Honoring the Denver Sports Commission’s 25th anniversary, July 1 celebrates sporting events across Denver that have brought over $1.2 billion in economic impact to the Mile High City.
DENVER (July 1, 2026) – Denver has long been known as a sports capital thanks to its professional franchises. Beyond game days for the Broncos, Nuggets, Rockies, Avalanche, Rapids, Mammoth and Summit, hundreds of amateur, collegiate, national and international sporting events help fuel the city's sports economy each year. Since 2001, the Denver Sports Commission has worked behind the scenes to recruit and support these events that fill stadiums, pack arenas and put Denver on the map for national and international sports fans.
“Some of Denver’s most iconic moments happen when our city comes together to welcome athletes and visitors from around the world and show them what makes Denver such a special place,” said Mayor Mike Johnston. “For 25 years, the Denver Sports Commission has helped create those moments of joy by bringing world-class events to our city and supporting local businesses. As we look ahead to an exciting era for sports in Denver, I’m proud to proclaim July 1 as Denver Sports Commission Day and recognize the organization’s extraordinary contributions to our city.”
Denver has come a long way since the formation of the Colorado Sports Council and Denver Organizing Committee in the eighties and early nineties. Those organizations, along with Visit Denver and many other city and state stakeholders, helped to put Denver athletics on the map attracting events like the 1985 NBA All-Star game, the 1989 NCAA Men’s basketball regionals and Final Four in 1990, the 1993 Four Nations Soccer Cup and the 1995 Olympic Festival. Since the founding of the Metro Denver Sports Commission in 2001, there has been a 25-year track record of success, bringing championships, tournaments, showcases and matches across nearly every major sport to Denver. Along the way, the commission has helped recruit more than 400 events such as Savannah Banana Ball games, international rugby and soccer friendlies, NCAA basketball and hockey tournaments and so much more.
“Twenty-five years ago, we saw an opportunity to use sports to showcase Denver on a larger stage. Thanks to a lot of hard work from people who love this city, Denver is wildly recognized as a top sports destination,” said Rob Cohen, chairman and CEO of IMA Financial Group and founder in 2001 of the Metro Denver Sports Commission, the predecessor to today’s Denver Sports Commission. “The Denver Sports Commission's success is a reflection of a community that embraces big opportunities, and I have no doubt its impact will continue well into the future.”
In 2013, the Denver Sports Commission became the sports event recruitment arm of Visit Denver, strengthening the city's ability to compete for major sporting events and creating a more impactful approach to sports tourism. Together, the organizations work with event owners, venues, local partners and volunteers to support successful events from the bid process through the championship game.
The economic impact of sports in Denver is immense. Beyond major-league sporting events, the Denver Sports Commission is responsible for recruiting and supporting over $1.2 billion in economic impact since its founding. As teams, coaches, bands and fans from across the country stay in local hotels, dine at local restaurants, explore the arts and cultural scene and more, the city enjoys the added economic boost.
"Over the past 25 years, the Denver Sports Commission has helped establish Denver as one of the nation's top sports destinations,” said Matthew Payne, executive director of Denver Sports Commission. “Events welcomed in Denver have generated more than $1.2 billion in economic impact for our city. This anniversary is a celebration of the many partners, volunteers and community leaders who believe in the value of sports and have supported our mission along the way. We are proud of what we’ve accomplished so far and look forward to recruiting and supporting many events in the future.”
From the NCAA Women's Final Four and Men's Frozen Four to the World Lacrosse Championships, international soccer and professional all-star celebrations, the commission has helped create opportunities for athletes and memorable weekends for fans while introducing visitors to Denver's neighborhoods, restaurants, attractions and cultural institutions.
"The Denver Sports Commission's 25th anniversary is an opportunity to recognize the countless individuals who have helped shape its success, from advisory committee members and staff to volunteers, community partners and event organizers,” said Mark Williams, chair of the Denver Sports Advisory Committee. “It is an honor to help lead the organization as we enter our next chapter."
The Denver Sports Commission has created a roundup of 25 moments over 25 years, capturing some of the events, milestones and achievements that helped shape Denver's sports landscape over the last quarter century. They also reflect the partnerships, community support and volunteer efforts that continue to position Denver among the nation's leading sports destinations. Read more about the Denver Sports Commission and learn about volunteering for events at VisitDenver.com/sports.