Everything we saw as Summit FC and 63,000 fans smashed a women's sports record in Denver
Hours before kickoff, tailgaters filled the air with the smell of hot dogs and burgers. Cyclists and runners weaved through the morning crowd, and fans buzzed with excitement outside Empower Field at Mile High.
But this wasn't a Broncos game or a stadium concert — it was the record‑setting inaugural match for the NWSL’s newest club, Denver Summit FC.
A total of 63,004 fans packed the city’s football stadium for the Summit’s match against the Washington Spirit, which ended in a draw but thrilled fans of the new team. The atmosphere rivaled other major sporting events, with green smoke and fireworks shooting into the air as players were introduced.
Fans stomped their feet when the kickoff started, and when Summit goalkeeper Abby Smith made a huge save during the opening minutes. For 90 minutes of play, the fans seemed ready to explode with anticipation of the team's first goal.
https://denverite.com/2026/03/28/soccer-summit-fc-home-opener/