This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Denver Sports Commission. Here’s a little background on how the commission came to be and 25 moments that have made Denver a sports city over the last quarter of a century.
- Economic Impact
- Denver Sports Commission History
- Reflections on 25 Years
- Top 25 Moments in Denver Sports History
$1.2 Billion in Economic Impact for the Mile High City
The economic impact of sports in Denver is immense. Beyond major-league sporting events, the Denver Sports Commission is responsible for recruiting and/or supporting over $1.2 billion in economic impact since its founding in 2001. As teams, coaches, bands and fans from across the country stay in local hotels, dine at local restaurants, explore our arts and cultural scene and more, the city enjoys the added economic boost.
A Long History of Big Games, Big Crowds and Big Moments
Denver has always been a sports city. Long before the Denver Sports Commission was established, community leaders, local sports organizations, venues and civic partners came together to attract major events to the Mile High City and establish Denver's reputation as one of the nation's premier sports destinations. From hosting the 1984 NBA All-Star Game, the 1990 NCAA Men's Final Four and the 1998 MLB All-Star Game to earning Sporting News' recognition as the nation's Best Sports City in 1995 and 1997, Denver created the momentum that would shape the decades to come.
That momentum led local business leader Rob Cohen, along with other key stakeholders, to establish the Denver Sports Commission in 2001. Their efforts helped bring events that have filled stadiums, packed arenas and put Denver in front of national and international audiences. Over the past 25 years, the commission has built an impressive track record of recruiting and supporting championships, tournaments, showcases and matches across nearly every major sport and at nearly every Denver sports venue. Along the way, the commission has supported more than 400 events that have generated more than $1.2 billion in economic impact for the region.
In 2013, the Denver Sports Commission became an affiliate under Visit Denver, strengthening the city's ability to compete for major sporting events and creating a coordinated approach to sports tourism. Together, the organizations work with event owners, venues, local partners and volunteers to help deliver successful events from bid development through gameday.
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.
Showcasing Denver on a Larger Stage
“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. 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."
— Rob Cohen, Chairman and CEO of IMA Financial Group and Founder of the Denver Sports Commission
Establishing a Top Sports Destination
"Over the past 25 years, the Denver Sports Commission has helped establish Denver as one of the nation's top sports destinations and 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.”
— Matthew Payne, Executive Director of Denver Sports Commission
Honoring Every Contribution
"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. It is an honor to help lead the organization as we enter our next chapter."
— Mark Williams, Denver Sports Advisory Committee Chair
Paying Homage to Our Organizational Ancestors
"As we celebrate 25 years of the Denver Sports Commission, we have to take a moment to pay homage to the many works of the organizational ancestors of Colorado's current sports-event ecosystem.
Although Colorado famously rejected the 1976 Winter Olympics after being awarded them, civic leaders continued to believe that they should always explore future Olympic opportunities. The Colorado Sports Council (CSC), led by Buddy Noel, was created in the late 1980s as a nonprofit sports development organization whose mission was to recruit, create and manage major amateur and professional sporting events for Colorado. One of its major ambitions was positioning Colorado as an international sports destination. Along with Visit Denver, the Chamber of Commerce and numerous city and statewide partners Denver and Colorado pursued bid for national championships and international competitions, and hosted events such as the 1993 Four Nations Soccer Cup and the 1995 U.S. Olympic Festival.
Working closely with the Denver Organizing Committee, led by key community leaders such as Roger Kinney and Joe Talty, the 1989 Regional Men’s Basketball tournament and the 1990 Men’s Final Four was held in Denver. Other successes included Denver hosting the 1984 NBA all-star game and 1988 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. In 1995, Visit Denver hired a director of sports, after being asked to play a lead role in continuing the legacy of competing nationally and internationally and use sports tourism as an economic development strategy. In 2001 businessman, and now owner of the Summit FC, Rob Cohen pulled together Visit Denver, community leaders and various stakeholders to form the Denver Sports Commission until 2012 when it was folded into the convention, tourism and events industry run by Visit Denver where it remains today."
— Richard Scharf, President and CEO of Visit Denver
Top 25 Moments in Denver Sports History
The 25 moments below — listed chronologically — capture 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.
USA Pro Cycling Challenge
2001: "Birth" of Metro Denver Sports Commission
The formation of the Metro Denver Sports Commission in 2001 marked a turning point for Denver’s approach to event attraction, creating a unified strategy for sports tourism growth. Spearheaded by local business leader Rob Cohen, alongside other key stakeholders, the commission laid the foundation for decades of sports tourism growth. Joining Visit Denver in 2013 further strengthened the organization’s long-term impact.
2005: NBA All-Star Game
Venue: Pepsi Center (present-day Ball Arena)
The NBA All-Star Game is basketball's annual showcase featuring many of the league's biggest stars. In 2005, Denver hosted the event at Pepsi Center, bringing players, celebrities, media and fans from around the world to the city. Hosting one of the NBA's marquee events showcased Denver’s premier venues and downtown, and elevated the city’s profile as a major destination for global sporting events.
2005: USA Volleyball Open National Championships
Venue: Colorado Convention Center
The USA Volleyball Open National Championships is one of the country's largest adult amateur volleyball tournaments. In 2005, thousands of athletes, coaches and spectators filled the Colorado Convention Center for days of competition. Teams from across the nation competed in multiple divisions and age groups. The event started a long-term relationship with USA Volleyball that still thrives today.
2008: NCAA Hockey Frozen Four
Venue: Pepsi Center (present-day Ball Arena)
The NCAA Frozen Four is the national championship event for Division I men's college hockey. In 2008, Denver hosted the semifinals and championship games at Pepsi Center, bringing college hockey's biggest stage to the city. Boston College defeated Notre Dame to win the national title, while more than 89,000 fans attended the event. The Frozen Four reinforced Denver's identity as a hockey city and demonstrated its ability to host premier NCAA championships.
2009: SportAccord
Venue: Colorado Convention Center
SportAccord is one of the world's largest gatherings of international sports organizations, bringing together leaders from governing bodies, Olympic federations and event organizers. In 2009, Denver hosted more than 1,500 delegates from around the world at the Colorado Convention Center. It was the first time the event had been held in North America. Hosting SportAccord raised Denver's profile within the global sports industry and helped build relationships that supported future event attraction efforts.
2009: NASC Symposium
Venue: Colorado Convention Center
The National Association of Sports Commissions (NASC) Symposium is the largest annual gathering of sports tourism professionals in the United States. In 2009, Denver welcomed destination leaders, event owners and sports commissions from across the country to the Colorado Convention Center. The conference focused on building partnerships and attracting future sporting events. Hosting the symposium strengthened Denver's reputation among industry peers and expanded its network within the sports tourism community.
2009: USA Boxing National Championships
Venue: Denver Coliseum
The USA Boxing National Championships determine national champions and showcase many of the country's top amateur boxers. In 2009, the tournament was held at Denver Coliseum and featured athletes from across the United States. Competitors battled for national titles and opportunities to advance within the Olympic development pipeline. The event highlighted Denver's ability to host national governing body championships and support amateur athletics with flexible venues.
2009: Churchill Cup
Venue: Infinity Park and DICK’S Sporting Goods Park
The Churchill Cup was an international rugby tournament featuring national and developmental teams from several countries. In 2009, Infinity Park in Glendale hosted pool-play matches while the finals were played at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park. Six teams competed, with Ireland A winning the tournament championship. The event helped introduce more local fans to international rugby and established the Denver region as a key rugby destination in the United States. It also laid the groundwork for future competitions, including the Pacific Nations Cup (2025) and Rugby Nations Cup (2026).
2009: USA Curling Championships
Venue: Broomfield Events Center
The USA Curling Championships determine national champions and select teams for major international competitions. In 2009, the event was held at the Broomfield Events Center and also served as the U.S. Olympic Team Trials. Athletes competed for the opportunity to represent the United States at the 2010 Winter Olympics. The championship expanded the region's winter sports portfolio and introduced many spectators to the sport of curling.
Big Air
2011: Big Air
Venue: Civic Center Park
Big Air is a skiing and snowboarding competition in which athletes launch off a massive jump and perform aerial tricks. In 2011, Denver built a temporary jump more than 100 feet high in Civic Center Park, turning downtown into an urban winter-sports venue where elite skiers and snowboarders competed in front of spectators. The event showcased Denver's creativity and helped establish the city as a leader in innovative event experiences.
2011: USA Pro Cycling Challenge
Venue: Downtown Denver and Civic Center Park
The USA Pro Challenge was one of America's premier professional cycling races, attracting many of the world's top riders. In its inaugural year, the race concluded in Denver with multiple laps around Civic Center Park and downtown streets. The event showcased Colorado's cycling culture and mountain landscape to an international audience. Its success helped establish Denver as a major destination for professional cycling events and paved the way for future races like the Colorado Classic.
2012: NCAA Women's Final Four
Venue: Pepsi Center (present-day Ball Arena)
The NCAA Women's Final Four is the championship event for Division I women's college basketball. In 2012, Denver hosted the event at Pepsi Center (now Ball Arena), marking the first Women's Final Four ever held in Colorado. Baylor completed a perfect 40-0 season by winning the national championship. The event brought national attention to Denver and demonstrated the city's ability to successfully host major women's sporting events.
2013: Solheim Cup
Venue: Colorado Golf Club
The Solheim Cup is one of the most prestigious events in women's golf, matching the best players from the United States and Europe in a team competition. In 2013, Colorado Golf Club in Parker hosted the event, bringing many of the world's top female golfers to the Denver region. Europe defeated the United States 18-10, becoming the first European team to win a Solheim Cup on American soil. The event generated worldwide exposure for the region and reinforced Colorado's reputation as a destination for championship golf — adding to a legacy that includes the 2005 U.S. Women’s Open at Cherry Hills.
World Lacrosse Championships
2014: World Lacrosse Championships
Venue: DICK’S Sporting Goods Park
The World Lacrosse Championship is the sport's premier international tournament, featuring national teams from around the globe. In 2014, Denver hosted 38 countries and 142 games at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park over 10 days of competition. Canada defeated the United States 8-5 in the championship game to claim the world title. Hosting one of the largest international lacrosse events ever staged helped position Denver to host additional major events, including the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Quarterfinals at the former Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
2014: BMW Championship
Venue: Cherry Hills Country Club
The BMW Championship is one of the PGA Tour's premier FedExCup Playoff events, featuring many of the world's best golfers. In 2014, Cherry Hills Country Club hosted the tournament and welcomed elite players from across professional golf. Billy Horschel captured the championship as part of his run to the FedExCup title. The event reinforced Denver's reputation as a destination capable of hosting world-class golf competitions.
2015: MLS All-Star Game
Venue: DICK’S Sporting Good Park
The MLS All-Star Game features the league's top players competing against a prominent international club. In 2015, Denver hosted the event at DICK's Sporting Goods Park, where the MLS All-Stars defeated English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur. The match was played before a sold-out crowd and attracted national media attention. The event highlighted the strength of Denver's soccer fan base and growing importance within Major League Soccer.
2016: NCAA Division II Spring Festival
Venue: Metro State University - Denver
The NCAA Division II Spring Festival is a multi-sport championship event that brings several national collegiate championships together in one host city. In 2016, Metro State University of Denver and the Denver Sports Commission welcomed more than 1,100 student athletes competing in multiple Division II national championships. The event combined several sports into a single, week-long celebration of college athletics, and put a spotlight on the new renovations at downtown’s Metro State University.
2017: Concacaf Gold Cup
Venue: Sports Authority Field (present-day Empower Field at Mile High)
The Concacaf Gold Cup is the championship tournament for men's national soccer teams from North America, Central America and the Caribbean. In 2017, Denver hosted tournament matches at the former Sports Authority Field, bringing international soccer and passionate fan bases of Mexico, Jamaica, El Salvador and Curacao to the city. Denver's successful hosting helped strengthen its reputation as a destination for major international soccer competitions — and that momentum carried forward into hosting the Nations League Finals.
2019: UIAA Ice Climbing
Venue: Civic Center Park
The International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA) Ice Climbing World Cup is an international competition where athletes race and climb vertically on man-made ice structures. In 2019, Denver transformed Civic Center Park into a temporary ice climbing venue and hosted the World Cup Finals, along with a family friendly fan fest. The event featured both speed- and lead-climbing competitions and drew record in-person and livestream audiences. It showcased Denver’s creativity in hosting unconventional sports and drew international attention. The success helped position the city for future climbing events, including the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) Speed Climbing event in 2025.
UIAA Ice Climbing
2021: Concacaf Nations League Finals
Venue: Empower Field at Mile High
The Concacaf Nations League Finals determine the champion among national soccer teams from North America, Central America and the Caribbean. In 2021, Denver hosted the inaugural finals at Empower Field. The tournament culminated in a dramatic United States victory over Mexico in one of the most memorable matches in recent regional soccer history. The event generated international attention and further established Denver as a premier soccer destination.
2021: MLB All-Star Game
Venue: Coors Field and Colorado Convention Center
The MLB All-Star Game is Major League Baseball's annual showcase featuring many of the sport's biggest stars. In 2021, Denver stepped in to host the event in record time at Coors Field after it was relocated from another market. Fans from across the country traveled to Denver for a week of baseball festivities and celebrations. The event generated worldwide exposure and highlighted Denver's ability to host one of the largest events in professional sports.
2022: Hockey Capital USA
In 2022, Denver celebrated an unprecedented year in which the Colorado Avalanche, University of Denver Pioneers, Denver East High School and Pee-Wee Jr. Avalanche teams all won their respective championships, including the Avs’ Stanely Cup win. Denver commemorated the achievement with a 10-foot hockey puck displaying the names of 88 players from those title-winning teams. The recognition of “Hockey Capital USA” cemented Denver’s reputation as a national leader in the sport.
2023: USA Fencing Junior Olympics
Venue: Colorado Convention Center
The USA Fencing Junior Olympics is the nation's premier youth fencing championship. In 2023, thousands of young athletes traveled to Denver to compete at the Colorado Convention Center in junior, cadet and team events. The competition featured many of the country's top rising fencing talents. It generated significant visitation and reinforced Denver's ability to host large-scale youth sports championships.
USA Fencing Junior Olympics
2024: US Women's National Team (Soccer)
Venue: DICK’S Sporting Goods Park
The U.S. Women's National Team, undefeated in all their appearances at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park, is one of the most successful programs in international soccer history. In 2024, the team returned to the stadium and defeated Korea Republic before a sold-out crowd of more than 19,000 fans. The match marked the debut of head coach Emma Hayes and featured several players with Colorado connections. The strong turnout demonstrated Denver's enduring support for women's sports and reinforced its status as one of the team's most reliable host markets.
2025: NCAA Men’s Basketball Championships – First and Second Rounds
Venue: Ball Arena
Once again, the NCAA brought sold out capacity basketball to Ball Arena in March 2025. Featuring eight teams, including exciting matches with Michigan, BYU and Wisconsin, fans were brought to their feet cheering on another successful spring of “March Madness.” The NCAA has made Denver and Ball Arena a consistent home in college basketball’s biggest stage for decades and the future is bright for more sold out games to come.
Be a Part of More Denver Sports Moments
2026 is another packed year of athletics, so be sure to check out all of Denver's upcoming sporting events. Interested in being a part of the action? Learn more about volunteering for events.