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.
2024 at a Glance
Sports tourism is an integral part of local and national economies across the U.S. 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, the number of sports travelers in the U.S. established a new high-water mark of 204.9 million in 2023. For Denver, sports in 2024 did not miss a beat and activity is keeping pace with the national uptick in events. Denver was honored to host several events in 2024 that are keeping The Mile High City in the forefront. To name a few:
2024 MexTour International Soccer
The Mexican National Team has found a welcomed home in Denver, once again playing a high-profile match at Empower Field at Mile High. In front of over 57,000 fans, Mexico battled the global power and national team from Uruguay in a friendly match as part of the MexTour national summer tour.
2024 U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team
In preparation for the Paris Olympics, the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team took on Korea Republic in front of a sellout crowd at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Colorado natives Sophia Smith, Lindsay Horan and Mallory Swanson played an important role in the decisive 4-0 win for the U.S. team.
MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) in The Mile High City
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has roots in Denver, as the very first Ultimate Fighting Championship event took place at McNichols Arena back in 1993. MMA had a strong presence again in Denver in 2024 with the two biggest global fighting organizations in UFC and ONE Championship taking place at Ball Arena.
BMW Championships (PGA)
Listed as the penultimate event of the PGA TOUR’s FedEx Cup Playoffs, the 2024 BMW Championship made its home again in the Denver area. Taking place at Castle Pines Golf Club, the top 50 players in the world competed for the win in front of record crowds. Golf fans were treated to a fantastic performance from the winner Keegan Bradley.
