40 Facts About Colorado Rapids

Founding and Early Years

The Colorado Rapids have a rich history that dates back to the mid-90s. Let's dive into their beginnings and early struggles.

1. The Colorado Rapids were one of the ten founding clubs of Major League Soccer, established on October 17, 1995.
2. Despite fielding experienced players like Shaun Bartlett, Chris Henderson, Chris Woods, Roy Wegerle, and Marcelo Balboa, the team finished last in the Western Conference with the worst record in the league during their inaugural 1996 season.
3. Marcelo Balboa became the first player to score for the club and also the first to record a goal at Mile High Stadium in 1996.
4. For the following season, Glenn Myernick was hired as a new head coach, and Dan Counce joined as a general manager. Myernick and Counce brought in new faces to the squad, including Paul Bravo, Wolde Harris, Ross Paule, and keeper Marcus Hahnemann.
5. The team struggled early on but rallied to grab a post-season spot. The Rapids pulled off two upsets and advanced to the 1997 MLS Cup final, where they lost 2–1 to D.C. United.

Home Stadium and Fan Experience

The Rapids' home stadium and their dedicated fanbase play a crucial role in the team's identity.

6. Since 2007, the Rapids have played their home games at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park, a world-class sports complex with an 18,000-seat soccer-specific stadium and 23 surrounding fields.
7. The average attendance at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park includes statistics from league matches only. The highest attendance was in 2018 with an average of 15,333 fans per game.
8. The Rapids have a passionate fanbase, known as the Centennial 38. This dedicated group of supporters has been instrumental in creating an electrifying matchday experience at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park.
9. DICK’S Sporting Goods Park hosts over 1.1 million guests per year at over 50 events, including the 2007 and 2015 MLS All-Star Games, U.S. Men’s and Women’s national team games, and the largest public fireworks show in Colorado every year on the Fourth of July.
10. DICK’S Sporting Goods Park is a state-of-the-art soccer-specific stadium with a capacity of over 18,000 cheering fans. The stadium features 23 surrounding fields, making it a hub for soccer activities in the region.

Achievements and Milestones

The Rapids have had their share of ups and downs, but they've also achieved significant milestones.

11. In 2010, the Colorado Rapids achieved their greatest milestone to date by winning the MLS Cup. This was a monumental moment of triumph for the team and their loyal supporters.
12. One of the most memorable moments in Rapids history is Marcelo Balboa’s famous bicycle kick, which garnered the Goal of the Year award in 2000.
13. The Colorado Rapids have won one MLS Cup championship in 2010. This achievement marked a significant milestone in the team's history and cemented their place in MLS lore.
14. The Rapids have played in several notable games, including the 1997 MLS Cup final and the 2000 U.S. Open Cup final. They have also hosted international matches and major tournaments at their home stadium.
15. Winning the MLS Cup in 2010 was a monumental moment for the Rapids. The team's victory marked a significant achievement in their history and cemented their place as one of the top teams in MLS.

Notable Players and Coaches

Over the years, the Rapids have seen many talented players and influential coaches.

16. Notable players include Marcelo Balboa, Paul Bravo, and Cole Bassett.
17. Fourteen players have come through the Rapids Academy and signed professional Homegrown Player contracts with the Rapids First Team.
18. Players like Marcelo Balboa and Cole Bassett have achieved significant milestones in their careers with the Rapids. Balboa's bicycle kick is still remembered as one of the most iconic goals in MLS history.
19. The Rapids have had several notable coaches throughout their history, including Bob Houghton and Glenn Myernick. These coaches have played a crucial role in shaping the team's strategy and success.
20. The team has also had influential general managers like Dan Counce, who brought significant changes to the squad and helped the team secure post-season spots.

Youth Development and Community Engagement

The Rapids are deeply involved in youth development and community initiatives.

21. The Colorado Rapids operate the Colorado Rapids Academy, a fully funded elite youth development program. Over 100 players currently play for Rapids Academy teams in five age groups: U-13, U-14, U-15, U-16/17, and U-18/19.
22. The Colorado Rapids Youth Academy serves as a platform for developing young talents and nurturing the future stars of soccer. It provides professional training and mentorship for aspiring players.
23. The Rapids Academy is not only a platform for developing young talents but also provides professional training and mentorship for aspiring players. This program has been instrumental in nurturing future stars of soccer.
24. The Rapids are leaders in the local community, raising tens of thousands of dollars annually for Kroenke Sports Charities, which support underserved children and families in Colorado through educational and recreational programs.
25. The Rapids have made a significant impact on the local community through their charitable initiatives. They have raised tens of thousands of dollars annually for Kroenke Sports Charities, supporting underserved children and families in Colorado.

Recent Seasons and Performance

Let's take a look at how the Rapids have performed in recent seasons.

26. In 2018, the Rapids finished 11th in the Western Conference with an 8-19-7 record.
27. In 2019, the Rapids finished 9th in the Western Conference with a 12-16-6 record.
28. In 2020, the Rapids finished 5th in the Western Conference with an 8-6-4 record.
29. In 2021, the Rapids finished 1st in the Western Conference with a 17-7-10 record.
30. In 2022, the Rapids finished 10th in the Western Conference with an 11-13-10 record.

Top Scorers and Memorable Moments

The Rapids have had some standout players and unforgettable moments.

31. Notable top scorers for the Rapids include Dominique Badji (2018) with 7 goals, Kei Kamara (2019) with 14 goals, and Cole Bassett (2023) with 6 goals.
32. One of the most memorable moments in Rapids history is Marcelo Balboa’s famous bicycle kick, which garnered the Goal of the Year award in 2000.
33. The Rapids have played in several notable games, including the 1997 MLS Cup final and the 2000 U.S. Open Cup final. They have also hosted international matches and major tournaments at their home stadium.
34. Winning the MLS Cup in 2010 was a monumental moment for the Rapids. The team's victory marked a significant achievement in their history and cemented their place as one of the top teams in MLS.
35. DICK’S Sporting Goods Park hosts over 1.1 million guests per year at over 50 events, including the 2007 and 2015 MLS All-Star Games, U.S. Men’s and Women’s national team games, and the largest public fireworks show in Colorado every year on the Fourth of July.

Community Impact and Legacy

The Rapids' influence extends beyond the pitch, impacting the community and leaving a lasting legacy.

36. The Rapids are involved in several charitable initiatives, including supporting Kroenke Sports Charities. These initiatives have made a significant impact on the local community, particularly in supporting underserved children and families.
37. The Rapids engage with their fans through various initiatives, including fan groups like the Centennial 38. This engagement has helped build a strong and dedicated fanbase.
38. The Colorado Rapids have built a strong legacy in the world of soccer. From their early struggles to their championship win in 2010, the team has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and teamwork.
39. The Rapids have a global fanbase, with supporters from all over the world cheering them on. This international support has been instrumental in making the team a household name in the soccer world.
40. The Colorado Rapids have left a lasting legacy in Major League Soccer. From their early struggles to their championship win, the team has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and teamwork, making them a beloved and respected part of the MLS community.

Colorado Rapids: A Legacy of Passion and Community

The Colorado Rapids have carved out a unique spot in Major League Soccer since their founding in 1995. From early struggles to their triumphant 2010 MLS Cup win, the Rapids' journey is filled with memorable moments and dedicated players. Their home, DICK’S Sporting Goods Park, isn't just a stadium; it's a hub for soccer and community events, drawing over a million guests annually.

The Rapids' commitment to youth development through the Colorado Rapids Academy ensures a bright future for the sport. Their community engagement, raising funds for Kroenke Sports Charities, shows their dedication off the field too. With passionate fans like the Centennial 38, every matchday is an electrifying experience.

The Rapids' story is one of resilience, community, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to soccer, the Rapids offer an unforgettable experience.