Colorado Rapids release statement amid growing fan frustrations

Colorado Rapids Supporters group Centennial 38 released a statement that highlighted the growing frustration within the fanbase, which prompted the club to release their own statement to address the situation.

Since 2015, the Rapids have finished above 10th place in the Western Conference four times, which includes the remarkable 2021 season where they amassed 61 points. But since then, things have only continued to get worse.

Colorado finished in 10th place in 2022 with 43 points, and currently sit in last place in the Supporters' Shield race with 19 points from 26 games. To add fuel to the fire, the Rapids last week fired head coach Robin Fraser, who helped lead the Rapids to that unforgettable 2021 season.

"This is without question the worst year we have experienced as supporters in our Colorado Rapids history," a statement from Centennial 38 read.

"While there have been too many seasons in the past that have been disappointing, 2023 has surpassed these in numerous ways.

"Our club's frustrating mismanagement is couple with substandard facilities. The stadium is outdated and negatively impacts the fans' game day experience, and the training facilities are subpar and negatively impact the players' ability to do their jobs and to play for the fans and the badge.

"These are the results of an ownership group that has failed to properly invest in this club. KSE (Kroenke Sports & Entertainment) seems perfectly comfortable investing in their other endeavors yet proportionally less so with out Rapids.

"We are not demanding a team that wins MLS Cup every year. We are not demaning record sums spent on players. We are no t demanding signing a Lionel Messi signing. What we are demanding is a team that is competently run, has a genuine connection with the fans and community, provides an enjoyable experience, and strives to be relevant in the local Colorado sports market.

"We await a response from KSE acknowledging our frustrations. The badge, the players, and the fans deserve better."

Following the Supporter's group statement, the Rapids themselves released a statement from Josh Kroenke, son of the owner of KSE, Stan Kroenke, acknowledging the frustration among the fanbase.

"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.

"On the field, we are focused on returning the team to the level of competitiveness we expect and have seen in recent years.

"Off the field, we have already engaged Legends, Civitas, Perkins & Will, and Turner Construction on a number of feasibility studies and analyses around potential infrastructure projects as we assess a future vision for DICK'S Sporting Goods Park and the Club's training environment. We are also actively evaluating additional ways to enhance the gameday experience inside and outside the stadium.

"Over the next few months, we will be finalizing the master plan for our exciting Victory Crossing Project. When this is ready in early 2024, we will be hosting several open forums with supporters and members of the community to gather feedback on our plans for the club, stadium and entire project.

"Our supporters will always be the lifeblood of our club. We hear you and we look forward to having an ongoing dialogue with Centennial 38 over their concerns and our plans for the future."

The Rapids, now on the hunt for a new head coach and 15 points off a playoff spot, will look to end the season on a high in their eight remaining games before heading into a potentially club-altering offseason.

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