It’s an exciting weekend for Denver Summit FC and their fans, as the team will be playing their first game at Centennial Stadium on Saturday. (vs. Portland Thorns, noon on CBS Colorado)
Jen Millet, the President of the team, says the stage is almost set for the game in the team’s new, temporary stadium.
AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post via Getty Images
“There is a lot to do still. Staff are excited getting the building ready to welcome fans and to welcome players,” said Millet. “It’s just going to be great to have truly our own kind of home field for everybody.”
In the club’s inaugural season, they’ve been playing at Empower Field at Mile High and Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. About halfway through the season, the team now has a new home.
“I think our staff and players are really looking forward to just owning the end-to-end fan experience. Having ushers and guest experience, folks in the building that are trained, and part of our staff is just really special, and controlling all of those different touch points that fans have throughout the building and throughout the match day,” said Millet.
Nearby business hopes to “get rocked”
Excitement also on tap at 2 Penguins Tap & Grill in Centennial.
“We’re the closest bar to the stadium, so we’re excited,” said Scott Woods, the general manager.
The bar is located about a mile away from the stadium. Across the street is the Boom parking lot, the only lot that will shuttle fans to the game for free.
Woods said he is looking forward to welcoming fans and new customers.
“There are over 12,000 people coming to the neighborhood. There’s a great chance for people to discover us that have never been around before, and we’re all becoming soccer fans of the of the Summit, and we’re excited to welcome them to the neighborhood,” said Woods.
On match days, 2 Penguins Tap & Grill be serving up specials when you show your game ticket and pre- and post-game fun. The business showcases local and independent Colorado craft beer and Colorado spirits.
“I’m hoping we get rocked. We’re planning on being busy, and we’re opening early on Saturday for a little pregame action, and then we’re going to have a ‘Welcome to the Neighborhood’ party afterwards, and with live music,” said Woods.
Get ready for a “head-to-head Colorado matchup”
Meanwhile, Saturday’s game is already close to selling out.
“It’s it’s going to be an incredible match. It’s Lindsey Heaps’ first match with the club. Sophia Smith is our opponent, also a Colorado native, so it’s sort of a head-to-head Colorado matchup, and it will be an amazing event,” said Millet.
A lively fan fest will welcome fans two hours before every kick at a home match. The gates will open 90 minutes before the match starts.
“I think the biggest thing for fans coming Saturday is just be prepared. There’s not a lot of shade in the building, so hats, sunscreen, and umbrellas are allowed in as long as they’re not blocking someone else’s sightlines,” said Millet. “You can also bring a water bottle into the building as well. We want everyone hydrated and feeling good at the match.”
Denver Summit FC will play back at home on Aug. 2 against Boston Legacy, the other new team in the league.
Parking for the game is extremely limited. It’s recommended to check out your parking options online ahead of time, and pre-pay for parking at one of the lots offered. For a fee, fans can park in lots with walks anywhere from .1 to 1.1 miles to the stadium. The only lot offering a shuttle is the Boom lot. Fans can also take public transportation or ride scooters or bikes to the stadium. Visit denversummitfc.com for more information about where to park and how to navigate the stadium.
