In February 1980, the Major Indoor Soccer League awarded a franchise to Ron Maierhofer, to be named the Denver Avalanche.

The team's first three players, all signed the same day were Tony Graham, Chris Cattaneo and Adrian Brooks.

The team's first draft pick Erhardt Kapp passed on the Avalanche and signed with the New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League instead.

The team's first game, an exhibition match, took place on November 3, 1980, a 10–4 loss to the St. Louis Steamers.

The Avalanche's assets were purchased by a group led by George Best and moved to form the Tacoma Stars.