Colorado native Lindsey Heaps, who will make her Summit FC debut on Saturday. Photo: Brad Smith/USSF/Getty Images
Denver Summit FC's first match at Centennial Stadium on Saturday doubles as one of Colorado's biggest women's soccer events ever.
Why it matters:Soccer fever is running high with the World Cup underway, and the Summit's new temporary home opens with a major matchup featuring two Colorado-born Olympic gold medalists.
The big picture: Denver hosts the Portland Thorns in its first game at the 12,000-seat Centennial Stadium, where the club will play through the 2027 season while its permanent stadium at Santa Fe Yards is built for an expected 2028 opening.
Golden native Lindsey Heaps is expected to make her National Women's Soccer League debut in the Summit's home opener, squaring off against Windsor native Sophia Wilson of the Thorns.
State of play: Portland enters the weekend ranked No. 4 in ESPN's NWSL power rankings, while Denver sits at No. 11.
The Summit is coming off a 2-2 draw with Houston, and ESPN says shoring up the club's defense will be key as they take on one of the league's top teams.
If you go: Reserved parking at Centennial Stadium is limited, but the team has partnered with Arapahoe County, Cherry Creek School District and several nearby businesses to provide off-site parking, much of it within walking distance.
RTD buses also serve East Fremont Avenue.
Be smart: The club published an A-Z fan guide with parking, ticket and stadium information.
Tickets start at $43, and kickoff is 12pm Saturday.
Editor's note: This story was corrected to show the game starts at 12pm (not 2pm) Saturday.
