How well do you know the Rapids? If you plan to visit the Boys in Burgundy, here’s a quick look at their MLS journey. We’ve also compiled everything you need to know about the Colorado Rapids stadium – tickets, seating maps, entrance/exit, and parking information for match days at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park.
Colorado Rapids is a founding member of Major League Soccer. A prominent name in the league, the Denver (Metropolitan Area) club has proved its mettle in the last couple of decades – especially since winning the championship in 2010. Over the years, the Colorado Rapids roster has featured several illustrious names, such as National Soccer Hall of Fame member and FIFA World Cup veteran Marcelo Balboa and the current Real Salt Lake head coach, Pablo Mastroeni.
Click here for the Colorado Rapids schedule. Find more news and updates about the club here.
Colorado Rapids in MLS
After topping the Western Conference table last season, the Rapids are currently in the bottom four with only 8 wins out of 27 matches played in MLS 2022. However, the club’s had several ups and downs in the league – here’s a quick recap of its journey so far.
1995 – 2002
Originally owned and operated by Anschutz Corporation, the Rapids were founded in 1995 – one of the ten original MLS franchises. The club played its first league game on April 13, 1996, and lost 3-0 to the Kansas City Wizards. Despite several experienced players on the Colorado Rapids roster and Bob Houghton as head coach, the club’s inaugural season was forgettable. They finished with the worst record in the league, scraping the bottom of the Western Conference table.
Glenn Myernick replaced Houghton the following season and led Colorado Rapids to their first MLS Cup finals but fell short by 2-1 to D.C. United. The next few years were quite bumpy, with alternating successes and shortcomings. In 2002, the club moved to their new home – Empower Field at Mile High and advanced to the league’s playoffs semifinals.
2003 – 2006
A new era began in 2003 with Colorado Rapids rebranding its identity. In their new black and blue jerseys, the Rapids set a new MLS record by allowing only eight goals in 15 matches at home.
Colorado Rapids’ new owners (Kroenke Sports Enterprises can on board in 2004) made several changes within the club before the 2005 season. With Fernando Clavijo as the new coach, they made significant improvements and got a playoff victory in a dramatic penalty shootout against FC Dallas. The Rapids also clinched the inaugural Rocky Mountain Cup that year. In 2006, the Rapids beat FC Dallas again, made the playoffs, and won the Rocky Mountain Cup and the MLS Reserve Division.
2007 – 2009
Colorado Rapids got its current burgundy and blue color scheme in 2007. The same year in March, their current home DICK’S Sporting Goods Park, opened. The inaugural season at the new stadium was a success, with the club winning MLS Reserve Division yet again and almost finishing with a playoff spot.
Beating Beckham and LA Galaxy 4-0 on the Opening Day is one of Colorado Rapids’ highlights from 2008. They failed to make the playoffs, but not without a fight after head coach Fernando Clavijo quit. Interim coach Gary Smith began his first full season in 2009. In addition, the club had major roster moves, including Rapids veteran Pablo Mastroeni’s resignation.
2010 MLS Cup – 2015
Gary Smith’s squad changes paid off in the 2010 season with the Rapid’s second MLS Cup appearance. The club went on to win its first major championship by beating FC Dallas 2-1. As the reigning MLS Cup champions, Colorado Rapids made it to the 2011 – 2012 CONCACAF Champions League group stages.
The next couple of seasons were uneventful on the field. But off-field, it was time for another round of major roster changes. Former Colorado Rapids midfielder Pablo Mastroeni returned to the club as head coach before the 2014 MLS season. Unfortunately, injuries and a string of losses resulted in a last-place conference finish in 2015.
2016 – Present
After a successful 2016 season, the Rapids struggled the next year and finished 10th in the Western Conference. As a result, Mastroeni was fired, and the club hired former New Zealand coach Anthony Hudson in 2018. However, the club continued to perform poorly until former player Conor Casey came on board as interim head coach in May 2019. His record with the Rapids registered seven wins, seven losses, and four draws. Soon after, Robin Fraser became the club’s ninth permanent head coach and recorded 5-2-0.
During the 2020 MLS season cut short by the pandemic, the Rapids gained two wins early. After most of the team members tested COVID-19 positive, five ‘MLS is Back’ matches were canceled. But later, the club clinched a playoff berth by defeating Portland Timbers 1-0. In the most recently concluded 2021 MLS season, Colorado Rapids topped the Western Conference table and qualified for playoffs with 17 wins out of 34 matches.
Now that the new Rapids fans are up to speed, here are more details about the Major League Soccer club you must know.
Who owns Colorado Rapids in the MLS?
Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE) has owned the Major League Soccer club called Colorado Rapids since 2004. The company also owns NBA’s Denver Nuggets and NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, apart from other professional sports teams outside Colorado.
Who are the Colorado Rapids players in Gallery of Honor?
The Rapids Gallery of Honor features all-time top players of the club. It was established in 2003, with Marcelo Balboa (United States #17) and Paul Bravo (United States #9) as the first two Colorado Rapids players inducted during a home match at Invesco Field at Mile High.
Other Rapids Gallery of Honor members are:
- Chris Henderson (United States #19) – inducted in 2007
- John Spencer (Scotland #7) – inducted in 2009
- Pablo Mastroeni (United States #25) – inducted in 2014
- Conor Casey (United States #9) – inducted in 2017
The Gallery of Honor players’ names and uniform numbers are commemorated on the main stand of DICK’S Sporting Goods Park’s west end.
What are Rapids fans called in the MLS?
Class VI, the Pid Army, and the Bulldog Supporters Group – the club’s three major supporters’ groups merged to form the Centennial 38.
Section 117 at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park is their official seating area for Colorado Rapids home matches. There are no bleachers or seats in this section. Instead, fans stand throughout the match chanting, singing, drumming, and flag waving to support the Burgandy Boys.
Centennial 38 is also known to host pre-match tailgate parties on the stadium’s south side before every home game.
Who are the Rapids’ biggest rivals in MLS?
The Rocky Mountain Cup has been contested between Real Salt Lake and Colorado Rapids since 2005 – the same year RSL joined the league. The regular-season competition was created by the clubs’ supporter groups. The Rapids have lifted the cup five times – in 2005, 2006, 2013, 2015, and 2020.
What color is the Colorado Rapids jersey?
The Colorado Rapids primary kit features an abstract mountain peak embossed pattern on burgundy with sky blue trim.
The Rapids wore green until the official colors were changed to black and blue in 2003. The current team colors were chosen in 2007 when the club moved to DICK’S Sporting Goods Park. Burgundy and sky blue align with the color scheme of other KSE-owned teams. It inspired Scottish band Little Eye to write a song about the soccer club – “Burgundy Sky” – the official Rapids anthem.
Where do the Rapids play home matches?
In the last 26 years, Colorado Rapids have played their home games in three venues. From 1996 – 2001, Mile High Stadium in Denver was the Rapids’ home field. After it was demolished, the club moved into the nearby Invesco Field at Mile High (now known as Empower Stadium at Mile High).
Colorado Rapids moved to their current home stadium – DICK’S Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City – during the 2007 MLS season. The club’s first MLS season at their new home was a success. The stadium also won the rights to host the 2007 MLS All-Star Game.
DICK’S Sporting Goods Park (DSG Park) is owned and operated by KSE, who also owns the Colorado Rapids soccer club. The complex houses youth soccer fields and several retail facilities too.
Are you ready for Colorado Rapids match day at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park? Find out more about tickets, directions, and parking below:
How much do Colorado Rapids tickets cost?
Single-match tickets are available for the remaining Colorado Rapids games in the 2022 MLS regular season for as low as $20. Premium seating (Summit Club, Suites, Terrace Club Boxes, Field-Side Seats, or Patio Tables) will cost you $80 – $200. All visitors above three must have valid tickets to enter DICK’S Sporting Goods Park for home matches.
Get your Colorado Rapids tickets for upcoming matches here.
Colorado Rapids 2023 season ticket registrations are also open, with prices starting from $361 for Supporters Section to $4275 for Club. Multi-game packs are also available for $90 – $2350, depending on the number of games and seating preference.
ADA seating is available at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park for Colorado Rapids home games on the concourse and field levels.
Note: All tickets are digital for contactless mobile device scanning at the Colorado Rapids stadium. There is a strict no re-entry policy at this venue.
How to reach Colorado Rapids stadium
The Rapids home field, DICK’S Sporting Goods Park, is in Commerce City – on the southwest corner of the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. It is located at 60th & Quebec, around eight miles north of downtown Denver, and is easily accessible via I-75 (from East/West) or I-25 (from the south).
The street address for DICK’S Sporting Goods Park is 6000 Victory Way, Commerce City, CO 80022. Use the map below to find your route, or see detailed driving directions here.
You can also use public transportation – buses and trains. However, there are no direct services from Denver to DSG Park. Driving is the cheapest and fastest option as taxis are expensive. If you use ridesharing, the designated pick-up/drop-off zone outside Gate G.
How many gates does DSG Park have?
There are four entrance/exit gates at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park. These are located at:
- Quebec St. & E. 60th Avenue
- Quebec St. & Prairie Parkway (64th Avenue)
- 56th Avenue & Valentia Street
- Central Park & Prairie Parkway
Is there parking at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park for Rapids games?
DICK’S Sporting Goods Park has over 5000 parking spaces within its complex. On-site parking is usually included with your Colorado Rapids tickets and is free for all tournaments.
- Lots A, AA, B, BB, C, D, E, F, G, and H are open to the general public and parking permit holders.
- A and AA are on the stadium’s east side, outside Gate A, and are reserved for Colorado Rapids season ticket holders on match days.
- B and BB are outside Gate B and Gate C.
- Lots C to E are on the southeast side of the stadium, while Lot F is outside Gate F on the southwest side.
- G and H are on the stadium’s west side.
- VIP lots outside Gate D on the stadium’s south side are only accessible to permit holders. VIP West is the Supporter Pass lot.
- On the stadium’s west side, outside Gate G, there is a 15-minute Parking Zone. This is also the designated ADA pick-up/drop-off area.
- Buses and RVs can park at any stadium lot. However, overnight parking isn’t allowed.
- Bicycle racks are available at all gates; there are no designated spots.
Is there ADA parking at Rapids’ DSG Park?
DICK’S Sporting Goods Park stadium lots have over 100 ADA parking spaces. Lots A, B, and F have designated ADA/Accessible parking spots. Additionally, lots G and H can accommodate ADA parking during Colorado Rapids home matches.
ADA parking spaces at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park are available on a first-come, first-served basis for vehicles with a visible, valid state-issued hangtag or license plate. For drop-off at the 15-Minute Parking Zone outside Gate G on Victory Way, enter the stadium complex via 60th Avenue.
Where can I park near DICK’S Sporting Goods Park?
If you are looking for cheap parking near DICK’S Sporting Goods Park and not at the stadium, use a parking app to explore the neighborhood garages. Booking a parking spot online is always better than driving around and wasting your time – you’ll save time and money. You can also use the maps on parking apps like Way.com to compare your options for parking near DSG Park and pick the best spot for the lowest rates.
Driving to Denver from another city for the Rapids match? Check out the best Denver city parking deals here.
Check out this step-by-step guide to easily book a parking spot using an app.
Is tailgating allowed at the stadium on Rapids match days?
Yes, you can tailgate at all DSG Park stadium lots, only right behind your car or in the adjacent landscaped areas. Be careful not to block the walkways, aisles, or other parking spaces. Barbeques must have a controlled flame; propane tanks above 20lbs and open fires of any kind aren’t permitted.
Matchday block parties start three hours before kickoff, and it is free entry with your Colorado Rapids tickets. Get more details here.
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