COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KOAA) — The World Cup sparked a surge of interest in local soccer in Colorado Springs, driving attendance at Weidner Field up by more than 40%, according to the Downtown Partnership.
Before the World Cup, average attendance at Weidner Field games was nearly 4,000. After it began, that number jumped to more than 5,600.
According to the Downtown Partnership, the numbers they shared are from cell phone GPS data from Placer.ai.
But Switchback officials say it has been a little less significant of a boost. According to their numbers, a spokesperson says the average number of attendees from pre-World Cup games was 5,875. During the World Cup, the average was 6,316 attendees. And post-World Cup, the average number of attendees was 6,611.
However, another spokesperson for the team said they see a lot more national team jerseys throughout the stadium on match days.
Craig Compton, Director of Planning and Economic Development at the Downtown Partnership, says based on the data the Downtown Partnership has seen, it reflects a broader boost to the area.
"When we were looking at the games, we saw that around 16.5% of the visitors to the games were from outside of a 20 mile radius," said Compton.
He said that means 10,000 new visitors downtown, and conservatively 1,100 hotel stays throughout the season. A significant boost for local businesses, including the Brit Pub.
The data also includes games from the Fourth of July and other big game events.
Nova, co-owner of the Brit Pub, says his establishment has been a gathering place for soccer fans in Colorado Springs since opening over nine months ago.
"We're known as the soccer pub here in Colorado Springs, Liv, and bringing people together and it's huge," said Nova.
He says the World Cup brought new faces through the door, and helped build lasting connections.
"There were people coming in as individuals to the Brit Pub, then leaving with groups going, oh my gosh, we're gonna hang out and watch a game, future here at the Brit Pub," said Nova.
For Nova, soccer's appeal goes beyond the sport itself.
"The game brings people together and it really is the world united under one roof with the game of football," said Nova.
The energy has carried over to Switchbacks games as well.
"Switchbacks games are always busy days for us even when the team are on the road," said Nova.
Nova says he hopes the momentum continues to grow in Colorado Springs, describing the pub as more than just a place to watch a match.
"The pub always has that connection to community, family and friends. Bringing the game of soccer into this, now everyone's speaking the same language. Doesn't matter what team you support, it's about that game that brings and unites people," said Nova.
The Brit Pub's walls reflect that global community. Nova says the soccer memorabilia on display has come from supporters around the world.
"Everything has been donated by fans around the world. Everything you see. We've got a switchbacks official first jersey when they played up at the Powers at the baseball ground," said Nova.
And while the supporting the local team is a part of the fun at The Brit Pub, Nova said he plays all leagues from around the world.
He also facilitates team support groups.
"We've got a huge Liverpool following. We've got Chelsea as well. You've just seen a guy just speak to me now with his with his wonderful wife like how can we start a Manchester United supporters group here at the Brit pub? Easy, we'll do it," said Nova. "There's so many teams, there's 2 teams in the English Premier League, as well as the other leagues. If you wanna start a supporters group, come and see us and call the Brit your home."
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