Summit fans pack the house for sold-out first game in temporary Centennial Stadium

Saturday was a big day for Denver Summit fans as they cheered the team on at their new temporary stadium in Centennial for the first time.

It's awesome that they have their own stadium, said Phil Dorth, a season ticket holder who came to the game with his daughter and friends.

The Summit won Saturday's match 2-1 over the Portland Thorns, welcoming a sellout crowd of 12,372 fans. This marks the National Women's Soccer League team's fourth sellout in the team's inaugural season.

Today was about much more than opening a stadium. It was about celebrating what this club and our community have built together," said Denver Summit FC President Jen Millet in a release. 

The Centennial Stadium will host the club through its 2027 season, with the team's permanent home in Santa Fe Yards slated to welcome fans in 2028.

Not having to play on anybody else's turf, we have our own turf now, Dorth said.

Rocchina Stafford, decked out in Summit gear, shared the excitement for the new stadium.

We're so excited to have a women's team close by, Stafford said. So freaking pumped to be here."

John Futrell described the day as historic as his six-year-old daughter, River, sat on his shoulders.

The energy here is like electric and amazing, and it is so like important for her to be here for this moment and me, he said.

And of course, all eyes were on Lindsey Heaps as she made her Denver Summit debut.

It's pretty amazing getting to watch her, I watched her since she played for the national team. Always been supportive of her, and I'm very happy that she's home, fan Jordan Hirschhorn said.

Dressed in a number 10 jersey, young soccer player Maddie Gale said it's an honor to be able to welcome Heaps home.

I think she'll bring a bunch to the game, she said.

Another group of young soccer players shared just how excited they are to see Heaps play.

One said that Heaps just stands out.

Futrell said Heaps will bring something special to the team.

Hometown girl back home... Lets have our Golden girl do her thing, he said excitedly.

Stafford emphasized just how special the team is for the Coloradan and the future of womens sports.

For people showing up, like, it's inspiring and it's really awesome to see, she said.