“Potential for a win-win-win,” is how Denver NWSL CEO Rob Cohen described the club’s plans for a new stadium. And rightly so—after all, it’s set to become the largest investment ever made by a women’s professional team, totaling a massive $70 million. But as ambitious as this project is from the league’s 16th expansion side, they could be forced to shelve it due to significant hurdles and pushback from the city council.

The Colorado-based team earlier announced that they have reached an agreement to start the construction of their team’s 14,500-seater home ground as well as an entertainment and recreational center at Santa Fe Yards. It is located on Broadway and Interstate 25, with architectural firm Populous leading the project that would take up to 14 acres of space. However, a recently held South Platte River Committee meeting has raised concerns over this project.

“We’re being asked to invest $70 million in a time of economic hardship,” remarked Council President Amanda Sandoval in front of the Mayor’s staff and Denver stakeholders, as reported by The Denver Post. Apparently, all the members are seeking more transparency on the project’s costs. Aside from questioning the fairness of the proposed financial plan, concerns regarding global economic instability were also raised by many.

Well, it’s not like they’re completely against the concept of a stadium, but the withheld support also stems from making any decision in haste. Then again, a few are still skeptical of approving the groundbreaking proposal. “We are facing the collapse of global financial markets. I don’t believe this stadium will ever be built,” remarked Councilwoman Sarah Parady. “I wish that I did.”

This, however, wasn’t taken well by Councilwoman Flor Alvidrez, who represents the area where the stadium would be built and described the committee’s skepticism as “a little bit disturbing.” Further expressing her discontent, she added, “This, to me, is a small investment in an area that has historic redlining, that has a lack of public spaces. I’m pretty appalled that when it comes to investing in this area, all of a sudden it’s too much.”

Likewise, CEO Rob Cohen responded to the city council with a bold claim, stating the club stakeholders are “very committed” to the project. “I can unequivocally tell you: We won’t abandon this project,” he said.

Either way, this is quite a huge blow to Denver. Interestingly, on one side, they are making significant efforts to make their NWSL debut like a smooth operator. Recently, aside from achieving 10,000 season-ticket deposits, the $110 million franchise recently signed Jen Millet as its first-ever employee and team president.

But when it comes to stadiums, things are going in a downward spiral. This must be quite concerning for them as without the approval of the City Council members, then forget the stadium, Denver won’t be able to make land purchases and rezoning in the first place. While they would be seeking some sort of leeway, the City Council did have something unique to propose!

More on Denver NWSL’s huge stadium project blow

Notably, even if the City Council decides to fund the requested $70 million, it will be relying on its Capital Improvement Program. Simply put, they’ll be using interest earnings from the Elevate Denver Bond—a decade-long general obligation bond amounting to $937 million approved by voters in 2017. The bond is dedicated to funding infrastructural improvements in the City and County of Denver and has generated tens of millions in interest.

According to reports, the Capital Improvement Fund would be furnishing at least $50 million for the land and infrastructural enhancements in and around the area. That money would be freed up by changing the funding source for other projects like the renovation of the 16th Street Mall—an idea that has attracted significant criticism from Councilwoman Amanda Sawyer. “There are Elevate Denver bond projects that were reduced in scope because of the economic uncertainty in 2021 and 2022. To say now we have $50 million in interest that we can put towards something else … is not fair to (voters),” she said. 

The remaining $20 million set to cover off-site enhancements? Well, Laura Swartz of the city’s financial department filled everyone in on it. Per her, half of that bill will be footed by future interest that the bond program is projected to earn. Meanwhile, the other half shall be covered by the capital budget over the course of the next three years.

If this investment goes through, it will only cover costs required for land acquisition and infrastructure. The building of the stadium itself, which is expected to cost around $150 to $200 million, will be fully funded by the NWSL team’s ownership. While it’s clear that the proposal was not very well received, some council members have suggested voter-approved sales tax as one of the avenues through which the funding could be arranged. However, at this stage it remains to be seen what further developments come to light with the proposal set to be presented again in two weeks.