Denver NWSL and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston Unveil Historic Plans to Build Purpose-Built Stadium

Denver NWSL announced today its plan to build a purpose-built stadium and recreational district for professional women’s soccer in Denver’s urban core. The state-of-the-art, 14,500-seat stadium will be built at Sante Fe Yards (Broadway and I-25) in the heart of Denver, Colo. Santa Fe Yards will be the first purpose-built sports and entertainment district built for professional women’s sports in Colorado. Santa Fe Yards, the Denver NWSL stadium and recreational district, designed in collaboration with Populous, is expected to open in the spring of 2028. 

“This will be the largest overall investment in a women’s professional sports team in history. We have 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, a place for outdoor recreation, restaurants, retail, and for building connections with our community,” said Denver NWSL controlling owner Rob Cohen. “This project will reconnect neighborhoods, create new jobs, and boost the local economy during and after the construction process, unlocking year-round economic, social, and cultural benefits that extend far beyond the stadium’s walls. Most importantly, it will provide our club, our fans, our partners, and our community with a state-of-the-art stadium that will provide us a distinct home-field advantage and will serve as the most inclusive environment in all of Colorado.” 

The 14-acre redevelopment at Santa Fe Yards will feature a purpose-built professional women’s soccer stadium, a 3.5-acre recreational park, and future mixed-use development in the heart of Denver. The stadium will be constructed with the ability to expand in the future to host larger crowds and marquee events. Denver NWSL will transform a site that has for decades sat dormant and undeveloped to create a world-class sports and entertainment district featuring pedestrian and bike connections, in addition to close proximity to public transportation. This design reimagines the relationship between elite athleticism and community recreation, suggesting that inspiration flows in both directions. This integration of professional athletics with publicly accessible parks and everyday open space recreation spaces may reshape how young people envision athletic achievement—when excellence is visibly embedded in the community, aspiration becomes more tangible. The stadium complex stands as a physical manifestation of the idea that women's sports deserve not just equal facilities but equal integration into our community identity.

“It’s only fitting that the hottest ticket in town will be making its home on Broadway,” said Mayor Mike Johnston. “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.”

The multi-purpose stadium, park, and community district will be the anchor and catalyst for redevelopment of the site as a transit-oriented development – one that is intended to be walkable and encourages the use of public transportation. Denver NWSL will unveil its plans for a temporary stadium and purpose-built performance center at a later date.

“This announcement is a game-changer for the NWSL and a bold statement about where women’s sports are headed. Santa Fe Yards will set a new standard for what professional athletes deserve — a purpose-built stadium and entertainment district that reflects the passion of this city and our league’s continued growth,” said NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman. “Denver is helping to shape the future of women’s soccer, and we can’t wait to see the impact this world-class venue will have on players, fans, and the community.”

CAA ICON has been providing stadium advisory services for the new stadium deal and is now extending its engagement to provide full project management services as the stadium project is set to begin more formal stages of design and construction. CAA ICON, which provides a full range of project management and strategic consulting services, will support the development, design, and construction of the stadium working with Populous.

“Today’s investment in the future of Denver NWSL is a critical step towards bringing women’s soccer to its rightful place in the major leagues, alongside the other great teams of the City of Denver,” said Jason Wright, Managing Partner and Head of Investments at Project Level, a subsidiary of Ariel Investments and one of the largest investors in Denver NWSL.

Global design firm, Populous, was chosen to lead the stadium design and related design and engineering consultants. Populous is known for its dynamic design approach, which synthesizes architectural expertise and understanding of fan experience to deliver stadiums authentic to their cities and primed for economic impact.

“Populous is honored to be part of a transformational project that amplifies the experience for players, coaches, and the Denver community,” said Sherri Privitera, Director of Women’s Professional Sports at design firm Populous. “We are inspired by the energy of the community and its love for the game, and we look forward to bringing a shared vision to life.”