the Front Range, Pikes Peak, and downtown Denver, bringing elite athletic performance together with Colorado’s natural splendor. The stadium’s accessibility via light rail, along with its pedestrian orientation, are a reflection of a wider focus on sustainability and accessibility—youthful Denver imperatives.
Entertainment district
The surrounding neighborhood district will be a symbol of urban regeneration, not as an independent event area but as a keystone for active neighborhood living. Plans envision grassy, sloping grounds reminiscent of amphitheaters, promenades, restaurants, stores, and potential residential building All designed for use and activity year-round.
This project represents a departure from the auto-centric, stand-alone sports complexes of the previous model to networked, neighborhood-focused spaces that more accurately reflect the changing role of stadiums in urban culture. For Denver, that means a permanent destination that elevates the status of women’s soccer. While enhancing civic life through purpose and architecture.
As the NWSL draws record attendance and builds its national audience, Denver’s investment in top-tier sport and thoughtful placemaking is part of a broader cultural movement: women’s sports are not only worth watching—they’re worth shining a light on.
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Denver NWSL Stadium & Entertainment District: Project Factsheet
Key Details
Opening Date: Spring 2028
Capacity: 14,500 seats (expandable to 20,000)
Team: Denver Summit FC (NWSL expansion team)
Location: Santa Fe Yards, south of downtown Denver
Site History: Former industrial tire factory
Financial Investment
Public Funding: $70 million in infrastructure investment from Denver City Council
Purpose: Unlock development potential and support urban revitalization
Read also: Tampa Bay Sun FC Unveils Vision for Waterfront Stadium in Ybor Harbor
Design Team
Lead Architect: Populous
Landscape & Urban Design: Civitas
Design Philosophy: Community-first, sustainable, pedestrian-friendly venue
Unique Features
Scenic Views: Front Range mountains, Pikes Peak, and downtown Denver skyline visible from stadium
Transit Access: Light rail connectivity for sustainable transportation
Open-Air Design: Natural Colorado landscape integration
District Development
Size: 41 acres total
Elements:
Professional soccer stadium
Green public spaces and amphitheater-style areas
Promenades and walkways
Restaurants and retail establishments
Potential residential developments
Year-round programming and activities
Read also: New Mexico United Stadium Cleared for Construction
