Denver City Council Backs NWSL Stadium Project

The Denver City Council has approved a plan to spend 50 million dollars to help the ownership group of the National Women’s Soccer League expansion franchise, Denver Summit FC, build a new stadium.

The vote clears the way for majority owner Rob Cohen to move forward with a 14,500 seat stadium and a surrounding entertainment district. The project will be located in an area known as Santa Fe Yards.

Cohen said his ownership group will commit 300 million dollars to the overall development. The stadium alone is expected to cost between 150 and 200 million dollars.

The Santa Fe Yards Development Plan

The 14 acre site sits roughly five miles south of downtown Denver. The project includes a 3.5 acre public park and a mixed use development featuring retail and entertainment space.

The city plans to spend 50 million dollars on land acquisition and infrastructure improvements in the surrounding area. An additional 20 million dollars will be allocated for parks, trails, and a nearby bridge.

City leaders believe the project will stimulate economic development in a previously underutilized section of Denver. Supporters also point to the growing popularity of women’s sports as a reason to invest now.

Early Delays and a Relocation Warning

Approval did not come without tension. The city council initially delayed the vote, raising concerns about public spending and long term returns.

During the delay, Cohen warned that he would consider locations outside Denver if the deal stalled. That message appeared to resonate.

With the approval now finalized, both sides say the project is back on track. Construction timelines have not been publicly announced.

A Long Road for Women’s Professional Soccer

In January, the NWSL awarded its 16th franchise to the Denver market. The team will begin play in 2026.

The decision comes after decades of instability in professional women’s soccer in the United States. Following the United States Women’s National Team’s victory in the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup, optimism was high.

That optimism led to the launch of the Women’s United Soccer Association in 2001. The league featured star players and strong media backing from ESPN, Turner Sports, and PAX Net.

Despite that support, the WUSA failed to attract consistent crowds or television audiences. It folded in 2003.

Women’s Professional Soccer launched in 2009 but shut down three years later. The NWSL began play in 2013 and has faced its own challenges.

Why Denver Matters for the NWSL

The Denver project represents more than a new team. It signals growing confidence in the business of women’s sports.

A purpose built stadium and entertainment district give the league stability it has often lacked. For the NWSL, Denver could become a model for future expansion.

For the city, the gamble is clear. The hope is that this time, the foundation is strong enough to last.

Evan Weiner’s books are available at iTunes – https://books.apple.com/us/author/evan-weiner/id595575191

Evan can be reached at evan_weiner@hotmail.com

Gayle Benson Shuts Down Sale Talk in New Orleans

Gayle Benson has made her position unmistakably clear. The owner of the NFL’s New Orleans Saints and the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans has no intention of selling either franchise. At 78 years old, and approaching her 79th birthday, Benson dismissed persistent rumors with blunt language.

“The teams are not for sale,” Benson said. She emphasized the point repeatedly and expressed frustration with constant inquiries. Benson said she remains healthy and active, and sees no reason to entertain discussions about ownership changes. She also addressed relocation rumors, telling fans and officials to calm down. According to Benson, both teams remain firmly rooted in New Orleans.

A Long-Term Plan for the Community

Benson did outline one future scenario. When she eventually passes, both franchises will be sold to the highest bidder. She stated clearly that 100 percent of those proceeds will be used to benefit the New Orleans community. That commitment reinforces her long-standing civic approach, even as speculation continues around the future of professional sports in the city.

For now, however, Benson remains in full control. Her focus is not on selling. It is on infrastructure, particularly for basketball.

Saints Stable, Pelicans Arena Not

The Saints’ home situation is secure. The State of Louisiana has renovated the Superdome multiple times, with the most recent upgrades just completed. The building remains one of the NFL’s signature venues.

The Pelicans’ situation is far more complicated. The team plays in a 26-year-old, state-owned arena that Benson believes no longer meets NBA standards. While the building survived Hurricane Katrina in good condition and underwent renovations in 2014, those improvements did not solve deeper structural issues.

Structural and Financial Challenges

A state assessment identified numerous high and medium priority concerns. The arena needs new seating and upgraded lighting. It also lacks a modern center-hung scoreboard and contemporary video screens. Concession areas require significant upgrades as well.

There are also design limitations. The lower bowl configuration restricts premium seating revenue. The overall footprint of the building limits modernization options. Those constraints hurt a franchise operating in one of the league’s smallest markets.

A Market Reality Problem

The Pelicans face challenges beyond the building. New Orleans is a small television market with limited corporate support. Ownership resources are not vast. That makes venue quality even more critical to financial stability.

Historically, Louisiana has sometimes paid franchise ownership to ensure the team stayed in the city. That history underscores the fragile economics involved. Benson needs a viable, modern basketball arena to keep the Pelicans competitive and sustainable.

The Bottom Line

Gayle Benson is not selling. The Saints are secure. The Pelicans, however, need a solution. Until a new or significantly upgraded arena becomes reality, pressure will remain on both ownership and the state to act.

Evan Weiner’s books are available at iTunes – https://books.apple.com/us/author/evan-weiner/id595575191

Evan can be reached at evan_weiner@hotmail.com

Let ’em Run Happy Hour Sets the Tone for the Weekend

Friday afternoons are for racing talk, strong opinions, and getting positioned for the weekend. That is exactly what Let ’em Run presents Friday Happy Hour delivers. The show continues to grow as a go-to spot for horseplayers who want insight without the fluff.

The focus stays on upcoming cards, betting angles, and how to approach the weekend bankroll. The conversation is relaxed, but the analysis stays sharp. This is not about chasing every race. It is about finding value and understanding where the opportunities really are.

Smart Racing Talk Without the Noise

Let ’em Run Happy Hour leans into real handicapping conversations. The show breaks down form cycles, pace scenarios, and trainer intent. It avoids overcomplicating things. The goal is clarity, not confusion.

Viewers get a feel for how seasoned bettors think. That includes when to press and when to pass. It also includes understanding why certain races matter more than others. Fridays are about preparation, and the show reflects that mindset.

The atmosphere stays loose, but the information is serious. That balance is what keeps people coming back.

Saturday Brings More Let ’em Run Coverage

The conversation does not stop on Friday. Fans can also catch John Kostin and Fred York on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. Their show continues the Let ’em Run approach with a deeper dive into the day’s racing action.

Kostin and York bring experience and perspective. They focus on race structure, wagering strategy, and how to attack key sequences. The show is designed to help bettors make informed decisions before post time.

Saturday’s show pairs perfectly with Friday Happy Hour. One sets the table. The other helps you eat.

Building Momentum Into the Racing Weekend

Let ’em Run continues to build a community around thoughtful racing content. The shows respect the audience’s intelligence. They also respect the difficulty of the game.

Friday Happy Hour starts the weekend with confidence. Saturday’s show sharpens the final approach. Together, they offer a complete setup for players who want to be ready when the gates open.

If you are looking for racing talk that values preparation, discipline, and smart wagering, Let ’em Run delivers exactly that.

You can watch the Friday show live here on Sports Talk Florida at 3 p.m EST.