The largest football complex in the world
In April 2007 the largest football complex in the world opened its doors in Denver, Colorado. Dick’s Sporting Goods Park covers no less than 1.5 million m² and is the home base of the Colorado Rapids football club. The Rapids were at the cradle of the Major Soccer League competition in 1996, the professional football competition in the United States.

The football paradise comprises a multifunctional outdoor stadium (suitable for sporting competitions and events) and can welcome 18 000 guests. The complex has no fewer than 24 football fields. Desso Sports Systems was selected as a partner for the delivery of the synthetic grass fields.

European grass technology
The Colorado Rapids had already had a taste of Desso Sports’ professional approach. Previously they played on the Desso GrassMaster-field of the American football club the Denver Broncos. A positive experience. “After a careful comparison of difference artificial turf systems, we decided on the monofilament fibre Desso Challenge Pro. Desso Sports has more than proven itself in the field of design, development and installation of monofilament systems” says Bret Baird, Head Turf Manager of Kroenke Sports Enterprises (KSE), the owner and manager of the immense complex.

Arsenal and Colorado Rapids agree a strategic alliance
With regard to soccer, the Americans are clearly catching up. The must discussed transfer of David Beckham to LA Galaxy was one way definitively to put football on the map there. Another initiative to make football more popular in the US is the exclusive agreement between Arsenal FC and Colorado Rapids.

In the first place the English Premier League-club wants to promote the Arsenal brand in the US. The exchange of know-how and training of young players in a football school is central. The two partners view this tactical agreement as a long-term partnership that means added value for both clubs. Moreover the real estate billionaire Kroenke, the owner of the MLS-team Colorado Rapids, is considering integrating Arsenal into the name of Colorado Rapids.

The two clubs have in any event shared expertise in sports fields for longer. At the end of 2006 the Gunners of Arsenal FC chose a Desso GrassMaster in their brand new Emirates Stadium.