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Celebrate Colorado Night vs Austin FC: Your Ultimate Gameday Playbook
Celebrate Colorado Night: Your Complete Guide to Rapids vs. Austin FC
Hey there, soccer fan! This Saturday is a really big deal—Colorado is turning 150 years old, and the Rapids are throwing a massive birthday party at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park (DSGP). Whether you’re a season ticket holder or a first-timer, here is your simple, step-by-step guide to making the most of Celebrate Colorado Night.
The Big Picture: What’s Happening?
Think of this night as a festival with a soccer game in the middle. Here are the three main acts:
- Celebrate Colorado: Special jerseys, local breweries, and state pride everywhere.
- Brand New Tradition: For the first time ever, you can watch the players arrive up close!
- Fireworks Finale: Stick around after the final whistle for a show on the actual field.
Mark Your Calendar
- Match: Colorado Rapids vs. Austin FC
- Kickoff: 7:30 PM
- Location: DICK’S Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City
- Special Occasion: Colorado’s 150th Birthday (Sesquicentennial!)
Your Game Day Timeline (Step-by-Step)
Arrive early! The fun starts two hours before kickoff.
1. 5:30 PM – The Party Starts (Gates E, F & Parking Lots Open)
This is the "Golden Hour" for early birds.
- NEW: Player Arrivals at Gate E
Walk the red carpet with the team! The team bus pulls up at Gate E at 5:30 PM. Expect music, chants, and your first look at the starting XI.
Bonus: Score a FREE drink ticket for The Dale’s Bar (while supplies last) just for showing up! - Burgundy Brewfest at Gate F (21+)
Upgrade your ticket for unlimited tastings from Colorado faves like Oskar Blues and Branch & Barrel Distilling. Grab the Brewfest add-on here. - The Dale’s Bar Opens (South Concourse, Gates D/E)
Your new hangout spot for food, drinks, and the player arrival view. Stays open post-game too! - Park Everything Lot Opens (Gate B)
Bring the whole crew. Strollers, wagons, bikes, and scooters welcome. Security watches your wheels all night. - Rideshare Lot Opens (New Spot: West Side, near Lot H on E 60th Ave)
Safer, easier drop-off/pick-up. Check the Rapids App interactive map for the exact pin.
2. 6:30 PM – All Gates Open
- Stadium is fully open. Grab food (cashless only!), merch, or a drink at The Dale’s.
- BE IN YOUR SEATS BY 7:10 PM. You don’t want to miss the pyro, hype videos, and the team walking onto the pitch.
- Do Good: Bid on game-worn Headwaters Kits at Section 129 (or online/text). All money goes to Colorado Water Trust. Auction runs Aug 1–7.
3. 7:10 PM – "Rush to Kickoff"
New pyro, videos, and the pregame countdown. Stay in your seat!
4. 7:30 PM – KICKOFF!
Rapids vs. Austin FC. Let’s get three points!
5. ~9:45 PM – Post-Game: Pitch Opens to Fans
After the final whistle and Man of the Match, head down to the field to claim your spot for the fireworks.
6. ~10:10 PM – FIREWORKS SHOW!
Colorado artists provide the soundtrack. Sit on the grass, look up, and enjoy the second fireworks night of the season.
Pitch Rules: No food allowed on the field. Drinks are okay.
7. Post-Fireworks – Head Home Safe
Use the Rideshare Lot (West Side/Lot H) for a smooth exit.
The One Thing You Must Download: The Rapids App
Don’t rely on paper tickets or guessing where the bathroom is.
- Mobile Tickets: Scan right from your phone.
- Live Stats & Highlights: Real-time updates in your pocket.
- Interactive Map: Find Brewfest, The Dale’s, Section 129, and the new Rideshare Lot instantly.
- Weather Alerts: Enable notifications for instant delay updates.
Parking & Logistics Cheat Sheet
| Need | Solution | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Parking | Lots around DSGP | FREE |
| Strollers/Wagons/Bikes | Park Everything Lot (Gate B) | FREE (Secured by staff) |
| Uber/Lyft/Taxi | Rideshare Lot (West Side, E 60th Ave) | Standard fare |
| Accessibility | Check A-Z Guide | Varies |
Still Need Tickets?
Single-game seats are available on the Official Rapids Site.
Weather & Safety
- Check Forecast: Weather.com 10-Day
- Real-Time Alerts: Rapids Weather Page or App notifications.
- Health & Safety Guide: Stadium Policies
- Full Fan Guide: A-Z Guide
Can’t Make It to DSGP?
You can still party with us! Watch on TV or at your favorite bar. Keep the Rapids App open for live stats, highlights, and the post-game fireworks vibes.
Summary: Your 5 Keys to a Perfect Night
- Download the App (Tickets, Map, Alerts).
- Arrive by 5:30 PM for Player Arrivals (Gate E) + Free Drink Ticket.
- Upgrade to Brewfest (Gate F) if you love local beer (21+).
- Be Seated by 7:10 PM for the best pregame show.
- Stay for Fireworks on the pitch (~10:10 PM) → Exit via Rideshare Lot (West Side).
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q: Is parking really free?
A: Yes! General parking at DSGP lots costs $0. Just arrive early for the best spot.
Q: Can I bring my kid’s wagon/stroller into the stadium?
A: No, but you can park them safely at the Park Everything Lot (Gate B). Staff secures them all game long.
Q: What time should I actually leave my house?
A: Aim to be at Gate E by 5:15 PM to catch the player bus arrival at 5:30 PM sharp. Traffic builds up fast!
Q: Do I need cash for food or beer?
A: No. The stadium is 100% cashless. Bring a card or use mobile pay (Apple/Google Pay).
Q: Can I bring a blanket to sit on the field for fireworks?
A: The content doesn’t specify blankets, but food is prohibited on the pitch. Drinks are allowed. Small blankets/towels are usually fine for seating, but check the A-Z Guide for the latest policy.
Have a blast celebrating 150 years of Colorful Colorado! Go Rapids!
