July 2025
Rush Fest 2025
July 6th – 11th
Host Hotel
Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center
Welcome to the official host hotel for Rush Fest 2025, the incredible Gaylord Rockies Resort! Located just a 15-minute drive from the fields, our host hotel is the heart of all Rush Fest activities.
By choosing to stay at the host hotel, you’re positioned right where all the excitement happens. Enjoy on-site access to all key Rush Fest events, including:
- Opening Ceremonies & Block Party
- Player Classroom Sessions
- Parent’s Night Out!
- Closing Ceremonies & Gift Exchange
Limited rooms are still available! If the host hotel is sold out, please contact Nik Penn, [email protected], to secure additional room blocks. We encourage you to act quickly to ensure your place at the center of all Rush Fest activities.
For offsite hotel questions, feel free to reach out to [email protected] or call the team at (855) 203-9062.
Our host hotel, the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, offers a comprehensive range of amenities to enhance your stay during Rush Fest 2025:
- Diverse Dining Options: Enjoy meals at any of our eight restaurants, ranging from a fine-dining steakhouse to a casual coffee house.
- Relaxation and Recreation: Their three-acre aquatic paradise features a heated year-round outdoor pool and a zero-entry indoor pool. With thrilling waterslides, a 720-foot-long lazy river with bubblers, and a rocky grotto
- Sports and Activities: Stay active with our pickleball courts, basketball courts, and a variety of outdoor games.
- Fitness and Wellness: Keep up with your fitness regime in our well-equipped fitness room. Or stop by Relâche Spa for a massage and facial.
Staying on-site means you’re always in the middle of the action, making it effortless to enjoy every aspect of Rush Fest 2025.
Show Up In Style
Exclusive Rush Fest Merchandise Online Only!
Get ready to celebrate Rush Fest in style! Browse our exclusive collection of Rush Fest merchandise, available only online. Let everyone know you were part of the excitement! Shop now to secure your favorites—these limited-edition items won’t last long!
The fun doesn't stop off the field
Off Day Activities
Rush Fest has teamed up with a variety of local businesses to provide discounts on a wide range of activities, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Theme Park Fun!
Elitch Gardens
Elitch Gardens Theme Park, a centerpiece of downtown Denver, spanning 70 acres features over 50 attractions, including adrenaline-pumping roller coasters, a full-scale water park, and a variety of family-friendly rides. Elitch Gardens combines the charm of its long history with the excitement of modern amusement rides. Along with live entertainment and special seasonal events, Elitch Gardens promises a fun-filled day out for everyone.
Walk on the Wild Side
Denver Zoo
Nestled in the heart of Denver, the Denver Zoo is a dynamic 80-acre facility that is home to over 3,500 animals from around the world. As a leader in animal care and conservation, the zoo offers a unique window into wildlife habitats ranging from the African savannah to the tropical rainforests. Engaging exhibits like Predator Ridge and Toyota Elephant Passage provide immersive experiences, while innovative programs promote conservation and education. Whether you're visiting to marvel at the majestic lions, elusive snow leopards, or interactive lorikeet encounters, the Denver Zoo offers an unforgettable adventure for all ages.
White Water Rafting
Downstream Adventures
Downstream Adventures is a premier, family-owned whitewater rafting outfitter in Colorado. Their popular Middle Clear Creek adventure is the perfect family-friendly rafting experience—just a short drive from Denver. Downstream’s expert guides ensure every guest feels safe and has a blast, making it an unforgettable day in the Rockies for the whole family.
Colorado's Best Waterpark
Water World
Waterworld, is one of America's largest family water parks, sprawling over 67 acres designed for water-fueled fun. This aquatic adventure land features a wide array of attractions catering to all ages and thrill levels, from adrenaline-pumping water slides and wave pools to serene lazy rivers and interactive children's play areas. Highlights include the Voyage to the Center of the Earth, a unique water ride filled with dinosaurs and unexpected twists, and the Mile High Flyer, a high-speed water coaster. With lush picnic areas and a variety of food options, Waterworld offers a perfect summer escape for families looking to splash, play, and create lasting memories.
Booking Link Coming Soon!
Colorado's Largest & Fastest Ziplines
Denver Zipline Tours
Ride down Colorado’s longest and fastest ziplines ranging from 850ft to over 1,900ft long, with speeds up to 60mph and up to 250ft above ground! Zipline over 1.5 miles on 6 different ziplines! Our zipline course is located in a beautiful nature park nestled in the Rocky Mountains only 30 minutes from Denver.
July 6th - 11th
Save The Date
Bigger and better than EVER before! This week-long festival is your family’s Summer vacation highlight of 2025. Marking the transition from 9v9 to 11v11, Rush Fest is an annual event held in mid-July that brings together 2013 teams and players from Rush clubs across the country and around the world.
- More than 70+ Rush clubs expected in 2025 from around the world
- More than a tournament…it’s a festival atmosphere and celebration
- Entertainment, socials, non-soccer games, classroom sessions…and FUN!!!
- Enjoy Colorado on your day off with group discounted activities
- The #1 Rush event your player will remember forever
The event is designed to give the players the most fun soccer experience of their life, with education, games, and memories they will never forget.
We know Rush Fest will be a whirlwind of excitement, so we’re giving parents a chance to unwind and recharge. Join us for a special Parents’ Dinner and Trivia Night—an evening just for you!
Enjoy a relaxing evening with dinner and drinks, followed by a fun and engaging team trivia competition.
Please note: This is an adults-only event—no kids allowed.
Take a break, connect with other Rush parents, and have some well-deserved fun!
We can’t wait to see you there.
Rush Fest for Coaches
Coaching
Coaching Education
The Rush Fest will give coaches the opportunity to learn first-hand about the Rush Way. Each day we will see coaches engage in an active learning environment. Coaches will be challenged to take part in a number of tasks including teaching players the Rush Way to warm up and defend corners. A coaching education clinic will also be held during the week. We look forward to supporting coaches on their journey in better serving players.
Coaching Pairing
To afford all the players at the event the best experience possible we ask that the head coaches (or assigned coaches) of each team assist another team within the event.
Why do we do this?
Rush aims to give all players the best experience possible. Assistant coaches can add knowledge, enthusiasm, and a unique opportunity for players to experience working with a coach from a different Rush club.
Pairing coaches will allow for the development of relationships, sharing of knowledge and ideas between coaches. As well as the opportunity for head coaches to develop staff management skills, assigning staff to specific roles and responsibilities.
It is an expectation that all staff actively engage in games, whether acting as the head or assistant coach. Assistant coaches are also expected to lead the team training session that will be held during Fest. This allows the players to hear a different coaching voice, maybe a different style and allow some coaching education for the team coach also.
Introductions
We ask that each coach contacts the coach listed as your partner to introduce yourself and give any relevant information about your team you feel necessary. On the first night of the coaches meeting (immediately following the Opening Ceremony) we will have a chance to get together and meet before the morning games.
Resources
Help Support Players Attend Fest
Fundraising Opportunities
All donations will directly support essential costs like registration, accommodations, and travel. By contributing, you’re helping these talented young athletes reach their potential and create memories that will last a lifetime.
What Your Support Covers:
- Registration Fees
- Accommodation at the DoubleTree Thornton and other local hotels
- Travel Expenses
- Coaching and Parent Education Programs
- Classroom Sessions
- Evening Activities for Players and Families
Your gift is more than a donation—it’s an important gift in the next generation of soccer talent. Together, we can ensure that every athlete has the chance to shine, grow, and build lasting memories on and off the field.
Please Contact Us
Interested in Volunteering?
Would you or your child like to volunteer at Rush Fest? Register for our volunteer list to see how YOU can help be a part of us behind the scenes!
Volunteers can help with a variety of tasks during the event, like field setup, coaching in the Thunder or Developmental camps, or even helping at Movie Night! We could use some helping hands anxious to be more involved. Register as a volunteer, and we will coordinate with you/your family prior to the event.
Thanks, and again, we appreciate your help!!
General Inquiries
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Can Register?
Rush Fest is for 2013 Boys & Girls Rush teams, regardless of where you reside. Physically filling out registration should be done by a coach or team manager (or parent, if you are only registering an individual.) We will have all levels of play, from DA teams to lower level and everything in between.
Do I Have To Bring My Whole Team?
Every 2013 is welcome! While we encourage full teams to attend so that you get to experience traveling with your entire team, it is not a requirement. We still encourage players to sign up as individuals or partial teams!
Can I Register As An Individual?
Yes – if you are able to attend but you are from a state without a specific 2013 team, or there are not enough players to make the journey as a team, we have the option to register as an individual, and Rush Soccer will place you on a team for the week.
Do I Have to Stay In A Specific Hotel?
Yes, Rush Fest is a “stay-to-play” event and you will reserve your block of rooms through the Fest Hotel Registration.
How Can Parents Book Hotels For The Same Rate And Location?
Parents can book their hotels via the same link as players and coaches; however, we ask that you are courteous with your room block – space is limited, and we want as many teams/players as possible to have their choice of hotel.
When Should I Book My Arrival And Departure Dates?
The opening Ceremony will commence at 5pm on Sunday, July 6th, and the last games will conclude by 2:00 pm on Friday, July 11th. Colorado has so much to offer in the summertime, we recommend you stay a few extra days to have some fun!
Okay, I Registered - Now What?
You should receive an email detailing your registration submission. You will receive a Google Doc to fill out pertinent information regarding your team and will receive emails from Nik to collect payment, rosters, etc.
Are Parents Encouraged To Attend?
Absolutely, this is a Rush-wide festival and we believe the parents should attend to experience the Rush Way in full effect too. We are asking the players to stay together in rooms with chaperones and coaches and not stay in the same room as their parents. This is likely the first time that the players are traveling and staying together as a team and we want to make sure that we give them the responsibility but under the supervision of their chaperones. Learning the Rush Way to travel is a part of this event!
What Is Expected Of A Rush Chaperone?
Rush chaperones are volunteers and without them, this event wouldn’t be possible. Generally, chaperones are responsible, soccer-loving, and able to pass a background check. Specifically for this event, a chaperone must be punctual, tireless and attentive. Typically a chaperone at the Rush Fest is responsible for driving the team to and from the fields, arranging all meals, sorting travel items, etc. Contact us if you need guidance.
What Is The ``Gift Exchange``?
One of the big events we plan is a “kids only” (not strictly) social event in which players socialize amongst each other and exchange Rush gifts from their local club. It is a blast! We recommend you bring an item per child, but by all means bring more – the more a player starts with, the more they can trade for with other clubs! Your item can be anything customized to your local Rush club. (ie Colorado Rush t-shirts, Alaska Rush hat, etc.)
Do We Have To Bring Our Own Equipment?
Coaches are responsible for bringing their own cones and pennies and we recommend the players each bring a size 5 ball. With over 60 teams anticipated we are unable to provide equipment for all teams, unfortunately.
Meet the
Rush Fest Coordinators
Rush Fest Coordinator
Nik Penn
Opening & Closing Ceremonies
Josh Tyler
Rush Development & Education