COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — The Colorado Rapids announced today the 2026 Theme Nights at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park, showcasing a schedule of matchday experiences that celebrate the diversity, passion, and spirit of the Rapids community. This year’s calendar features a mix of fan-favorite traditions and exciting new celebrations throughout the 2026 MLS season.
The Rapids’ 2026 Home Opener kicks off on Saturday, February 28 as the Burgundy Boys take on the Portland Timbers at 2:30 p.m. at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park.
The marquee event of the season is the Rapids’ 30th Anniversary Match on Saturday, April 18, presented by UCHealth. The Rapids will celebrate 30 years of history, passion, and star power by returning to downtown Denver and Empower Field at Mile High. This landmark matchup against Inter Miami CF ensures that the entire Colorado soccer community can witness this historic moment in a high-capacity setting. Three decades. One historic night.
Over Memorial Day Weekend, the Rapids are set to ignite the summer of soccer versus FC Dallas on Saturday, May 23. This year’s Summer Kickoff, presented by King Soopers, marks the highly anticipated return of Bark at the Park, welcoming fans and their k9 companions to the park. In consideration of all dogs in attendance, in-game pyrotechnics will be suspended for this match, with the evening's fireworks display taking place postgame.
Celebrate Colorado on Saturday, August 1 against Austin FC will celebrate Colorado’s 150th birthday. Returning from the World Cup break, the Rapids will host an epic, all-Colorado celebration with local music, art, outdoor culture, craft beer, and conclude with postgame fireworks. The team will take the pitch in the Headwaters Kit, highlighting the club's partnership with Colorado Water Trust.
Noche Latina, presented by American Family Insurance, will celebrate the diverse Latin American traditions that shape the Rapids' fanbase and the global game on Saturday, September 19 against the Seattle Sounders. Fans can expect a vibrant atmosphere of music, culture, and community, capped by a spectacular fireworks show set to a themed soundtrack.
Little Rapids Night vs. the San Jose Earthquakes will be held on Saturday, October 10, presented by the DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation – Sports Matter. A youth-powered takeover of the matchday experience will put the next generation front and center with kid-led in-stadium roles, youth club activations, and Little Rapids experiences.
The Rocky Mountain Cup rivalry returns to DSGP on Saturday, August 29, for a high-stakes battle against Real Salt Lake. The Rapids will aim to capture the Cup for the third straight season. The 2026 home slate culminates on Halloween, Saturday, October 31, as the club welcomes Chicago Fire FC for a Fan Appreciation Match, presented by Colorado Potatoes.
2026 Rapids Theme Night Schedule
- Saturday, April 18 – 30th Anniversary Match vs. Inter Miami CF @ 2:30 p.m. MT, presented by UCHealth
- Saturday, May 23 – Summer Kickoff vs. FC Dallas @ 7:30 p.m. MT
- Saturday, August 1 – Celebrate Colorado vs. Austin FC @ 7:30 p.m. MT
- Saturday, September 19 – Noche Latina vs. Seattle Sounders @ 7:30 p.m. MT, presented by American Family Insurance
- Saturday, October 10 – Little Rapids Night vs. San Jose Earthquakes @ 7:30 p.m. MT, presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation – Sports Matter
Details on ticketing, promotions, and additional matchday activations will be available on the Rapids’ official social media channels and at https://www.coloradorapids.com/tickets/theme-nights. Fans can purchase single game tickets HERE.