Denver Summit FC Makes History as First Professional Women’s Soccer Team in Colorado For the first time, Denver is home to a professional women’s soccer team, Denver Summit FC, marking a significant milestone for the city and the sport. The team’s debut has sparked hope for a sustainable future for women’s soccer in the region, with fans and community members celebrating the opportunity to support a local team. The rise of women’s soccer in the U.S. has roots in pivotal moments like the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which drew record crowds and helped elevate the sport’s profile. The tournament’s final match at the Rose Bowl attracted 90,185 spectators, with total attendance across all games reaching 1.19 million. Jamie Leeburg, a longtime soccer player and physical education teacher in Lakewood, recalled the impact of that event. “Watching 98,000-plus fans cheering for the United States women’s team was phenomenal,” she said. “It was an unforgettable experience.” Leeburg, who grew up in an era with limited opportunities for women in soccer, noted the lack of role models during her youth. “There were really no idols for me to look to for a sport I loved to play,” she said. The 1999 World Cup, however, laid the groundwork for the Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA), the first professional league for women in the world. Despite its groundbreaking start, the league faced financial struggles and low attendance, leading to its collapse in 2003. Katie Hooker, now head coach of the women’s soccer team at Metropolitan State University of Denver, played in the WUSA with the San Jose CyberRays before the league folded. She also played for the University of Denver’s team in 2001 and 2002.#denver_summit_fc #katie_hooker #james_leeburg #national_women_s_soccer_league #rose_bowl
Denver Infrastructure, Businesses Bracing for a Busy Weekend Denver’s downtown infrastructure and local businesses are preparing for a surge in activity as the city gears up for a series of major events over the weekend. The anticipated influx of people is expected to strain transportation systems and local establishments, prompting officials and business owners to take proactive measures. The weekend will kick off with the debut home game of Denver Summit FC at Empower Field at Mile High, scheduled for noon on Saturday. The club has already sold 60,000 tickets, setting a new record for the National Women’s Soccer League. This event is expected to draw thousands of fans to the area, adding to the already high volume of people anticipated for the No Kings protest. The protest, organized to oppose the Trump Administration, is set to begin at 1:15 p.m. on Saturday at the State Capitol. Organizers estimate up to 70,000 participants will join the three-mile march through downtown Denver, with additional demonstrations planned across the state and country. The last No Kings protest in October attracted 45,000 people, and officials warn that this year’s turnout could be even larger. To manage the expected crowds, the Regional Transportation District (RTD) is adding extra railcars to its D, E, and W lines, which serve Empower Field and the Capitol area. RTD spokesperson Marta Sipeki urged commuters to anticipate delays and service disruptions, advising them to plan for increased passenger numbers. “Whether it's fee closures or whether there are delays or other service disruptions, customers should prepare for extra people,” she said. Local businesses are also adjusting to accommodate the surge in foot traffic.#denver_summit_fc #empower_field_at_mile_high #no_kings_protest #state_capitol_denver #regional_transportation_district
