COMMERCE CITY, Colo — Go crazy, soccer fans.
The Colorado Rapids announced on Thursday afternoon that beginning July 4 against the Seattle Sounders, Dick's Sporting Goods Park will operate at full capacity. The team said there will be "some exceptions due to MLS restrictions around specific seating areas" but didn't elaborate.
And yes: The epic Fourth of July post-game fireworks show will go on. It's a show that Dick's Sporting Goods Park has touted as being the "largest public fireworks display."
The July 4 match will also serve as a special moment in club history, as the Rapids will retire Pablo Mastroeni’s jersey number during a ceremony held during halftime. Mastroeni, a three-time MVP with the Rapids, captained the club to the 2010 MLS Cup and is the team’s all-time appearances leader. The former midfielder featured in two FIFA World Cups with the U.S. Men’s National Team and also served as the Rapids’ head coach from 2014-2017, following his retirement from playing. Mastroeni’s No. 25 will be the first jersey number to be retired in club history.
Tickets to the July 4 match will be available to the general public beginning Friday, June 4. Fans can sign up for the Single Game Ticket Priority List to receive presale access to single game tickets to the match.
Health and safety protocols will remain in place for all matches, including strict cleaning before, during and after games. Hand sanitization stands will be available throughout the park, as well.
“We’re delighted to finally welcome our fans back to a full capacity Dick's Sporting Goods Park,” said Pádraig Smith, Rapids executive VP and general manager, in a release provided by the team. “It’s a moment we’ve eagerly anticipated since games were suspended last year, and we couldn’t be more thankful to our local health authorities for their tireless efforts in helping us reach this milestone and to our fans for their patience and continued support as we worked to re-open the stadium in a safe manner."
The Rapids had been operating at 7,897 fans, or about 44% of capacity, per match. Colorado only has one more home game between now and July 4, this Saturday night against Dallas.
Through six games played, the Rapids currently sit in fifth place in the Western Conference with a 3-2-1 record.
>> Video above: Oliver Larraz fulfills childhood dream to play for Rapids
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