What's Happening?
The Denver Summit, an expansion team in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), made history by drawing 63,004 fans to their home opener at Empower Field at Mile High. This attendance figure sets a new record for the largest standalone crowd at a women's
professional sports event in the United States. The game against the Washington Spirit ended in a 0-0 draw. Previously, the NWSL attendance record was held by Bay FC, which attracted 40,091 fans at Oracle Park. The Summit's home opener will be their only game at Empower Field this season. They will play two games at Dick's Sporting Goods Park before moving to the newly built Centennial Stadium for the remainder of the season.
Why It's Important?
This record-breaking attendance highlights the growing popularity and support for women's professional sports in the United States. The Denver Summit's ability to draw such a large crowd underscores the potential for expansion teams to invigorate the league and attract new fans. This development could lead to increased investment in women's sports, improved facilities, and greater media coverage, ultimately contributing to the growth and sustainability of the NWSL. The success of the Summit's home opener may encourage other cities to consider hosting NWSL teams, further expanding the league's reach and influence.
What's Next?
The Denver Summit will continue their inaugural season by playing two games at Dick's Sporting Goods Park before transitioning to Centennial Stadium. The team is expected to build on the momentum from their record-setting opener as they establish themselves in the league. The NWSL and its stakeholders may use this event as a case study to explore strategies for increasing attendance and fan engagement across the league. Additionally, the success of the Summit's opener could prompt discussions about the potential for more expansion teams and the development of new venues tailored to women's sports.
