Colorado Rapids 2012 Schedule: Rapids Open MLS Season Vs. Columbus Crew

The MLS released its 2012 regular seasons schedule Thursday, and the Colorado Rapids will begin their journey towards earn a second MLS cup in three seasons March 10 against visiting Columbus Crew at the Dick's Sporting Goods Park. The first time the Rapids meet rival Real Salt Lake is April 7 at Rio Tito Stadium.

"This will be the 5th game in two years that the Crew and Rapids will play at Dick's Sporting Goods Park," writes the SB Nation Rapids' blog Burgundy Wave Thursday, "with the Rapids an impressive 4-0 in those fixtures. That has included two playoff games, both of which ended 1-0. Past the Columbus game to start the season, it's not looking to be an incredibly easy season for the Rapids."

Luckily, for Rapids fans their team's first two road games -- March 18, at Philadelphia Union, and March 25, at New York Red Bull -- will be shown on the new NBC Sports Network and ESPN, respectively. In fact, Colorado will play on the new NBC network, previously called Versus, three more times -- July 7 at Seattle Sounders FC, August 31 at Portland Timbers, Sept. 5 vs. Portland.

"Rival club Real Salt Lake got the advantage in the Rocky Mountain Cup derbies with two home games. A more positive note is that all three games will be Saturday games this year so there hopefully both away sections will be filled to the brims this time around."

For the full 2012 Colorado Rapids schedule click this link.

For more on the Colorado Rapids 2012 schedule, check out the SB Nation blog Burgundy Wave. Meanwhile, SB Nation MLS has a full StoryStream devoted to the 2012 MLS Schedule.