Full Name: Colorado Rapids City: Denver, CO Founded: 1996 Stadium: Dick's Sporting Goods Park (18,000) Colors: Claret, Blue Rivals: Real Salt Lake
Description:
The Colorado Rapids have taken the name of the entire state, not just the city of Denver, as have the hockey Avalanche and baseball Rockies. The name "Rapids" is a reference to the Rocky Mountains that encompass the western half of the state, full of tumbling streams and waterfalls - rapids. The Colorado Rapids name was selected in a 'name the team' competition before the club began competitive matches. The club adopted new colors (maroon and blue) for the 2007 season. Blue is used by the NBA’s Denver Nuggets and maroon by the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, both under the umbrella of Rapids' owner Stan Kroenke. The winner of the season series with arch-rivals Real Salt Lake is awarded the Rocky Mountain Cup. The club's emblem features the year the club started (1996) and a mountain, symbolizing of course the Rocky Mountains.
Dick's Sporting Goods Park:
The stadium is actually located in suburban Commerce City, CO and is named for title sponsor Dick's Sporting Goods.
Previous stadiums: Mile High Stadium (1996-2001), Invesco Field (2002-06).