DENVER – The National Women’s Soccer League experienced a watershed moment Saturday as expansion side Denver Summit FC welcomed a record-breaking crowd of 63,004 to Empower Field at Mile High for their inaugural home game against the Washington Spirit. The attendance figure not only established a modern NWSL single-game record but also set a new standard for women’s soccer attendance in the United States, signaling a potential turning point for the league’s growing popularity.
The atmosphere at Empower Field, normally home to the Denver Broncos of the National Football League, was electric as fans packed the stadium on an unseasonably warm March day. While the match itself ended in a 0-0 draw, the result paled in comparison to the significance of the event. The previous NWSL attendance record of 40,091 was set less than a year ago, demonstrating the remarkable surge in interest surrounding the league and its newest franchise.
“It was an amazing team effort,” said Denver Summit owner Rob Cohen, as reported by ESPN. “It was just bringing together the best of the best and executing on the plan. We set out a vision to play our first match here at Empower Field at Mile High, and we wanted to have over 60,000 people here, and it looks like we accomplished that.”
The Summit’s arrival in the NWSL, alongside Boston Legacy FC, expanded the league to 16 teams. Denver was officially awarded the expansion bid on January 30, 2025, after an investment group led by Robert L. Cohen first announced their plans to bid for a franchise in July 2023. The ownership group reportedly paid a league-record expansion fee of $110 million, underscoring the growing financial investment in women’s soccer.
The historic attendance figure places Denver Summit FC’s debut among the most significant moments in NWSL history. It surpasses the previous record set by Bay FC in August 2025, and while still shy of the world record for a women’s soccer match – 91,553, set during a Champions League contest between FC Barcelona and VfL Wolfsburg in 2023 – it demonstrates the potential for continued growth in the American market.
Adding to the international flavor of the match, German forward Melissa Kössler made her debut for Denver Summit FC. Kössler, a two-time German international, joined the team in January after transferring from TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. Her presence highlights the increasing global appeal of the NWSL and its ability to attract talent from around the world.
Despite the scoreless draw, the energy and enthusiasm surrounding the Denver Summit FC are palpable. The team’s ability to draw such a large crowd in its first-ever home game is a testament to the growing support for women’s soccer in the Denver metropolitan area and across the United States. The club’s success is also a reflection of the broader trend of increasing investment and attention being directed towards women’s sports.
The Summit’s performance on the pitch, while resulting in a draw in this instance, will be crucial in maintaining the momentum generated by this historic attendance record. Currently holding five points through four games, Denver sits in sixth place in the league table. They recently secured a victory against the 2025 NWSL Championship winner, Gotham FC, demonstrating their potential to compete with the league’s top teams.
“All these players chose to be with this team,” said a Denver Summit representative. “They’re all new…”. The team’s cohesion and ability to build a strong team culture will be key to their success as they navigate their inaugural season.
The impact of this record-breaking attendance extends beyond the immediate excitement of the game. It provides a powerful message to potential investors, sponsors, and fans, demonstrating the viability and growing popularity of women’s soccer. It also sets a new benchmark for other NWSL teams to strive for, potentially leading to increased attendance and revenue across the league.
Denver Summit FC’s next challenge comes on the road as they face [Opponent and Date to be confirmed]. Fans and league officials alike will be eager to observe if the team can build on the momentum generated by their historic home debut and continue to establish themselves as a force in the NWSL. Keep up-to-date with the latest news and scores on the official NWSL website and Denver Summit FC’s team page.
The success of Denver Summit FC’s inaugural home game is a significant milestone for the NWSL and a promising sign for the future of women’s soccer in the United States. It’s a story that extends beyond the pitch, representing a broader cultural shift towards greater recognition and support for women’s sports.
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