Who’s Paying for the NWSL Stadium? Plus, RIP to a Local Legend and More 16th St. Mall Ideas!
There is less than one week until City Council votes on a $70 million plan to support the proposed NWSL stadium at the site of the old Gates Rubber Factory, and the debate is finally heating up! After we shared CU Denver professor Geoff Propheter’s critical take on the podcast last week, we heard from the owners, the mayor’s office, city council members, and both supporters and detractors of the project. So producer Paul Karolyi dug into the details, and he’s on with host Bree Davies to share more info you need to know before the vote. Plus, we discuss a couple of recent highs and lows from the local music world and hear some of your ideas to revamp the 16th St. Mall.
We also have one further clarification on the specific source of the proposed $70 million expenditure. A spokesperson for the Dept. of Finance told us that, “Because the interest earnings on the 2017 Elevate Denver Bond can offset $60 million of the total $70 million cost of the Santa Fe Yards project, only approximately $10 million would come out of the city’s capital improvement fund. This $10 million would be split over 2026 and 2027, so about $4-6 million each year.”
What do you think about the proposal to spend $70 million on the NWSL stadium development project? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418
Also, we have been thinking a lot lately about the possibility of a recession, and we want your help! Do you have any Denver hacks or tricks for squeezing the most out of every dollar? Help us make a Denver recession survival guide with a voicemail or a text: 720-500-5418
Bree mentioned DéCollage, whose new album you can stream/buy now and who you can see live at UMS this summer! She also talked about the passing of singer-songwriter Jill Sobule — Emily Ferguson at Westword wrote a nice tribute to the former Denverite. Paul shared NWSL co-owner Rob Cohen’s quote from this Denverite article about the stadium proposal, discussed Councilmember Sarah Parady’s line of questioning in this council meeting last week, and alluded to the fact that Denver voters already approved a $975 million bond to, among other things, install air conditioning at the 29 DPS schools without it.
For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.
Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver
Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver
Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm
Learn more about the sponsors of this May 6th episode:
- Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST
- Regional Air Quality Council
- Colfax BID
- Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling sheets,
- towels, pajamas, and more.
Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Denver and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Council Loses a Progressive Champion, Gay Bar Turtle Drama, and the Summer Mosquito Forecast
The Colfax staple Charlie’s got into trouble this week after a video posted to social media showed six little turtles “racing” on the leg...

Wanda James on Working for Barack Obama, Being Censured, and Running for Congress
Diana DeGette has been representing Denver in congress since 1997, winning reelection 14 times in nearly 30 years on the job. The 1st Con...

Melat Kiros on Money in Politics, Antisemitism, and Her Run for Congress
Could Denver see a new face in congress in 2026? Diana DeGette has held the 1st Congressional District seat for nearly thirty years, hand...

Will the Broncos Stadium Actually Get Built By 2030? Plus, AI Backlash in Englewood and Which Congressperson Snubbed Us?
Last week the City of Englewood shared a video about the work they are doing to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. But the municipality was...

Your Guide to June 2026 in Denver
The sun is out, and we’re ready to take a dip! From a cool way to rent a boat to the best spots to get in – or near – the water on a day...

'Your City Could Be Better': How Chicago's Libraries Meet Community Needs — Presented By City Cast Denver
Where would Denver be without its libraries? Chicago is opening its 82nd public library branch in June, and loaning out books is just the...

Gov. Polis is Trolling Again, Pattie Gonia vs Patagonia, and How to Be a Water Narc
Gov. Jared Polis has been the talk of the town since he commuted the sentence of noted 2020 election denier and former Mesa County clerk...

What Are Colorado's 'Unlikeliest' Places to Find Love? Plus, Denver's Tapas Moment
From Chef Theo Adley’s French-inspired small plates at Heretíc to Johnny Curiel's Spanish bistro bites at Mar Bella Boqueria, tapas are h...

Has DIA Finally Fixed Its Delayed Train Problem? Plus, the Fight for Police Reform in Aurora
The family of Kilyn Lewis – a 37 year-old unarmed Black man shot and killed by Aurora police in 2024 – filed another lawsuit against the...

2026's Precarious Peach Crop, Immigrant Visa Issues, and More Insider Farmers Market Facts
A warm winter combined with late-spring cold snaps and ongoing drought concerns are impacting Colorado growers across the state. But what...

