Build it, and they will come. 

The famous misquote from “Field of Dreams” has become a rallying cry for women’s sports, and was put on display in Denver Summit FC’s record-breaking home opener at Empower Field at Mile High on Saturday. A crowd of 63,004 fans filled the stadium to break the NWSL attendance record and mark another historic chapter for women’s sports. 

“The Kickoff” ended in a 0-0 draw, but the atmosphere and excitement from the day are what fans, players, and coaches will remember most. 

“I’m sad it’s over,” Highlands Ranch native Janine Sonis said. “I couldn’t ever imagine playing at Empower Field in front of that many people, so I’m just grateful. I’m not surprised; it’s a sports city. I’m proud of the performance of the players and grateful for the 60,000 fans behind us.”

The previous record was 40,091, set by Bay FC against the Washington Spirit at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Aug. 23, 2025.

“I will never forget walking out of that tunnel today and hearing that crowd screaming for us,” Sonis said. “I’m looking forward to their support for the rest of the season and hopefully bringing the first championship to Denver.”

At one point, the crowd shook the stands from stomping their feet, a moment Denver goalie Abby Smith called “intoxicating.” 

“It was a surreal feeling to walk into the stadium and see the crowd, this excitement, the enthusiasm,” Denver Summit FC controlling owner Robert Cohen said. “Coming through the parking lot, even trying to get in, was eye-opening. They were out in the parking lot partying and having a great time, which is what you want to see.”

A mother and her teenage daughter drove seven hours from eastern Nebraska to experience the game. The duo hopes to visit every NWSL team stadium, and the daughter, Alayna Poole, called the day “pretty epic.”

“When I was growing up, there wasn’t much support for women’s sports,” Linsey Poole, her mother, said. “But it’s gotten so huge, and I love that for her that she is playing and sees there’s a future if she wants there to be.” 

Denver youth soccer club Real Colorado had the honor of displaying the Denver Summit FC flag on the field before the match, and its players couldn’t stop smiling as they waited in the tunnel. Anaflora Reyes, 13, was one of the flag bearers and one of the thousands of young girls inspired by Saturday’s atmosphere. 

“This is what I want to do when I’m older,” Reyes said. “Today means that it’s possible to make it.”

Although it was a competitive NWSL match, even Denver Summit FC coach Nick Cushing couldn’t help but join in the fun. 

“I had dialogue with fans behind the bench throughout the game because it’s just amazing,” Cushing said. “This is why I do it, because I want to be part of something special.”

That’s the vision that Cohen had from day one. He and the Denver Summit FC ownership group want to be the best franchise, and to do so, they want to attract the best players, coaches, and front office to create a unique fan experience. While the plan to play at Empower Field and break the attendance record seemed ambitious at first, it seems to have paid off. 

“The sky is the limit,” Cohen said. “Women’s sports are clearly on the rise, and the crowd is showing that they can show up. I hope over time, fans will learn they are incredible athletes, but even more are incredible human beings.”

Denver Summit FC has made it clear its goal is to win a championship, and hopes to see the fanbase continue to support it as much as it did Saturday. The team’s next home game is April 25 at DICK’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City. 

“That’s the next phase of work,” team president Jen Millet said. “We really believe there is such a passionate fanbase for this club, so we are continuing to tap into that. This is the first time a lot of people are seeing them play, so how do we build that connection between the players, fans, and community? I’m excited to see that build over time.”

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Summit FC 0, Washington Spirit 0

What happened: Both teams had opportunities to score, but none came to fruition. Despite a late push by the Spirit, Summit FC held them off for the full 90 minutes and three minutes of stoppage time.

What went right: Abby Smith had a clean sheet for the second game in a row to keep the Spirit scoreless. A record-breaking crowd of 63,004 fans brought excitement to the inaugural home match, especially for five Colorado natives on Denver Summit FC. 

What went wrong:  While Denver Summit FC would have liked to take away points from Saturday’s match, a strong showing after a win over Gotham FC on Wednesday leaves the team optimistic. 

In net: Abby Smith made two saves for a second-straight clean sheet after four saves in Denver Summit FC’s 2-0 win over Gotham FC. 

What’s next: Summit FC vs. Seattle Reign (at Spokane, Wash.), 6:45 p.m. MT Saturday. Watch on ION, The Spot Denver 3.