It didn’t exactly go off without a hitch — cold weather, clogged traffic, long lines at will-call, and a lack of hot water in the locker rooms — but the 2007 MLS season opener between D.C. United and the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park will still go down in history as a success. It may have been cold and many may have showed up late, but the 18,086 fans who attended the inaugural game at Colorado’s new home stadium won’t soon forget it.
“I wish we can have this atmosphere every single day,” Rapids keeper Bouna Coundoul said after the game, which finished 2-1 in favor of the home side. “This is what we need in order to take it to the next level, to be the MLS champion.” Added Rapids coach Fernando Clavijo: “Absolutely outstanding fans.”
Colorado fans and players alike hope the win — the Rapids first on an opening day in its history — augurs that DSGP will become a fortress. “It’s wonderful,” said Terry Cooke, the assist-man on both Colorado goals on Saturday. “The old stadium simply wasn’t suitable. But this is exactly how it should be – great atmosphere, knowledgeable fans.” Even D.C. United supporters were jealous: David Goodwin, a member of D.C.’s Screaming Eagles support club, admitted the stadium is “one of the best parks in the MLS.”