Building Community Series will provide workforce development, small business engagement and career opportunities surrounding the club’s future home at Santa Fe Yards
DENVER, Colo. (Oct. 27, 2026) — Denver Summit FC and Mortenson, in association with Gratacon, announced today additions to the Building Community Series, an initiative designed to connect Denver residents, local businesses and community organizations with career development, workforce training and business opportunities associated with the construction of the club’s permanent stadium at Santa Fe Yards.
Following the club’s historic groundbreaking earlier this month, the collaborative initiative reinforces Denver Summit FC, Mortenson, and Gratacon’s commitment to ensuring the stadium project creates meaningful opportunities for the surrounding community throughout construction and beyond.
The series will bring together community members, workforce organizations, trade partners, educators and industry leaders through events focused on construction career pathways, apprenticeships, small business participation, workforce inclusion and community engagement.
“From the beginning, we’ve envisioned Santa Fe Yards as much more than a stadium,” said President of Denver Summit FC Jen Millet. “This project represents an opportunity to invest in Denver’s future, not only through women’s professional sports, but by creating connections, opening doors and supporting the people and businesses that make this community special. The dedication and intentionality of the team at Mortenson and Gratacon allows us to turn that vision into meaningful opportunities for Denver residents throughout the construction process.”
The Building Community Series will include two events in October, followed by additional programming throughout 2027.
Building Community Series Schedule
October 28, 2026 | Pathways & Apprenticeships
The inaugural event will focus on workforce development, introducing attendees to career pathways, apprenticeship programs and opportunities within the construction industry. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with workforce organizations and industry professionals and learn more about building careers in the trades.
October 29, 2026 | Small Business Partnership
This follow-up event will focus on continuing communication with small businesses pursuing opportunities associated with the stadium project, this event will provide an opportunity for women- and minority-owned business enterprises (WMBEs) to engage with project representatives, build relationships and learn more about potential contracting and procurement opportunities.
“At Mortenson, we believe the projects we build should create lasting value for the communities around them,” said Mortenson Project Executive Elizabeth Erfling. “Through the Building Community Series, we’re working alongside Denver Summit FC to connect local businesses and residents with opportunities, strengthen workforce pathways and ensure the benefits of this project extend well beyond the stadium itself.”
The initiative is part of a broader commitment to community empowerment surrounding the Santa Fe Yards development, including support for the West East Neighborhoods United (WENU) Community Benefits Agreement and efforts to expand local business participation, workforce development and community connections.
Denver Summit FC, Mortenson, and Gratacon have already collaborated on community-focused initiatives, including participation in Transportation & Construction GIRL Day in September 2026, helping introduce more than 2,000 young women to opportunities in construction, engineering and related industries.
The permanent stadium at Santa Fe Yards is envisioned as a year-round destination for sports, entertainment and community activity, further strengthening Denver’s position as a leader in women’s sports, while creating opportunities for economic investment and neighborhood engagement.
Community members, local businesses and individuals interested in participating in the Building Community Series can learn more about upcoming events, registration and project opportunities at www.mortensondsfc.com/community.
ABOUT MORTENSON
Mortenson is a U.S.-based builder, developer, and engineering services provider serving the commercial, institutional, and energy sectors. Since establishing its Denver office in 1981, Mortenson has partnered with customers across Colorado to deliver complex projects in healthcare, sports and entertainment, higher education, aviation, data centers, energy, federal, hospitality, and commercial markets. Mortenson is a leader in sports and entertainment, with over 300 projects valued at $20 billion including Major League Soccer venues Allianz Field, Energizer Stadium and GEODIS Park. With over four decades of Denver-based operations, Mortenson is dedicated to building Colorado’s skylines, businesses and communities. For additional information, visit www.mortenson.com.
ABOUT GRATACON
Gratacon is a Colorado-based, certified Woman-Owned Small Business (MWBE, SBE, WOSB) commercial general contractor serving the commercial, institutional, and infrastructure sectors. With decades of experience delivering complex, high-profile projects, Gratacon is dedicated to transforming the construction industry through unparalleled excellence and innovative solutions. Gratacon’s mission is to deliver exceptional quality, foster a culture of integrity and collaboration, and create lasting impact through their dedication to supporting their customers’ businesses and the greater communities in which they serve. For additional information, visit www.gratacon.com.