Denver's Goal: NWSL Stadium to Revitalize Neglected Urban Brownfield

DENVER, CO – January 09, 2026 – After a contentious debate over public financing and urban priorities, the Denver City Council has given the final go-ahead for a new 14,500-seat soccer stadium, securing a permanent home for the city's new National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) franchise, Denver Summit FC. The project, scheduled to open in 2028, is more than just a sports venue; it represents a multi-million-dollar bet on the burgeoning growth of women's professional sports and a landmark effort to revitalize a long-dormant industrial brownfield site in the heart of the city.

The decision, finalized in a 10-3 vote on December 22, unlocks a $70 million public funding package to support the development in the Santa Fe Yards area, a site that has sat vacant for over two decades. The global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP represented the NWSL franchise in the complex negotiations that culminated in the city's approval.

Transforming a Toxic Legacy

At the center of the ambitious project is a 6-acre parcel of the former Gates Rubber Factory, a contaminated brownfield site at South Broadway and I-25 that has been a persistent symbol of urban decay. For more than 20 years, the empty dirt lot has defied redevelopment efforts, but it is now poised to become Colorado's first purpose-built sports and entertainment district dedicated to professional women's sports.

"This is a transformative project for women's soccer, women's sports, and the city as a whole, and Greenberg Traurig is honored to help the Denver Summit team move it forward from franchise award through construction and opening day," Denver Real Estate Shareholders Kevin H. Kelley and Andrea Austin, members of the firm's Sports Facilities & Entertainment Venues Practice, said in a joint statement. "We look forward to continuing to work alongside the team, in collaboration with the Denver community, to help bring a new city landmark to life on a brownfield site in Denver's urban core."

The development plan involves significant site preparation, including environmental remediation, excavation, and utility installation, turning a contaminated liability into a community asset. The vision extends beyond the stadium itself, aiming to spark a broader revitalization of the surrounding neighborhoods.

A High-Stakes Financial Play

The project's approval hinged on a complex public-private partnership. The city has committed $70 million, sourced from interest earned on a 2017 bond package. This public investment is strategically allocated: $35 million will be used for the city to purchase the land, which it will then lease to Denver Summit FC. An additional $15 million is earmarked for initial infrastructure and site preparation. The remaining $20 million is dedicated to broader neighborhood enhancements, including new parks, trails, and a pedestrian bridge to improve local connectivity.

This financial structure, however, was the primary source of contention. Because the city will own the land, the team will build its privately funded stadium—estimated to cost between $150 million and $200 million—on publicly owned land, exempting it from property taxes. Council members Stacie Gilmore, Shontel Lewis, and Sarah Parady voted against the deal, citing concerns over committing substantial public funds to a private enterprise while the city faces a pressing housing crisis and other social needs. Critics questioned the fairness of the tax arrangement and the rush to approve the deal.

Proponents, including Mayor Mike Johnston, argue the city's investment will generate a significant return through economic activity and tax revenue generated by the revitalized district. The project's eligibility for Tax Increment Financing (TIF) was a key component of the deal, allowing future increases in property tax revenue generated by the development to be used to reimburse project costs.

The negotiations were not without tension. The approval process saw initial delays as some council members sought more detailed financial information. During this period, the team's ownership, led by Rob Cohen, indicated they were exploring stadium sites outside of Denver, a move some on the council perceived as a pressure tactic to expedite the vote, given the team's commitment to the NWSL to have a stadium ready by the 2028 season.

A New Era for Women's Sports

The Denver project is a powerful symbol of the rapid growth and increasing investment in the NWSL and women's sports nationwide. Denver Summit FC, the league's 16th franchise, is set to begin play in 2026, initially at a temporary location. The commitment to build a purpose-built stadium reflects a critical shift in the landscape of professional women's athletics.

For years, women's teams have often operated as secondary tenants in stadiums built for and occupied by men's teams. This new wave of investment underscores a growing recognition of the league's commercial viability and the need for dedicated infrastructure. A purpose-built stadium provides a true home base, control over revenue streams, and a facility designed specifically for the team and its fanbase. As one team official noted, "When you're a tenant in a stadium, it's not your true hub. Women deserve that. Just like men."

This investment from both private ownership—Cohen's group is committing around $300 million to the overall development—and the city of Denver sets a new benchmark for how municipalities can partner with NWSL franchises to create permanent, high-quality homes for women's soccer.

Building Bridges with the Community

To secure crucial support and address local concerns, Denver Summit FC engaged in extensive negotiations with West East Neighborhoods United (WENU), a coalition of surrounding community groups. The result was a comprehensive Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) that was instrumental in the project's final approval.

The legally binding agreement commits the team to providing over $7 million in direct community investments over ten years. This includes an initial $400,000 payment followed by $300,000 annually. The funds are targeted toward addressing local priorities, including social equity initiatives, housing stability programs, scholarships, sustainability efforts, and support for local businesses and labor.

The CBA represents a promise that the development will not happen in isolation but will actively contribute to the well-being of the neighborhoods it joins. By addressing issues of equity and ensuring that local residents share in the project's success, the agreement helped bridge the gap between community advocates and the development team, ultimately paving the way for a new chapter for both the Santa Fe Yards and women's sports in Denver.