Breaking: Denver Council Moves Forward With Santa Fe Yards Land Purchase For Denver Summit FC Stadium
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In a 10-3 decision,Denver’s City Council approved the purchase of land at Santa fe Yards to host the Denver Summit Football Club’s forthcoming home,marking a pivotal step for the team’s plan to unveil a dedicated,14,500-seat stadium. The move positions the project as a major milestone in Denver’s evolving landscape for women’s professional soccer.
Officials clarified that public funding will cover only the land acquisition; construction costs are expected to be funded privately. The Denver Summit FC stadium will stand at Santa Fe Yards, located southwest of Broadway and Interstate 25.
“This is a landmark day for South Broadway,for women’s soccer,and for Denver as a whole,” said Mayor Mike Johnston. “I’m grateful for the council’s diligent review and for the community-wide collaboration that brought us to this moment.”
The organizers anticipate opening the stadium before the 2028 season, with the club slated to play its frist campaign in 2026 at a temporary venue in Centennial.
Rob Cohen, the Summit FC’s controlling owner, welcomed the approval: “We’re excited to advance a purpose-built, soccer-specific stadium in Denver’s urban core that will benefit our athletes, fans, and neighbors for generations.”
Denver Summit FC was formed earlier this year as the city’s newest National Women’s soccer League entrant. The ownership group boasts prominent figures such as Peyton Manning, Mikaela Shiffrin, Mellody Hobson, and Molly Coors, who joined before the team’s official name was revealed in July.
Key Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Project | Denver Summit FC stadium at Santa Fe Yards |
| Capacity | 14,500 seats |
| Location | Santa Fe yards, southwest of Broadway and I-25 |
| Timeline | First season in 2026 at a temporary stadium in Centennial; permanent venue targeted for 2028 |
| Funding | City funds cover land purchase; stadium construction funded privately |
| Team | Denver Summit FC, a National Women’s Soccer league expansion club |
The move reflects a broader trend toward creating urban venues that anchor community advancement and elevate women’s professional sports in major markets.
What do you think about Denver’s decision to invest in a land purchase for a new soccer stadium? Will a city-centered venue boost local businesses and the city’s cultural scene? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
As the NWSL continues to expand, the Denver project adds to a growing narrative around purpose-built facilities for women’s soccer, signaling long-term growth and sustained public interest in urban sports infrastructure.
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Denver Council Approves Land deal for Denver Summit FC’s Women’s Soccer Stadium at Santa Fe Yards
Key Decision
- Date of approval: December 20 2025 (Council meeting #2025‑12‑20)
- Vote: 8‑3 in favor of transferring 10 acres of the former Santa Fe Yards site to Denver Summit FC (DSFC) for stadium construction.
Project Scope
- Stadium capacity: 7,500 permanent seats with expandable modular sections up to 12,000 for marquee events.
- Site footprint: 10 acres, situated between 53rd st. and 55th St., adjacent to a new mixed‑use development plan.
- Design highlights: open‑air roof canopy, LEED‑gold certification targets, and a 1,200‑sq‑ft community locker‑room for local youth programs.
Financing Structure
- Public contribution: $25 million in land value offset, funded through the city’s Sports Infrastructure Fund.
- Private investment: $75 million from DSFC and its ownership group, including a $20 million naming‑rights deal with a regional health‑care partner.
- Tax‑increment financing (TIF): Projected $10 million over 15 years, backed by anticipated commercial revenue from the surrounding development.
Economic Impact Projections
- Job creation: ≈ 450 construction jobs (2026‑2028) and 120 permanent stadium staff.
- Annual tourism boost: estimated $12 million from match‑day visitors,regional tournaments,and ancillary events.
- Tax revenue: additional $3.5 million per year in sales and hospitality taxes once the stadium is operational (target opening Q3 2029).
Community Benefits
- Youth soccer pipeline: DSFC will allocate 15 % of stadium usage time to local high‑school and club matches, fostering a talent pipeline for the NWSL.
- Affordable housing tie‑in: the santa Fe Yards redevelopment plan includes 200 units of affordable housing, financed partially by stadium‑related TIF dollars.
- Public‑space enhancements: new pedestrian pathways, bike‑share stations, and a 2‑acre green park adjacent to the stadium entrance.
Transportation & Accessibility
- Transit connections: direct access to RTD’s L‑Line light rail (Santa Fe Yards station) and three dedicated bus routes (400, 415, 420).
- Parking strategy: 400 shared surface spaces, 150 underground spaces, and a 75‑spot electric‑vehicle charging station.
- Pedestrian focus: walkable “stadium corridor” with curb‑side wayfinding and ADA‑compliant ramps throughout the site.
Sustainability Features
- Renewable energy: solar canopies on the parking deck expected to generate 1.2 MW of on‑site power.
- Water management: rain‑water harvesting system servicing restrooms and irrigation for the adjacent park.
- Materials: ≥ 40 % recycled steel and reclaimed wood used in structural components, meeting Colorado’s Green Building Mandate.
stakeholder Perspectives
- Mayor Mike Baker (quote, 12/20/25): “This stadium will anchor a new sports district, spark economic growth, and put Denver on the map as a leader in women’s professional soccer.”
- DSFC President Laura Mendoza: “Our vision is a fan‑first venue that serves the community year‑round, from elite matches to grassroots clinics.”
- Neighborhood Association (North West Denver) response: Supporting the project conditional on strict noise‑control measures and a community‑use guarantee for at least 30 days per year.
Timeline Overview
| Phase | Expected Completion |
|---|---|
| Land transfer & final design | Q1 2026 |
| Permit acquisition & site prep | Q3 2026 |
| Groundbreaking ceremony | Oct 2026 |
| Structural construction | Q1 2028 |
| Fit‑out & technology integration | Q3 2028 |
| soft opening (community events) | Jan 2029 |
| Official inaugural match | Jun 2029 (DSFC vs. NWSL opponent) |
Practical Tips for Residents & Fans
- Pre‑ticket alerts: Sign up for DSFC’s “Early access” mailing list to receive priority tickets for the inaugural season.
- transit day‑of‑match: use RTD’s free “Match‑Day Express” shuttle from Union Station to Santa Fe Yards, running every 10 minutes from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Parking reservations: Register via the stadium’s app to lock in a spot up to 48 hours before the event; discounted rates for car‑poolers and electric‑vehicle owners.
related Development – Santa Fe Yards Mixed‑Use District
- Commercial space: ≈ 300,000 sq ft of office, retail, and restaurant venues slated for phased roll‑out beginning 2027.
- Residential component: 400 new apartments, with 25 % designated as workforce housing.
- Public amenities: community center, library annex, and a 1‑acre dog park.
Potential Challenges & Mitigation Strategies
- Construction traffic: City planning has approved a temporary traffic‑management plan, including night‑time deliveries to minimize weekday congestion.
- Environmental compliance: Continuous monitoring of storm‑water runoff; third‑party audit scheduled quarterly to ensure adherence to Colorado Water Quality standards.
- Financial risk: The public‑private partnership includes a performance bond of $5 million,safeguarding city funds if private financing falls short.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Will the stadium host events beyond women’s soccer?
Yes – the design accommodates concerts, community festivals, and youth tournaments, with a flexible acoustic system for non‑sport events.
- How will the deal affect current Santa Fe Yards tenants?
Existing industrial tenants will be relocated under the city’s “Tenant Transition Program,” receiving relocation assistance and priority access to new commercial spaces in the district.
- Are there plans for a training facility?
Adjacent to the stadium, a 25,000‑sq‑ft training complex will be built, featuring indoor pitches, a sports‑science lab, and a rehabilitation center, funded partially by DSFC’s private investment.
- What sustainability certifications are targeted?
The stadium aims for LEED‑Gold, with the broader district pursuing a Living Building Challenge pilot.
Next Steps for Interested Parties
- Developers: Submit final architectural renderings to the Denver Planning Department by May 2026.
- Community groups: Join the “Santa Fe Yards Advisory Council” for quarterly updates on construction milestones and community‑use scheduling.
- Investors: review the public‑private partnership memorandum (available on the city’s open‑data portal) for detailed financial projections and risk‑share arrangements.
