The rise of women’s professional sports has created a powerful demand not just for viewership and investment but also for dedicated, state-of-the-art infrastructure, a call that is now being answered with the announcement of a landmark project in Colorado. Minneapolis-based construction giant Mortenson has officially been awarded the $225 million contract to construct a new, cutting-edge stadium for the Denver Summit Football Club, the city’s expansion team in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). This development represents a monumental step forward for the league and women’s soccer in the United States, as the facility will be only the second stadium in the nation purpose-built for a women’s professional soccer team. Following the precedent set by the CPKC Stadium for the Kansas City Current in 2024, this project underscores a growing trend of investing in permanent, high-quality homes for women’s sports, signaling a shift from temporary solutions to long-term commitment and growth for the NWSL. The stadium is poised to become a new jewel in Denver’s athletic crown.
A Vision for Denver’s Sports Landscape
The new stadium is envisioned as more than just a playing field; it is designed to be the central anchor of the ambitious Santa Fe Yards sports and entertainment redevelopment district. Strategically located south of downtown Denver at the major intersection of Interstate 25 and Broadway, the facility is positioned to become a vibrant hub of activity and a significant landmark for the city. The architectural vision, crafted by the globally renowned firm Populous, features a striking open-air design highlighted by a distinctive sweeping canopy that will provide cover while maintaining an immersive atmosphere for fans. With a planned capacity of approximately 14,500 spectators, the venue is scaled to foster an intimate yet energetic game-day experience. The project timeline is aggressive, with preconstruction activities already in motion. Full construction is slated to commence in the spring, targeting a completion date that will allow the Denver Summit FC to host its inaugural home match of the 2028 NWSL season within its walls.
The Collaborative Effort Behind the Build
Bringing a project of this magnitude to fruition requires a symphony of expertise, and the Denver stadium is no exception, backed by a consortium of industry leaders. While Mortenson will steer the project as the construction manager, the firm is joined by Denver-based CAA ICON, which will oversee project management, ensuring that every phase from planning to execution adheres to the highest standards. A particularly noteworthy partner in this venture is Gratacon, a women-owned general contractor based in Lakewood, Colorado, serving as an associate partner. The involvement of Gratacon adds a powerful layer of significance to the undertaking. Jessica Ostoyich, CEO of Gratacon, has articulated the unique pride her team feels in contributing to this project, highlighting the powerful symbolism of a women-owned business playing an integral role in building a premier venue dedicated to a women’s professional sports team, creating a legacy that extends beyond the physical structure itself. This collaboration reflects a deep commitment to both excellence and equity in the construction and sports industries.
The path to securing this project involved overcoming a critical financial hurdle that could have derailed the entire endeavor. In a pivotal moment late last year, the Denver City Council voted to commit $50 million in public funding to the stadium, a decision that proved essential in solidifying the deal and preventing the Denver Summit FC from potentially withdrawing its plans. This municipal support demonstrates a strong public-private partnership and a shared belief in the project’s long-term value to the community. Further bolstering confidence in the project’s success is Mortenson’s extensive and decorated resume. The construction firm brings a wealth of specialized experience in building world-class sports venues across the country. Its impressive portfolio includes several acclaimed Major League Soccer stadiums, such as Allianz Field in Minneapolis, Energizer Stadium in St. Louis, and GEODIS Park in Nashville, establishing a track record of delivering complex, high-profile athletic facilities on time and to specification.
A Landmark Achievement for Women’s Soccer
The successful collaboration and decisive public investment that propelled this project forward marked a watershed moment for the National Women’s Soccer League and the city of Denver. The commitment from all parties involved, from the construction experts at Mortenson to the city’s elected officials, solidified a vision that placed women’s professional sports at the forefront of urban development. This endeavor was not merely about constructing a building; it was about erecting a permanent symbol of progress and a testament to the league’s soaring commercial and cultural value. The completion of this second purpose-built stadium will provide tangible proof that the era of women’s teams playing in borrowed or repurposed venues is decisively ending. It establishes a new benchmark for what NWSL expansion clubs can and should aspire to, fundamentally altering the landscape of professional sports infrastructure and ensuring that future generations of athletes and fans will have a world-class home.
