Denver Pro Women's Soccer Team Unveils Plans For Stadium
Denver's brand-new professional women's soccer team announced plans for a permanent, dedicated stadium in what has become a fast-moving first for Mile High sports.
The stadium is expected to go up in the Baker neighborhood at Santa Fe Yards near South Broadway and Interstate 25. It would feature a 14,500-seat stadium and a 3.5-acre recreational park, with plans for mixed-use development, the team announced.
It would transform the 14-acre site near the former Gates Rubber plant from an “eyesore” into a community destination, Mayor Mike Johnston said.
“It’s only fitting that the hottest ticket in town will be making its home on Broadway,” Johnston said in the press release announcing the move. “This project at Santa Fe Yards will transform an underutilized eyesore into a recreational and economic hub where memories are made, culture is built, and championships are won.”
Denver was named home to a new National Women’s Soccer League team in January. Media reports indicated the yet-unnamed team, the state’s first professional women’s sports franchise, was exploring developing its own stadium.
The team, simply called Denver NWSL for the moment, said Santa Fe Yards is Denver’s first “purpose-built” stadium and sports district with a laser focus on women’s sports.
It is expected to open in spring 2028.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to leverage this massive private investment to revitalize and transform Santa Fe Yards into a new hub of thriving community activity,” said Rob Cohen, controlling owner of Denver NWSL.
The stadium will be part of a transit-oriented development designed for walkability, with close access to public transportation.
The area has faced uncertainty for years. Despite its prime location — easy interstate access, a popular neighborhood and three light rail lines at the nearby I-25 and Broadway RTD station — planned progress has largely stalled along with the rest of Denver’s multifamily development.
It was part of a proposed 7.5-acre project called Broadway Station, which included Santa Fe Yards. The site is still mostly undeveloped dirt lots.
The city has made significant improvements at the I-25 interchange off of South Broadway. In the past two years, it has opened a new on-ramp to the interstate, finished sewer work in the area, and reconstructed or extended several roads, including Bannock Street and Exposition Avenue.
“Denver is helping to shape the future of women’s soccer,” NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman said in the statement. “We can’t wait to see the impact this world-class venue will have on players, fans, and the community.”
The project could spark broader redevelopment around Santa Fe Yards.
The design team, led by Populous, the global firm behind the Las Vegas Sphere project, emphasized integrating professional athletics with community spaces, suggesting inspiration flows between elite sports and local recreation.
Denver NWSL’s training site, temporary stadium and performance center will be revealed at a future date, the release says.
