63,004 fans gathered at Empower Field at Mile High on Saturday to witness the inaugural home game of Denver Summit FC, setting a new National Women's Soccer League attendance record. The record-breaking crowd surpassed the previous record by over 20,000 tickets, also establishing a new benchmark for a standalone women's soccer game in the United States. However, the excitement was tempered by a 0-0 draw between Denver and the Washington Spirit, leaving the home team without a goal to celebrate.
In a historic moment, Denver Summit FC took to the field, marking the team's official debut in the league. The Summit's entrance into the NWSL, alongside Boston Legacy FC, brought the league's total teams to 16. The team's ownership group had expressed high expectations for the community's turnout, but the actual response far exceeded their predictions.
The match, dubbed "The Kickoff," was played at Mile High, the home of the NFL's Denver Broncos. Denver's players, including forward Natasha Flint, were visibly moved by the crowd's enthusiasm. Flint described the experience as "huge" and something that would be cherished forever.
The attendance record set by Denver Summit FC is a testament to the growing popularity of women's soccer in the United States. The massive turnout is a clear indication that the team's presence in the league has been eagerly anticipated by the local community. With this level of support, Denver's future in the NWSL looks promising.
