The Colorado Rapids’ largest independent supporters group did not mince words with an open letter Thursday. Even after Josh Kroenke’s name was at the bottom of a team statement hours later, it was the supporters’ message which cut deepest.
The letter made one thing perfectly clear: Rapids fans are tired of their team feeling like the afterthought of Kroenke Sports and Entertainment.
Supporters group Centennial 38 called the 2023 season “without question the worst year we have experienced as supporters in our Colorado Rapids history.” It called out KSE’s lack of investment in training facilities and stadium upgrades, as well as increasing ticket prices for an on-field product that has not delivered. Colorado is on track to have its worst season in team history: The Rapids sit at the bottom of the 29-team Major League Soccer standings (3-13-10, 19 points) and just 16 league goals all season.
Colorado has one of the lowest payrolls in MLS at $11,705,180 — 26th out of 29 teams, according to 2023 MLS Players Association Salary Guide data. But off-the-field issues were the bigger issue Thursday.
“We are not demanding a team that wins MLS Cup every year. We are not demanding record sums spent on players. We are not demanding signing a Lionel Messi. What we are demanding is a team that is competently run, has a genuine connection with the fans and community, provides an enjoyable stadium experience, and strives to be relevant in the local Colorado sports market.
“This indifference from ownership must stop. We can no longer be silent like our owner, and it is long past the time to say so. We await a response from KSE acknowledging our frustrations. The badge, the players, and the fans deserve better.”
In response, Kroenke and the Rapids put out a statement at 1 p.m. confirming that the long-awaited Victory Crossing Project master plan, which was first introduced in 2010, will be finalized by early 2024. Additionally, feasibility studies are ongoing with numerous businesses to assess the state of Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Opened in 2007, it was one of MLS’ first soccer-specific stadiums but in the seasons that have followed with multiple new stadiums opening, DSGP has not kept up with the league when it comes to major renovations.
Kroenke also acknowledged one of the main goals for 2024 and beyond: “returning the team to the level of competitiveness we expect and have seen in recent years.”
“We respect our supporters and are grateful for the passion they demonstrate for the Club, while also acknowledging and understanding their frustrations,” the statement read. “We are committed to the Rapids’ long-term success within the core principles of the club and to being a club that our fans and all Coloradans can be proud of.”
This is not the first time C38 has issued a statement of such demands. It issued a similar message in 2017 as well. KSE also owns Arsenal Football Club in London, and fans protested the group’s lack of investment in the Gunners for seasons after KSE permanently acquired the club in 2018. The protests reached a peak during the European Super League proposal in April 2021.
Colorado will face New England Revolution at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at DSGP, with sources confirming to The Post that C38 will hold a walkout in the 20th minute to protest the state of the Rapids.
