Colorado Rapids

Colorado Rapids was one of MLS’s original clubs and began play in 1996. It used Mile High Stadium from 1996 through 2001, then played at Invesco Field at Mile High from 2002 through 2006.⁠[1][2]

On September 23, 2003, MLS announced that Kroenke Sports Enterprises had acquired Colorado Rapids from AEG and planned to build a soccer-specific stadium.⁠[3]

In February 2007, the club adopted a burgundy and sky-blue identity. Its shield-shaped crest incorporated the Rocky Mountains, a soccer ball and the number 96 for its 1996 beginnings.⁠[4]

On April 7, 2007, the Rapids won their first match at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, beating D.C. UnitedD.C. UnitedD.C. United is a professional soccer club in Washington, D.C., competing in MLS at Audi Field. An original member of the league in 1996, it won MLS Cup in 1996, 1997, 1999 and 2004.Open the full entry 2–1 after years at the Denver BroncosDenver BroncosThe Denver Broncos are an NFL professional American football team awarded an AFL charter franchise in 1959 and beginning play in 1960. They play at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, and won Super Bowls XXXII, XXXIII and 50. The Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group took over in 2022.Open the full entry’ home venues.⁠[5]

Colorado won its first MLS Cup in 2010, beating FC DallasFC DallasFC Dallas is a professional soccer club in Texas competing in MLS, with its regular home at Toyota Stadium in Frisco.Open the full entry 2–1 after extra time at Toronto’s BMO Field. Conor Casey scored and was named final MVP; an own goal by Dallas defender George John in the 107th minute decided the match. The Rapids had previously reached the final in 1997.⁠[6]

On November 27, 2016, Colorado lost the second leg of the Western Conference Final 1–0 at home to Seattle Sounders and exited 3–1 on aggregate.⁠[7]

Under Robin Fraser, Colorado finished first in the Western Conference regular season for the first time in 2021, earning a club-record 61 points. Its playoff run ended against Portland Timbers, with Larrys Mabiala scoring the decisive goal in the 90th minute.⁠[8]

On August 25, 2024, Colorado drew 2–2 with Philadelphia Union in the Leagues Cup third-place match and won the shootout 3–1, qualifying for the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup. Goalkeeper Zack Steffen saved Philadelphia’s first two penalties.⁠[9]

On December 23, 2025, the Rapids appointed Tottenham Hotspur assistant Matt Wells as head coach. He had been part of the coaching staff for Tottenham’s 2024–25 Europa League title.⁠[10]

On April 7, 2026, the club announced an identity project following consultation with nearly 5,000 people. The Colorado Rapids name and burgundy remained central, with further fan feedback planned during design work.⁠[11]

The club marked its 30th anniversary with a special match at Denver’s Empower Field at Mile High on April 18, losing 3–2 to Inter Miami before a club-record 75,824 spectators. Its regular 2026 home remained DICK’S Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City.⁠[12][13]

On September 16, 2026, the Rapids lost 3–0 at home to St. Louis CITY in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals, their first appearance at that stage since 1999.⁠[14][15]

Colorado Rapids: Official website: https://www.coloradorapids.com/ (opens in a new window).⁠[16]