by Laura Lieff | May 19, 2026 | Main Articles
by Laura Lieff
Infinity Park is the place to be this summer as a variety of rugby matches and camps will be going on in the heart of Glendale. In addition to the high school state finals, which happened in May, the Denver Onyx home games, high school rugby camps, and the RugbyTown 7s tournament are all on the docket throughout the next few months.
“Whether you’re a longtime rugby fan or new to the sport, this summer is packed with all types of action for everyone to enjoy,” says Director of Infinity Park Operations Kieran Nelson. “Our stadium is a great place to spend the afternoon with friends, family, or coworkers. Also, high school kids can sign up for opportunities to experience rugby at our state-of-the-art facility throughout June and July.”
Last month, the 2026 Rugby Colorado High School State Finals yielded exciting results as the third place matches took place on the Infinity Park Turf Pitch and the State Championship matches were played inside the Infinity Park Stadium.
Third Place Matches
- Valor 2 defeated Glendale/Brighton/Denver North 53-10 in the Tier 3 Boys match.
- Hammers edged out Palmer Terrors 29-27 in the Tier 2 Boys match.
- Glendale/Regis/Valor won against Denver East 22-17 in the Tier 1 Girls match.
- East 1 shut out Monarch 1 53-0 in the Tier 1 Boys match.
State Championships
- East 2 defeated Monarch 2 28-14 in the Tier 3 Boys championship.
- PAC won against Arvada 18-10 in the Tier 2 Boys championship.
- Monarch/Lumberjackies defeated Summit 28-10 in the Tier 1 Girls championship.
- Valor 1 won against Regis Jesuit 29-15 in the Tier 1 Boys championship.
Denver Onyx
For the second consecutive year, the Denver Onyx will call Infinity Park home as the team trains regularly on the turf pitch and will play their five regular-season home matches inside the stadium. The Onyx compete in Women’s Elite Rugby, the first-ever professional women’s rugby league in the United States. Last season, the Onyx finished the regular season with a 9-1 record on their way to winning the inaugural Legacy Cup where they defeated the New York Exiles 53-13 in the 2025 Grand Final.
“We’re excited for year t
Home Turf: The Denver Onyx, who compete in the Women’s Elite Rugby league, will play the Chicago Tempest at Infinity Park on June 7. Colton Strickler photo
wo,” says Denver Onyx Head Coach Sarah Chobot. “Infinity Park is the best venue and facility in this entire women’s professional league and the class of the staff is bar none the best.” She continues, “Everyone from the City of Glendale has shown the desire to have rugby in this community — the energy and vibes are thrilling. It was a packed crowd on Mother’s Day and we couldn’t be more excited.”
At press time, the Onyx were two matches into their 2026 campaign with a 1-1 record after dropping their season opener on the road to the Bay Breakers 36-19. However, they bounced back with a 54-29 win over the Twin Cities Gemini on Mother’s Day in front of a lively crowd at Infinity Park. Coach Chobot was delighted with the team’s comeback victory over the Gemini. “I was very proud of how the team responded after a disappointing loss in the Bay Area in Round 1,” adds Chobot. “The desire the team played with in Sunday’s win, even when the game was well in hand, was pretty exciting.”
The Onyx are scheduled to play four more matches at Infinity Park in 2026 – see schedule below. If they finish the season in first or second place, they will host a home playoff match at Infinity Park in August.
- Sunday, June 7 vs. Chicago Tempest
– Gates open at 6 p.m. | Kickoff at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, June 13 vs. Boston Banshees
– Gates open at 4 p.m. | Kickoff at 5 p.m.
- Sunday, June 21 vs. New York Exiles
– Gates open at 2 p.m. | Kickoff at 3 p.m.
- Sunday, July 12 vs. Bay Breakers
– Gates open at 4 p.m. | Kickoff at 5 p.m.
High School Rugby Camps
Elite Experience: Glendale Youth Rugby will host a four-day skills camp for high school girls June 21-24. Colton Strickler photo
Skills Camp: Hosted by Glendale Youth Rugby, the boys high school camp is slated for July 14-17 at Infinity Park. Colton Strickler photo
Offering one of the best high school camp experiences for both boys and girls in the southwestern United States, Glendale Youth Rugby is hosting two, four-day camps during which the attendees will be treated like professional athletes. With access to a full-time athletic trainer, Infinity Park’s state-of-the-art weight room, and recovery room, campers will receive instruction from coaches and players with international rugby experience.
“Our summer rugby performance camps are excellent for any high school rugby athlete,” says Glendale Youth Rugby Director Andie Hammon. “We’ve put on a quality program for high school girls for over a decade and have recently built out a high-performance boys camp over the last two years.” She continues, “We always have a top-tier staff from around the country to provide these athletes with some of the best coaching they’ll ever receive in their high school rugby careers. We hear from the athletes who attended in the past that it’s a week of fun and learning that they don’t find anywhere else in the region.”
In addition to the low player-to-coach ratio — which will ensure the best coaching possible — attendees will get the full professional experience as it is a four-day sleep-away camp. By spending three nights in a hotel near the facility, athletes have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in rugby. The high school girls camp is planned for June 21-24 and the high school boys camp is scheduled for July 14-17.
RugbyTown 7s
Tough Competition: In the 2025 Cup Final, Heat Ruby won their first RugbyTown 7s Cup and the $10,000 prize when they defeated NAV 7s. Susi Baxter-Seitz Photo
Returning to Infinity Park for its 14th year, the RugbyTown 7s tournament will host 21 teams from all over the world who will compete to win the title of RugbyTown 7s Cup Champion and the $10,000 grand prize. Taking place August 21-23, the tournament attracts top teams for a weekend of fast-paced, high-scoring matches. Additionally, this tournament is where the branches of the United States Armed Forces vie for their rugby championship.
In 2025, All-Army defeated the Department of the Air Force in the U.S. Armed Forces Final to secure their 10th United States Armed Forces Championship. All- Navy Rugby won their first title in 2021 and the All-Marine Rugby 7s won the inaugural United States Armed Forces Championship in 2012. Both the Department of the Air Force and Coast Guard Rugby are still searching for their first Armed Forces Championship.
Also in 2025, the Heat Rugby secured their first RugbyTown 7s Cup when they defeated NAV 7s 33-7 in the Cup Final. This summer, they will attempt to make history by being the second team ever to win back-to-back RugbyTown 7s Cup titles. Denver 7s Selects is the only team to accomplish this feat with wins in both 2015 and 2016 before securing their third title in 2024 making them the only team that has won the tournament three times. Additionally, the only two teams that have won the RugbyTown 7s Cup twice are the Ramblin’ Jesters (2019 and 2022) and the USA Falcons (2012 and 2014).
Fans attending the tournament can expect to see 57 matches played over the course of three days in August. The Early Bird Special for 20 percent off weekend passes and single day tickets will be available July 13-3 and regular tickets will go on sale August 1. More information on the Denver Onyx can be found at DenverOnyx.us. For additional information about RugbyTown 7s, visit RugbyTownUSA.com. Those interested in learning about the Glendale Youth Rugby high school camps can visit GlendaleYouth Rugby.com/high-school-camps.
by Laura Lieff | Apr 1, 2026 | Travel
Head West For A Desert Adventure
by Laura Lieff
View From The Top: The Fleming family enjoys visiting Arches National Park, which is known for its natural stone arches, towering pinnacles, and massive balanced rocks.
Spring is the time of year when everything and everyone emerges — flowers bloom, spring cleaning starts, and Cherry Creek Valley residents begin looking for places to visit outside of the city. One exciting destination, which is just over the Colorado border in Utah, is Moab. Known for its many outdoor adventure options — including mountain biking, hiking, off-roading, and fossil hunting — Moab is also a gateway to the magnificent Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
One way to enjoy Moab is on wheels — just ask the hardcore gearheads who love off-roading and are looking forward to the 60th Annual Easter Jeep Safari event which takes place March 28 through April 5. Additionally, Cruise Moab, an annual event that began in 1996, is happening April 15 through 19 this year. Those who prefer riding mountain bikes, dirt bikes, and motorcycles usually journey to Slickrock Bike Trail as it features just over 10 miles of scenic and rugged terrain and is located approximately three miles from town. Founded by Dick Wilson in 1969, Slickrock was originally meant for motorcycles. Over five decades later, nothing has changed as a variety of aficionados flock to the area to spend time on their preferred wheels.
Longtime motorcycle mechanic and enthusiast, Dan “The Wrench” Rolfe, has been enjoying Moab for the last 12 years — both on his mountain bike and on his CT-90 motorcycle. “I like Slickrock because it’s a ‘cycle’ trail with great views and terrain that is easy to maneuver,” Rolfe explains. “Also, the traction it provides allows you to go up and down steep landscapes and traverse laterally in places whe
Red Rock View: Fleet Fleming stays cool in the desert heat while climbing around Arches National Park.
re you would normally slip out.” Rolfe is featured in the 2019 documentary film, 50 Years of Slickrock, which chronicles the history and development of the trail that arguably put Moab on the map.
Family Trip
While many Colorado residents head to Moab for camping and mountain biking, there are other ways to enjoy a weekend in the desert and make a family vacation out of it. Depending on where you live in Denver, and the number of stops made while driving, the journey to Moab is about five and a half hours. If that sounds like a trek, keep in mind that the panoramic views along the way are likely to make the time go by quickly.
“We started going to Moab because it is an ideal overnight stopping point when we travel to and from Arizona,” says Boulder native Nicole Ford. “After doing that a few times, we realized that it’s worth spending the weekend there because of all the kid-friendly restaurants and activities offered. Also, we found a dog-friendly hotel with a great pool which is the place to be after a day of exploring in the sun.” Some of the Ford family’s favorite Moab restaurants include Tai Bella, The Sultan, and Antica Forma and her hotel of choice is the Element.
Moab History
Ancient Artwork: While hiking through Mill Creek Canyon, keep an eye out for pictographs and petroglyphs that show detailed figures, animals, and shapes.
Because there is an abundance of history to explore in Moab — including petroglyphs (pecked/carved art), pictographs (painted art), dinosaur fossils, and dinosaur footprints — a weekend might not be enough to see everything. On the way into town, stop at Sego Canyon to see rock art that reflects three cultural styles: Ute, Fremont, and Barrier Canyon. The petroglyphs and pictographs left behind on the sandstone walls depict humanlike figures, abstract shapes, horses, and shields, among other types of rock art. “Sego Canyon is always our first stop when we travel to Moab because seeing that type of history is always exciting for me, my wife, and our son,” says 30-year Colorado resident Brian Fleming. “Checking out rock art that has been there for such a long time is our favorite way to begin the weekend.”
Another place to see pictographs and petroglyphs is Mill Creek Canyon where the hike along the creek features panels that show detailed figures, animals, and shapes that stand out the most on the black rocks. The trail’s “finale” is a picturesque waterfall that offers a memorable destination point before turning back to the trailhead. For those looking for dinosaur tracks, the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Bone and Track Sites are highlights. Accessible via a short pathway, the Track Site displays footprints from theropods, sauropods, ornithopods, ankylosaurs, birds, and crocodilians. The Bone Trail, located about a mile from the Track Site, has fossilized dinosaur bones embedded in rock along a family-friendly hiking path with educational panels.
Additional family-friendly spots include Moab Giants and the Moab Rock Shop. Since 2015, Moab Giants has offered various exhibits and experiences for people of all ages. The indoor/outdoor dinosaur museum showcases state-of the art, life-size land and sea dinosaurs that roamed the area. Another stop for fossil hunters and rockhounds is the Moab Rock Shop. Founded in 1960 by Lin Ottinger, this family owned and operated store has been a staple for over 50 years. In fact, many of Ottinger’s discoveries were donated to museums and universities and he discovered at least four species of dinosaurs.
Magic In The Desert
The two most well-known attractions near Moab are the national parks — Arches and Canyonlands. For those staying in the heart of town, Arches is a much closer option (five miles away). It’s also a smaller park which is ideal for families with young kids or for people who prefer to spend a shorter amount of time walking around the park. Known for its legendary red rock topography, Arches boasts over 2,000 natural stone arches, hundreds of towering pinnacles, and massive balanced rocks that can be seen while hiking or driving. The Windows Section is a favorite destination within the park as it contains some of the most iconic views.
Conversely, Canyonlands is best-suited for visitors looking for an all-day adventure. Shaped by the Colorado and Green Rivers, Canyonlands is divided into three districts that have dramatic buttes, spires, canyons, and desert landscapes: Island in the Sky (40 minutes from Moab), The Needles (90 minutes away), and The Maze (the most remote and challenging as its ranger station is accessible by 46 miles of dirt road).
If visiting national parks is not part of your agenda, keep in mind that the magic of Moab is the variety of ways to experience the desert. Whether you are camping, staying in a hotel, off-roading, hiking, mountain biking, or fossil hunting, it is a breathtaking destination for all ages and all types of adventure-seekers. Discovering historical petroglyphs and pictographs, finding dinosaur bones, and then cooling off at the pool are definitely memorable ways to spend time. Regardless of
Desert History: Sego Canyon’s rock art dates back thousands of years and features multiple cultural styles.
your chosen itinerary, spring is an ideal season to head west into the desert and see different landscapes and wildlife, enjoy diverse cuisine, explore new terrain, and participate in unique activities.
Pro Tips:
- Check the weather before you leave because you’re going to Moab to be outside.
- Pack a cooler — no matter what your accommodations are — because having water and snacks ready for consumption is essential in the desert.
- Make sure to pack layers and plan for the daytime versus nighttime temperature changes.
- Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, a bathing suit, and comfortable walking shoes are crucial.
- Arches National Park requires timed entry reservations so plan ahead by booking online.
by Laura Lieff | Aug 22, 2025 | Glendale City News
By Laura Lieff
In the gardening world, just because something is decaying does not mean it’s unusable. Constructed in less than a week by Kevin Philip Williams, Manager of Horticulture at Denver Botanic Gardens (DBG), the dead hedge installation can be found in the Pollinator Garden at Betty Ford Alpine Gardens.
Comprised of various layered, locally- sourced materials — including branches, plant debris, and small logs that are in different stages of decay, as well as willows from Vail, alpaca wool from McCoy, and trees cut in the Gardens — the installation was executed with a great deal of intention. “With the help of some friends and volunteers from both Eagle County and Denver, Kevin’s piece was constructed very quickly,” says Gardens Education Director Gabe Starr. “We appreciate Denver Botanic Gardens ‘lending’ us Kevin for the week!”
Since mountain landscapes differ from city landscapes, the materials differ as well. At the Gardens, Williams incorporated brush piles, dead hedges, and log walls into the exhibit space in ways he says are “ascetically accepted by the public.” He goes on to explain that “there are many practitioners who are elevating garden design horticulture to a level of fine art” and that his work is “new, experimental, and different than traditional horticulture.”
Visitors will notice that the installation resembles an animal habitat — except it is a much more upscale, artistic version. By mixing the log walls into the woven structure — which is comprised of rolled and bound branches, as well as the aforementioned materials — his installation connects with this summer’s theme of Habitat in conjunction with the installation of our exhibit from the Smithsonian Gardens and Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service.
In addition to the Habitat theme, Williams explains that many aspects of the project were inspired by the long, narrow space provided. “I try to bring new elements to each install and this space allowed us to play with length and dimensionality,” he adds. In fact, he describes it as a “calcified exoskeleton type of structure that features crevices filled with grasses, branches, and leaves held by the harder outer structure.”
Williams has an MS in Public Horticulture and is a naturalistic garden designer who uses active and passive materials to create dynamic and climate-appropriate gardens. His work includes the Denver Art Museum Sensory Garden, the Alien Dream Worlds and Hello Food Forest at Meow Wolf, and the Abstract Expressions installation at the Clifford Still Museum. He also co-wrote a book called Shrouded In Light: Naturalistic Planting Inspired by Wild Shrublands.
Williams adds, “These installations take an incredible amount of material to create and the Gardens staff did a good job saving materials from around town which allowed us to give discarded branches and forgotten debris a second life as art. In nature, nothing is ever truly waste — it’s simply matter waiting for its next beautiful purpose.” For more information, visit bettyfordalpinegardens.org.
by Laura Lieff | Mar 18, 2024 | Main Articles
by Laura Lieff
Home Team Support: Infinity Park has become a destination that people of all ages look forward to visiting as they enjoy cheering on their home team.
Since opening its gates in 2007, Infinity Park has welcomed tens of thousands of visitors. The first and only municipally-owned rugby-specific stadium in the United States, Infinity Park spans 16 acres (including an eight-acre green open space), features a state-of-the-art gym, a full-sized outdoor training pitch, and a stadium with a seating capacity of 4,000. It is also home to a recreation center and an event center, as well as the American Raptors rugby team.
Located in the heart of Glendale, Infinity Park was built on a bold vision to center the future of the city around the growing sport of rugby. Featuring a multi-purpose indoor/outdoor sports complex, Infinity Park has earned the designation of RugbyTown USA. Along with serving as the American Raptors’ headquarters, Infinity Park has hosted several different international men’s and women’s rugby matches including the 2008 North America 4, the 2009 and 2010 Churchill Cups, the 2009 Americas Rugby Championship, the 2019 Pacific Nations Cup, and all three 2023 Rugby World Cup Qualifiers for the United States men’s national rugby team. The venue was also the United States stop on the 2018- 2019 World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series and is home to the annual RugbyTown 7s tournament.
Local Destination
Beyond rugby, Infinity Park has become a destination that people of all ages look forward to visiting. “We see families, groups of friends, rugby fans, and community members who want to spend time outside and cheer on their home team on a beautiful weekend afternoon,” says Glendale City Manager Chuck Line. “Watching Infinity Park become the heart of our city has been very rewarding.”
Another aspect that sets Infinity Park apart is the local feel it brings to hosted events and provides for the community. Because of the park’s expansive space and Glendale’s welcoming mindset, local recreational leagues, youth leagues, and residents always have a place to practice and compete, gather and interact, or simply hang out.
Local Destination: With a seating capacity of 4,000, Infinity Park continues to draw large crowds for all types of events.
“Infinity Park serves as an entertainment anchor for Glendale and offers the community and beyond the opportunity to enjoy sporting events, movies, and music,” says Director of Infinity Park Operations, Kieran Nelson. “Also, since its inception, the park has garnered a reputation among the international rugby community as a world-class venue, and we could not be prouder to have earned that distinction.”
In addition to the family-friendly environment and welcoming staff, spending time at Infinity Park is affordable as adult tickets for rugby games are $10 and admission for kids 12 and under is free. This spring, Glendale residents are looking forward to watching their home team return from South America to play in the professional SRA league.
Upcoming games will feature the following theme days:
April 7
For Military Appreciation Day, Glendale will show gratitude to our armed forces by offering camo koozies at the gate and opportunities to engage with various on-site military branches. Additionally, fans can nominate a hero to be honored during the match, making it a day to celebrate and recognize our military heroes.
April 14
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Day, Infinity Park is partnering with Howzit — a mental health awareness brand founded by former rugby players — by offering a gate giveaway of stress balls. Engage with representatives from All Health Network, the Glendale Police Department, and Canine Partners of the Rockies, as Glendale promotes mental well-being and support within the community.
April 21
Social Spot: Spending a spring afternoon outside socializing with friends has become part of the park’s legacy.
Celebrate Colorado Day at Infinity Park with exciting promotions including a complimentary American Raptors Colorado keychain, opportunities to interact with mascots from local college and sports teams, and delicious Colorado-themed food from our on-site food trucks, among other festivities.
April 28
For Autism Awareness Day, Firefly Autism will provide valuable resources and information at Infinity Park. Receive a complimentary fidget spinner at the gate, and meet the adorable service dogs in training from Canine Partners of the Rockies. There will also be a quiet room for those needing a sensory break. Additionally, thanks to KultureCity, sensory bags will be available at all Infinity Park events, ensuring inclusivity and support for individuals with sensory sensitivities.
More events happening this summer include:
May 11: 2024 High School Boys and Girls Rugby Championships
June 10: Movie Night — Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
June 24: Movie Night — The Marvels
July 2: Glendale Fireworks
July 8: Movie Night — Trolls Band Together
July 22: Movie Night — Barbie
August 23-25: RugbyTown 7s
For more information, or to view the Raptors’ schedule and ticket information, visit www.americanraptors.com/schedule-and-tickets.
by Laura Lieff | Feb 19, 2024 | Glendale City News
by Laura Lieff
Returning for a second year as part of the Super Rugby Americas (SRA) league, the American Raptors team faces fierce competition. In addition to the Glendale team, the SRA league is comprised of six other franchises — defending champions Peñarol Rugby (Uruguay), Cobras Brasil XV, Selknam (Chile), Yacare XV (Paraguay), and two teams from Argentina, Dogos XV and Pampas. All the clubs will be traveling to and from South America and the United States, with several ga
Full Force: Feofaaki Pulu carries the ball in an American Raptors match against Yacare XV at Infinity Park. (Photo by Seth McConnell)
mes slated to be played at Infinity Park throughout the 2024 season.
“With the goal of providing a pathway to international rugby for high caliber players, and creating a fanbase that brings new players to rugby, SRA continues to provide a unique competition over twelve rounds, with teams playing matches at home and on the road,” says Frankie Deges, Media & Communication Manager for Super Rugby Americas. “Additionally, with the inclusion of the American Raptors in 2023, SRA represents the coming of age of the Superliga Americana de Rugby that was first played between 2020 and 2022.”
Launched two weeks before the world went into lockdown due to COVID-19, Superliga Americana de Rugby successfully returned in 2021 and 2022. Many have recognized this tournament as the catalyst for Chile’s first-ever qualification for Rugby World Cup, and Uruguay beating the USA Eagles to take the first spot in the Americas Qualifying system.
Strong Team
Comprised of 35 players, the American Raptors staff is excited for the year ahead and is thrilled to have a talented pool of returning and new players.
“The American Raptors’ mission to develop the best young American talent is hitting full stride going into their second season of competing in SRA,” says Patrick Guthrie, Chief Operating Officer of the American Raptors. “Marking a strategic blend of experience and fresh young talent
Tough Tackle: Watson Filikitonga gets tackled during a match against Selknam last spring. (Photo by Seth McConnell)
, the Raptors have expanded their lineup by adding 19 promising new players while retaining the skills of 16 seasoned athletes.”
Key players include Mikey Grandy, who is returning for his fourth season, and Diego Fortuny returning for his second year, as well as newcomers Ignacio Mieres and Facundo Ignacio Pomponio. The club began its 2024 season with a three-match road trip to Argentina and Uruguay before returning to Infinity Park for six straight home games. They will finish the season back on the road traveling to Brazil, Paraguay, and Chile.
Raptors games can be streamed on ESPN+ but the best way to enjoy rugby is attending games at Infinity Park. Since its inception in 2007, Infinity Park remains the first and only municipally-owned rugby-specific stadium in the United States. Known as RugbyTown USA, Glendale continues to welcome rugby teams from around the world to play at the 4,000-seat facility.
In addition to serving as the American Raptors headquarters, Infinity Park has hosted several international men’s and women’s rugby matches over the years including the 2019 Pacific Nations Cup and all three 2023 Rugby World Cup Qualifiers for the United States men’s national rugby team. The venue also served as the United States stop on the 2018- 2019 World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series and is home to the annual RugbyTown 7s tournament, which takes place annually during the third weekend of August.
For more information about the schedule, and to buy tickets, visit americanaptors.com/schedule-and-tickets.
Home Game Themes
3/17: Raptors Green Out (St. Patrick’s Day) | Giveaway: Green Raptors t-shirt | Wear green to celebrate the Raptors’ first home game.
3/24: Western Day | Giveaway: Raptors Bandanas | Wear your best cowboy/cowgirl attire to Infinity Park.
4/7: Military Appreciation Day | Giveaway: Camo Koozies | Honoring those who served and active military members throughout the game.
4/14: Mental Health Awareness Day | Giveaway: Stress Balls | Raising awareness and promoting positive mental health.
4/21: Colorado Day | Giveaway: Raptors Keychains | Celebrate everything Colorado with local mascots, local colleges, and Colorado food staples.
4/28: Autism Awareness Day | Giveaway: Fidget Spinners | Raising awareness about Autism at the Raptors last home game of the season.
