History

In 2001, the Metro Denver Sports Commission was created to elevate the brand of Denver and ultimately put the Mile High City in the upper tier of best sports cities in America.

Founded and created by Robert Cohen (IMA Financial), along with several key community leaders, this highly regarded profile was accomplished by recruiting and managing several signature events throughout the years.

In December 2012, the Board of Directors of the Metro Denver Sports Commission voted to become an affiliate of Visit Denver’s sports marketing efforts, effective January 2013. Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock, an avid sports fan, helped lead the alignment. A Denver Sports Advisory Committee was formed immediately afterward and has been working diligently to fulfill the mission ever since.

As an official affiliate of Visit Denver, the Denver Sports Commission (often referred to as Denver Sports) operates as a clearinghouse and resource for all sporting event owners and organizers interested in Denver as a future location. The mission of Denver Sports is to proactively identify, pursue and attract new regional, national and international sporting events and sports-related business opportunities that generate economic impact, engage the community and support Denver’s brand as an active, healthy city.

2025 at a Glance

Sports tourism is an integral part of local and national economies across the United States. Travelers attending sports tournaments, races and other events — either as a participant or spectator — generate significant economic benefits to households, businesses and governments alike and represent a critical driver of the overall economy. According to Sports ETA and Tourism Economics’ 2024 industry report, overnight attendees accounted for most of total sports tourism figures, with $42.2 billion (about $130 per person in the U.S.), compared to $4.9 billion (about $15 per person in the U.S.) from day-trippers.

For Denver, sports in 2025 hit a high mark in number of high quality, media sporting events. Denver was honored to host several events in 2025 that are keeping the Mile High City in the forefront. To name a few:

2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championships (1st/2nd Rounds)

Once again, the NCAA brought sold out capacity basketball to Ball Arena in March. Featuring eight teams, including exciting matches with Michigan, Texas A&M and Wisconsin, fans were brought to their feet cheering on another successful spring of “March Madness.”

2025 USA Volleyball Open Championships

USA Volleyball’s signature event, the Open National Championship took place at the Colorado Convention Center from May 23–28. This premier event brought together adult volleyball teams from across the country for six action-packed days of competition. With thousands of players, coaches and fans in attendance, the Centennial State showed off again its love for volleyball.

2025 U.S. Soccer International Friendlies

The U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) had an electrifying showdown against Ireland at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. This match marked USWNT’s ninth appearance at the venue, where they boast an impressive 8-0-1 record. This game was part of the team’s preparation for the 2027 Women’s World Cup and is especially exciting as the team features several women who grew up in Colorado. The U.S. Men’s team was also scheduled in the Mile High City in October as they took on Australia, again at Denver’s MLS stadium.

2025 USA BMX Mile High Nationals

After a 10-year hiatus, the USA BMX National Series came back to Colorado this past summer. Hosted by Mile High BMX in Lakewood, this high-profile event brings elite racers, rising stars and families from across the country to the base of the Rocky Mountains for a full weekend of adrenaline-fueled action.

2025 Pacific Nations Cup

Denver hosted the semifinal stage of the third biggest annual rugby event in the world with the Pacific Nations Cup coming to town. Teams competed for qualifications in the next Rugby World Cup and featured the national squads from six nations: USA, Canada, Japan, Samoa, Tonga and Fiji.