Colorado Rapids Launch Statewide Road Show, Donate 10,000 Soccer Balls

The MLS team aims to expand its community impact across Colorado with a week-long event series.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Colorado Rapids, a Major League Soccer (MLS) team, is embarking on a statewide road show to engage communities and donate 10,000 soccer balls to youth across Colorado over the next two years. The week-long event series will kick off on Monday at Skyline Park in downtown Denver, with additional stops planned in five cities. The Rapids also recently unveiled their new "Colorful Colorado Kit" primary uniform for the 2026 season, which pays homage to the team's 30-year history in the state.

Why it matters

The Rapids' initiative to donate soccer equipment and host community events aligns with their goal of expanding their reach beyond their local market and having a greater impact across Colorado. This effort aims to ensure all youth in the state have access to play the sport, promoting active and healthy lifestyles.

The details

The Rapids will host pop-up events in five Colorado cities, starting with a stop at Skyline Park in downtown Denver on Monday from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Last week, the team announced a community initiative to donate 10,000 soccer balls to Colorado youth over the next two years. The new "Colorful Colorado Kit" primary uniform for the 2026 season features a black base with burgundy stripes and classic sky blue numbers and sponsor marks, representing the team's 30-year history in the state.

  • The Colorado Rapids road show begins on Monday, February 16, 2026.
  • The team plans to donate 10,000 soccer balls to Colorado youth over the next two years.

The players

Caitlin Kinser

Vice President of Community Impact and Fan Development for the Colorado Rapids.

Manny Rodriguez

Chief Marketing and Experience Officer at UCHealth, a partner of the Colorado Rapids.

Jordan Rothrock

Executive Creative Director for the Colorado Rapids.

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What they’re saying

“We have ambitious goals of expanding our reach outside our local community and having a larger impact across the state of Colorado. We believe every kid who wants to play soccer should be able to, so we are committed to furthering our community activation and ensuring all youth in our state have access to the world's game. The Colorful Colorado Kit is more than a jersey, it's a tribute to our legacy, our sport and the state we call home.”

— Caitlin Kinser, Vice President of Community Impact and Fan Development (9news.com)

“By putting 10,000 soccer balls into the hands of Colorado's youth, we aren't just providing equipment, we're providing an invitation to be active and a tool for building healthy habits that last a lifetime.”

— Manny Rodriguez, Chief Marketing and Experience Officer (9news.com)

“As we stand on the threshold of a monumental year for soccer in North America, this kit is more than just a jersey, it pays homage to the heritage of the Colorado Rapids. With the eyes of the global soccer community turning toward our pitches, we wanted to debut a look that honors our storied history and the enduring legacy we've built in this state since 1996. This design brings a fresh take on our traditional burgundy & blue, while also giving a nod to all the colors that have made our club and our community special.”

— Jordan Rothrock, Executive Creative Director (9news.com)

What’s next

The Colorado Rapids will continue their statewide road show with additional stops in five Colorado cities over the next week.

The takeaway

The Colorado Rapids' initiative to donate soccer equipment and host community events across the state demonstrates their commitment to expanding their reach and ensuring all youth in Colorado have access to play the sport, promoting active and healthy lifestyles.