Denver Summit FC Breaks NWSL Attendance Record in Home Opener

Over 60,000 fans pack Empower Field for the new women's soccer team's first home game.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 8:04pm

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A record-breaking crowd of over 60,000 fans descended on Empower Field at Mile High on Saturday for the inaugural home game of Denver's new National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) team, Summit FC. The massive turnout shattered the previous NWSL attendance record, showcasing the community's enthusiasm for professional women's soccer in the Mile High City.

Why it matters

The huge fan turnout for Summit FC's home opener highlights the growing popularity of women's soccer in the United States and the demand for a professional team in Denver. This milestone event could pave the way for increased investment, media coverage, and interest in the NWSL, helping to elevate the profile of the league and women's sports nationwide.

The details

Thousands of fans arrived hours before the noon kickoff, tailgating in the Empower Field parking lots and lining up to purchase Summit FC merchandise. The 14ers, the team's official supporters group, hosted a pre-game party with food, music, and activities. Many fans, including longtime Colorado soccer supporters, expressed excitement to finally have a professional women's team to call their own in Denver.

  • The inaugural home game for Denver Summit FC took place on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
  • Efforts to bring a professional women's soccer team to Denver began in late 2023.

The players

Dana Kettlewell

A Fort Collins middle school music teacher and the chair of the board for the 14ers, the Summit's official supporters group. She was part of the For Denver FC group that campaigned for a women's soccer team in the city.

Kathy McLemore

A member of both the 14ers and the Trailheads, a support group for the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC USL team. She and her husband Brian McGary drove up from Colorado Springs for the Summit FC home opener.

Parri Tantello

One of the first 300 people to put a deposit down for Summit FC season tickets, despite admitting she knows little about soccer. She was excited to support women's sports.

Izzy Still

A 9-year-old soccer player who attended the game with her parents Kevin and Michelle Still. Izzy expressed her love for the sport and excitement to support the new Denver team.

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What they’re saying

“You walk through the parking lot and you see all these families tailgating, and not just girls, but young kids and people of all walks of life finding a place to be welcome here, and feeling like they belong. This just represents everything that's so good in this world.”

— Dana Kettlewell, Chair of the 14ers supporters group

“We do anything we can to support Colorado soccer.”

— Brian McGary, Member of the Trailheads supporters group

“I just like the fun-ness. I just love it.”

— Izzy Still

What’s next

Summit FC will look to build on the momentum of their record-breaking home opener as they continue their inaugural NWSL season. The team's next home game is scheduled for April 11, 2026.

The takeaway

The overwhelming fan support for Summit FC's first home game demonstrates the passion for women's soccer in Denver and the potential for the NWSL to grow its fanbase by expanding into new markets. This milestone event could inspire other cities to pursue professional women's teams and further elevate the profile of the league nationwide.