The Colorado Rapids welcomed 75,824 fans to Empower Field at Mile High on April 19 for their 30th Anniversary Match, setting the second-highest single-game attendance record in Major League Soccer history.
The event, presented by UCHealth, saw the Rapids face Inter Miami CF. Only the July 2, 2023 match between LA Galaxy and LAFC, which drew 82,110 fans, has surpassed this turnout.
During the game, goals from Rafael Navarro and Darren Yapi brought excitement to the crowd. Despite a final score of 2-3 in favor of Miami, supporters filled all sections of Empower Field and showed strong backing for their team.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber commented on the significance of soccer’s growth in America: “I’ve always believed that when we went through a full generation, that we’d be able to have a league where those who grew up with the league in their lives would be in a position to influence its future growth and future popularity,” said Garber. “So now we have kids that have grown up going to games with their families, and now they’re moms and dads, and they have kids that they can take to a game. Maybe they’re going to be a mayor or a governor, or maybe they’re going to be an investment banker and influence where Major League Soccer is today and power our growth. That’s the unspoken story about where soccer in America is today.”
The large turnout highlights both local enthusiasm for soccer and continued interest across generations. The Rapids’ milestone event demonstrates how Major League Soccer continues attracting significant crowds as it marks three decades.
