| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Home Team(s) | Denver Nuggets (NBA), Colorado Avalanche (NHL), Colorado Mammoth (NLL) |
| Opened | October 1, 1999 (Began as Pepsi Center; renamed Ball Arena in 2020) |
| Capacity | 19,155 (basketball), 18,007 (hockey/lacrosse); up to ~20,000+ for concerts |
| Best Value Seats | Upper-level corners & loge areas—affordable with solid sightlines |
| Premium Seating | Club Lexus (NBA/Hockey), Select Health Club Level, suites, theater boxes |
| Top Arena Foods | Specialty “Billy Dog” hot dogs, brisket fries, al pastor tacos; playoff shrimp tacos and giant pretzels in postseason |
| Nearby Bars | Society Sports & Spirits, 54Thirty Rooftop, Brooklyn’s & tons more in LoDo |
| Closest Hotels | Downtown/LoDo options: Le Meridien, The Maven, Renaissance Denver |
| Transit Access | Served by RTD light rail (Decatur-Federal Station), plus downtown parking/shuttles |
| Unique Notes | Built with sustainable aluminum partnership via Ball Corp; new rectangular scoreboard added in 2013 |
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Best Seats At Ball Arena
Ball Arena holds roughly 19,500 for Nuggets games and 17,800 for Avalanche games, built across three levels: the Lower Bowl (100s), the Club Level (200s), and the Upper/Balcony Level (300s). The building is genuinely well-designed—there’s no truly terrible seat in the house, and the steep upper deck that sounds intimidating actually keeps you closer to the action than you’d expect. The main thing to know before you buy: seating priorities shift meaningfully depending on whether you’re watching basketball, hockey, or a concert, so don’t just grab whatever’s available without thinking about the angle.
DENVER NUGGETS — Best Basketball Seating
Sections 124–128 and 144–146 (Lower Bowl Sideline): The basketball sweet spot at Ball Arena. You’re close enough to follow Jokic’s footwork in real time, with sightlines to both baskets and a clear view of the whole court. Rows toward the back of these sections run $175–200; better rows climb to $300–400. The tradeoff is price—these are the most coveted non-premium seats in the building, and they’re priced accordingly.
Sections 102 and 148, Rows 10–20 (Behind the Benches): A slightly different experience worth knowing about. The Nuggets bench sits in front of Section 102; the visiting team is in front of Section 148—get this right before you buy, because it’s counterintuitive and easy to mix up. Rows 1–3 are premium access, but rows 10–20 immediately behind them are not, and you get a remarkable look at huddles, substitutions, and the coaching staff doing their thing. For a certain type of fan, this is more interesting than a straight sideline seat.
Best Value Seats
Sections 110, 116, 134, 140 (Lower Bowl Corners): Ball Arena’s corners are cut at an angle that actually works well for basketball—you’re looking toward center court rather than straight down the baseline. Up to 22 rows deep, solid sightlines, and typically $50–100 cheaper per ticket than the prime sideline sections. You lose maybe 5% of the view and gain a meaningful amount of money back. For most games, this is the right call.
Club Level Sections 242–246: Only four rows per section, which means almost no stairs, no one climbing over you mid-quarter, and a surprisingly private feel for a 19,000-seat arena. Club level access included. More on this in the premium section below, but these sections are worth flagging here because they punch well above their weight for the experience-to-price ratio.
Best Budget Seats
Upper Level Center, Sections 330–334: Bird’s-eye view of the full court—actually useful for reading the game’s flow and spacing. Tickets start around $45. One warning: the upper deck at Ball Arena is genuinely steep. If you have any issue with heights or stairs, stay below Row 10. For everyone else, the steepness is actually a feature—you’re closer to the action than the same row would be in a flatter arena.
COLORADO AVALANCHE — Hockey Seating
Avs games are a little different, here is how to attack the non premium seating for hockey:
The Sweet Spots: Best Non-Premium Seats
Center Ice, Sections 128–130 and 102–104: The hockey purist’s seat. You can read line changes, track defensive zone coverage, and follow the play from end to end without craning your neck. This is where you go if you actually want to watch hockey rather than just be near it.
Glass Seats, Sections 102–124 (Lower Bowl): You feel every hit. The speed of the game at ice level is something you genuinely cannot replicate from the upper bowl, and if you’ve never sat on the glass for a hockey game, it’s worth doing once. Important caveat: Rows 1–2 have a real distortion problem—the glass warps your view of the far end and makes it hard to track play development. The actual sweet spot for glass-area seating is Rows 12–20, where you clear the glass and see the whole sheet.
Best Value Seats
The “Shoot Twice” End — Sections 128–146: The Avalanche attack this end in the first and third periods, meaning if the Avs score, you’re watching it happen right in front of you. Standard seats behind the premium rows start at $150–200, making this genuinely good value for the amount of action that comes your way. Lower bowl seats and a home goal celebration two feet from your section—hard to argue with that.
Best Budget Seats
Upper Level, Sections 302–386: The affordable entry point for Avs games. For the best sightlines up here, choose a corner section in a low row—you get elevation without the severe angle of the end zones. If you want to be surrounded by the loudest Avs crowd in the upper deck, Sections 360–364 are where Colorado attacks in periods one and three—the energy there when the Avs are on a power play is noticeably different from the rest of the upper bowl.
Lower Balcony Odd-Numbered Sections: A specific tip worth knowing—the odd-numbered upper level sections have just three rows of seating, which means easy concourse access and less of the “stuck in the middle of a row” problem that makes upper deck hockey annoying. Good pick for families or anyone who values flexibility.
CONCERTS — Seating
Floor Sections AAA–FFF, Rows 1–10: For end-stage configurations, six floor sections with 25 rows each fill the court. Stay in the first ten rows to minimize the risk of sightline issues—lower-numbered seats within each section are closer to the stage centerline, higher numbers push you toward the edges. The energy on the floor is unmatched; just know you’re standing.
Lower Level Stage-Adjacent (Sections 132, 134, 136 for Standard End-Stage): Elevated above the floor with actual seats and a direct angle to the stage. Configuration changes by show, so verify before buying, but these sections consistently deliver for most major concerts. You get the sightline advantage of elevation without floor pricing.
Best Value Seats
Club Level with Stage View: Club level for concerts is an underrated call—padded seats, lounge access, shorter lines, and a sightline that works well for most stage configurations. If you’re going to spend money on a concert here, the club level is often a smarter upgrade than pushing for expensive floor rows.
Lower Level Side Sections (Floor Rows 11+): If your budget has you looking at floor rows beyond 11, honestly consider pivoting to lower level side sections instead. The elevation gives you a cleaner view of the stage than a floor seat 25 rows back, and you’re not standing for three hours.
Best Budget Seats
Upper Level Center: Cheapest tickets in the building and not as bad as you’d think—major artists playing arenas design their productions for the upper deck intentionally. Video boards, lighting rigs, and stage production are built to pull everyone in. Avoid sections directly behind the stage unless the show is specifically marketed as in-the-round. Center upper deck with no obstructions is always the move if you’re going budget.
What to Avoid
Lower Bowl End Zone Corners (Deep Angle): For basketball especially, the very corner sections at sharp angles to the baseline give you a compressed view of one end of the court and an awkward look at the other. Not the worst seat in the building, but not worth paying lower bowl prices for.
Upper Deck Rows 10+ (Vertigo Warning): Ball Arena’s upper deck is steep by design. It’s not dangerous, but if heights are a genuine issue for you or someone in your group, staying in the first several rows of the upper deck—or skipping it entirely for the club level—is worth the extra spend.
Glass Rows 1–2 for Hockey: Covered above, but worth repeating: the glass distortion at ice level in the first two rows is real. You’re paying premium proximity for a partially obscured view of the far end. Rows 12–20 in the same zone cost less and see more.
Premium Seating At Ball Arena
Ball Arena’s premium tier has been reshuffled for 2025/2026 with some name changes that matter when you’re buying—several clubs have rebranded and the old names still float around on resale platforms. The system runs from the ultra-exclusive tunnel clubs at ice/court level up through the full club level in the 200s, with luxury suites occupying two levels above that. Here’s what’s actually what.
The Best Club
UMB Reserve (formerly Club Lexus) — Event Level, Courtside Rows CS1–CS3: This is Ball Arena’s crown jewel and it’s not particularly close. Valet parking, all-inclusive high-end buffet and full bar, private entrance on the southeast side near 11th Street and Chopper Circle, and seats that are essentially on the playing surface. The club opens 90 minutes before tip/puck drop and closes an hour after the final buzzer. Access is tied to Courtside ticket holders and specific Prime Loge rows—verify on your ticket before assuming you’re in. For Nuggets games especially, this is one of the more exclusive club experiences in the NBA.
Best Value Club
Select Health Club Level — The Entire 200 Level: This is where most fans will find the premium sweet spot. Wider padded seats, in-seat service, and access to two distinct lounge spaces: the Colorado Social (opposite Sections 228–232, floor-to-ceiling mountain and city views, sit-down dining, 22 HD TVs, full-service bar with craft cocktails and wine) and the Forget Me Not Lounge (opposite Sections 202–204, Colorado craft beers, spirits, and grab-and-go options). You get roughly 80% of the premium experience for meaningfully less than the tunnel club pricing. The insider target within the club level: Sections 242–246, which have only four rows each. Almost no stairs, a semi-private atmosphere, and zero bathroom line drama.
Other Notable Clubs and Premium Options
Ford Champions Club (Event Level, Southwest Side near 9th Street and Chopper Circle) — A speakeasy-style club accessed via Sections CS110, CS116, CS134, and CS140 (Row CS4). Located near the Nuggets locker room tunnel with all-inclusive food and drink. The floor-level position puts you as close to the action as you can get outside of Courtside rows, and the “hidden door” access adds to the atmosphere.
Theatre Boxes (Above Sections 144 and 130, accessed via Suite Level) — Easy to confuse with lower bowl seating because of the section numbering, but these are hanging boxes that float above the 144/130 area, not standard rows. Semi-private 4–6 person seating with a dedicated dining table, all-inclusive food and drink, and a genuine opera box feel. Excellent for small business meetings or a group celebration that wants privacy without booking a full suite.
Suites & Group Options
Ball Arena has 86 luxury suites across two levels, most holding up to 20 guests with theater-style seating, wet bar, HD flat screens, and refrigerator. Suite ticket holders get VIP arena entry and access to the main club lounges. Average pricing runs around $3,500 for Nuggets and Avalanche games; concerts range from $2,000–$12,000 depending on the show. Budget roughly $100 per person for in-suite catering on top of that. Contact Ball Arena’s group sales office directly or work through a suite broker—brokers often have access to inventory and pricing flexibility the direct box office doesn’t advertise.
Ball Arena Seating Chart
Ball Arena has a seating capacity of 19,099 for basketball games and 18,007 for hockey and lacrosse games. Depending on the stage configuration, the venue can seat up to 20,000 for concerts and other events. Here is the Ball Arena Seating Chart.
Remember to purchase tickets from reliable sources to ensure a smooth and secure experience. Enjoy the game!
Tickets to Events at Ball Arena
Here are some great ways to secure tickets for Denver Nuggets or Colorado Avalanche games at Ball Arena:
- Click Here for Denver Nuggets or Colorado Avalanche tickets or any event at Ball Arena! Vivid Seats has you covered for any events from basketball to hockey to concerts.
- Official Team Websites: Visit the official websites of the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche for direct access to tickets. Teams often release tickets for sale on their websites, allowing you to choose preferred seats.
- NBA and NHL Ticket Exchange: Check the official ticket exchange platforms for the NBA and NHL. These platforms allow fans to buy and sell tickets securely, providing a reliable way to access game tickets.
- Season Ticket Holders: Connect with season ticket holders who may occasionally sell or transfer their tickets for specific games. Online platforms or fan forums can be good places to find such opportunities.
- Social Media and Fan Forums: Keep an eye on social media platforms and fan forums where individuals might post about available tickets. Be cautious and ensure the legitimacy of the transactions.
- Promotional Events and Giveaways: Keep an eye on promotional events or giveaways organized by the teams or sponsors. Sometimes, you may have the chance to win or obtain tickets through contests or promotions.
- Local Ticket Outlets: Check with local ticket outlets, such as box offices, for in-person ticket purchases. This can be a good option to avoid online service fees.
- Group Packages: Explore group ticket packages, which teams often offer for fans attending games in larger numbers. Group packages may come with discounts and additional perks.
New Development around Ball Arena
The Ball Arena site in Denver is set for a major redevelopment led by Kroenke Sports & Entertainment. The 55–64 acre area, now mostly parking lots, will transform into a mixed-use district with about 6,000 housing units (18% affordable), millions of square feet of office and retail space, hotels, a 5,000-seat performance venue, and a central three-acre park.
Connectivity and infrastructure are central to the plan: new pedestrian bridges will link Ball Arena to LoDo, Auraria, and The River Mile, while underground parking, bike lanes, and stormwater systems add sustainability. Phase 1, starting in 2026, includes two residential towers, a hotel, and a performance venue, with completion targeted for 2029.
Ball Arena Bag Policy
Ball Arena runs a strict bag policy that catches people off guard. Standard bags must be 4″ x 6″ x 1.5″—essentially clutch or wallet size. No backpacks. Diaper bags and medical bags are allowed (max 14″x14″x6″) but must go through X-ray at the Grand Atrium or East Atrium VIP doors. Check the current policy on Ball Arena’s site before a big game because this has teeth and security enforces it.
Key Details:
- Backpacks are not permitted at all
- All permitted bags are subject to search both upon entry and within the arena
- There is no bag check available at Ball Arena, and guests will not be allowed to enter with an unapproved or oversized bag
- Exception: Medical and diaper bags 14″ x 14″ x 6″ or smaller are permitted but must enter via the VIP/ADA Door #1 at either entrance for x-ray screening
- External bag storage is available near the Infinity Sculpture in the Grand Atrium Plaza, with pricing starting at $12 per checked bag
Additional Policies
Here are some of the more frequently asked about policies at Ball Arena:
Cashless Payment System: Ball Arena Concessions, Suites, and Premium locations are cashless, with guests able to pay with debit or credit for their convenience. Select Ball Arena locations do accept cash as payment – guests should see a Guest Relations representative or go to a Guest Relations kiosk to get the most updated list of concessions that accept cash payments. There are two ATMs located inside Ball Arena, one on the Lower Level (Section 144) and one on the Upper Level (Section 366).
No Re-Entry Policy: Ball Arena has a “No Re-Entry” policy for all events. This is particularly important for smokers, as guests who exit the venue to smoke will not be permitted re-entry into the venue. Once you leave Ball Arena for any reason, you cannot return, even with a valid ticket.
Smoking and Vaping Prohibition: Ball Arena is a non-smoking venue where smoking or vaping of any kind is prohibited, with no indoor or outdoor smoking areas available for guests to use during events. Any guests smoking inside the venue will be subject to ejection, and any form of marijuana consumption is prohibited on Ball Arena property. In accordance with city ordinance, smoking is not permitted within 30 feet of entry doors.
For complete details on all Ball Arena policies including prohibited items, accessibility services, food and beverage guidelines, and security procedures, visitors should review the comprehensive policies and frequently asked questions section on the official Ball Arena website before attending any event.
Ball Arena Parking
With over 250 events annually and a capacity of up to 20,000 for concerts, parking can become a logistical challenge without proper planning. The arena’s location in downtown Denver means you’re competing for space not just with fellow fans, but with the general downtown traffic and activity.
Ball Arena parking lots open 3 hours prior to the start of the event, and parking staff remain on duty one hour after an event.
The Toyota Parking Lot System
Ball Arena operates multiple Toyota-branded lots including 4Runner, Camry, RAV4, Tundra, Tacoma, TRD Pro, and Corolla parking areas. Valet service is available in TRD Pro Lot, premier parking is in RAV4 Lot, while other areas offer general parking services. Here is a link to the Ball Arena Parking Map.
Payment & Pricing: Credit/debit cards are accepted at all Toyota Ball Arena parking lots. Cash payments are only accepted at the Tundra lot, where rates are discounted $5.00 when paying with credit/debit. Current parking passes range from $7-16 for most events, with playoff and special event pricing subject to change.
Advance Purchase: Guests are prompted to purchase parking in advance after buying event tickets on Ticketmaster, and third-party platforms like SpotHero and ParkWhiz offer advance reservations with better rates and guaranteed spots. You can also purchase parking here.
Alternative Parking Downtown Tips
Sunday Games Strategy: The City of Denver offers free street parking in the downtown area every Sunday from 12:00 A.M. to 11:59 P.M. This means any Sunday afternoon game gives you free parking anywhere downtown with a short walk to the arena.
Union Station & LoDo Options: Union Station offers secure and affordable parking garage options just a short walk to Ball Arena, often cheaper than official lots. Market Station at 1650 Blake Street provides covered valet parking in the heart of LoDo, only .4 miles from Ball Arena, putting you right in Denver’s restaurant and bar district for pre- or post-game activities.
Neighborhood Gems: The Highland neighborhood, just across the Highland Bridge (10-15 minute walk), offers cheaper street parking and private lots while letting you experience one of Denver’s coolest areas. The 16th Street Mall area has street parking all around accepting coins and credit cards, plus several parking garages, with access to the free mall shuttle.
Free Parking Finds: Limited free parking spaces are available at the edge of downtown near Confluence Park and Commons Park, requiring a longer 15-20 minute walk but completely free. Auraria Campus offers weekend parking options in the 5th Street Garage, Elm Lot, and Walnut Lot at potentially lower rates than official Ball Arena lots.
Street Parking Savvy: Overnight parking meters charge $1.00 per hour from 10:00 PM – 2:00 AM, then $0.50 per hour from 2:00 AM – 6:00 AM, with free parking from 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM, useful for late events or overnight stays.
Public Transportation Options To Ball Arena
Public transportation often provides a faster, cheaper, and stress-free alternative to driving to Ball Arena events. RTD passes start at just $3 for 3 hours compared to $7-16 for parking, and you’ll avoid the post-game traffic exodus that can trap cars in lots for 30+ minutes. Denver’s Regional Transportation District (RTD) offers comprehensive service directly to Ball Arena, making it an increasingly popular choice for savvy fans.
Light Rail: Your Direct Route to the Action
Primary Ball Arena Service: RTD light-rail lines serve the Pepsi Center–Elitch Gardens station, which is a short walk away from Ball Arena. Lines W, C, and E run directly to the Pepsi Center/Elitch Gardens stop.
Key Light Rail Lines:
- C Line: Runs from the Littleton/Mineral Light Rail Station to Union Station in LoDo and stops at Pepsi Center/Elitch Gardens
- E Line: Runs from the Lincoln Light Rail Station to Union Station and stops at Pepsi Center/Elitch Gardens
- W Line: Also serves the Pepsi Center/Elitch Gardens station
Alternative Downtown Access: Lines D (from Littleton/Mineral), F (from Lincoln), and H (from Nine Mile) run to 16th/California in Downtown Denver, where you can connect to other transit options or walk to Ball Arena.
Bus Service and Local Routes
Direct Ball Arena Access: A RTD bus stop is located across from Ball Arena at 9th St. and Auraria Parkway, served by bus routes 1, 15L, and 20.
16th Street Mall Connection: Free shuttle service operates on the 16th St Mall, covering two miles with both northbound and southbound service between Union Station and the 16th St. Mall. This free shuttle can connect you to downtown areas where you can then walk to Ball Arena or catch connecting transit.
Union Station Hub Strategy: Union Station serves as Denver’s primary transit hub and offers excellent connectivity to Ball Arena. Lines C and E from various suburban stations run to the historic Union Station in LoDo and stop at Pepsi Center/Elitch Gardens. Even if your line doesn’t stop directly at Ball Arena, Union Station puts you in the heart of downtown with multiple options to reach the venue.
Check the RTD website for the light rail map and schedule.
Ball Arena Insider Tips
Ball Arena sits in the middle of Denver’s downtown sports corridor—Coors Field is a 10-minute walk north, Empower Field is visible from the upper deck—and the whole area is built around gameday foot traffic. After spending time here over the years, the thing that strikes me most is how much the experience splits between people who know the building and people who don’t. The fans who know it eat better, wait less, and leave without sitting in a rideshare surge on Chopper Circle. These are their tricks.
Access & Gate Strategy
Gate times here matter more than at most arenas because of how the warmup situation works, so get this right before you plan your arrival.
General admission doors open 60 minutes before game time. That’s it—not 90, not two hours. If you show up earlier, you’re waiting outside. The exception is Club and Suite ticket holders, who get in 90 minutes early—and that extra 30 minutes is genuinely significant if you want to watch hockey warmups, which are worth your time. For general ticket holders who want any shot at warmup access, be at the gate right when it opens and move immediately to the lower bowl.
For which gate to use: skip the Chopper Circle entrance on the north side. Everyone defaults to it, it backs up, and it’s unpleasant on cold nights. The South Entrance near 9th Street (by Brooklyn’s patio) is almost always faster and drops you right near the Club Level escalators. Use it every time.
CLEAR members get expedited entry at Ball Arena for Nuggets and Avalanche games and concerts. On big nights when the security line wraps around the building, this is a genuine time-saver worth having.
The Altitude Warning (Seriously)
Denver sits at 5,280 feet and this is not a footnote. One beer at Ball Arena hits like two beers at sea level, especially if you’ve flown in recently. Pace yourself, drink water between rounds, and use the free hydration stations throughout the arena. Speaking of which: official policy says no outside water bottles, but the accepted local practice is to bring one empty, clear plastic bottle (32oz or under)—security generally allows it and you can fill it at the hydration stations all game. It saves you $7 and keeps you hydrated in a building where the dry air and altitude are both working against you.
Food & Drink Strategy
Ball Arena has legitimately good local food options if you know where to look and actively ignore the generic concourse stuff.
The current headline item is the Fried Tacos at Mexico City Lounge (Sections 118 and 330)—steak or chicken with melted American cheese in a fried shell. It’s a Denver institution that found its way into the arena and it’s the best thing in the building right now. Redeemer Pizza at Section 126 does a real NY-style sourdough crust that holds up. Illegal Burger at Section 102 is exactly what it sounds like and worth the line. Big Belly Brothers BBQ (Sections 148 and 379) does brisket burnt ends and baby back ribs with a raspberry chipotle glaze they made specifically for the arena—sounds like a gimmick, tastes like a reason to arrive hungry.
If you’re watching the budget, find the $5 Fan Friendly menu stands (look for the logo)—$5 beers, hot dogs, nachos, and popcorn at a major arena in 2025 is genuinely remarkable value. Worth finding these stands first before you do anything else.
The Colorado Social on the Club Level is the best sit-down experience in the building if you have a 200-level ticket—craft cocktails, actual food, mountain views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Get there before the game when it’s calm.
Timing is everything for hockey: do not wait for the first intermission buzzer to get food. Every 19,000 people have the same idea simultaneously and the concourses at Ball Arena are narrow enough that it becomes a genuine gridlock situation. Go with 4 minutes left in the period while play is still on, or wait until 5 minutes into the intermission when the initial wave clears. Same principle applies to Nuggets games at halftime.
One more option if you want to skip the arena economics entirely: eat on Larimer Street or in LoDo before the game. Better food, better prices, great pre-game atmosphere, and you can grab a $5 snack inside if you get hungry. Experienced fans do this routinely.
Getting Autographs
Avalanche: Your best shot in the building. The Avs tunnel is near Section 104, visitors near Section 148. Get to your lower bowl seat immediately when doors open and position yourself near Section 104—players occasionally toss pucks over the glass during warmups, and signing does happen. You need a 100-level ticket to get anywhere near the tunnel area; ushers are strict about this and the glass access doesn’t work from the upper bowl.
Nuggets: Manage your expectations here. NBA players sign before games rarely, and Ball Arena’s setup doesn’t create many natural opportunities. The one legitimate option is the Warmup Watchers package (sold separately through the Nuggets), which gives you floor access during shootaround. If autographs are the goal, that’s the only reliable path for basketball.
Giveaway Night Timing
The Avalanche and Nuggets both run popular giveaway schedules and the “while supplies last” qualifier is real. For bobbleheads and jersey nights, be at the gate 90 minutes before game time—which for general admission means you’re in line before doors open. Popular giveaways distribute fast and the good ones run out before the first period ends. Check the promotional schedule when you buy and build your arrival around it.
Family Tips
UCHealth Nursing Suite is located at Section 132 (Lower Level) and Section 348 (Upper Level)—private, clean, and a genuinely thoughtful amenity. Ball Arena is certified through Denver Health as a breastfeeding-friendly public space.
Berry the Bear (Avalanche) and Rocky (Nuggets) both do pre-game meet-and-greets in the Grand Atrium at the Main Entrance. Ask Guest Relations when you arrive for the specific time—it changes by game. Kids who care about this should be routed there first before finding seats.
Keep Your Phone Charged
Your ticket lives on your phone, which means a dead battery is a genuine problem. ChargeFUZE rental kiosks are located on multiple levels throughout the arena—rent a portable battery for around $5 and return it when you’re done. Download the ChargeFUZE app before you leave home to make the pickup fast. Don’t learn this tip the hard way at the gate.
Concerts: One Extra Tip
For General Admission concerts, the line forms at the Grand Atrium VIP Door 1 on the southwest side starting at 10am the morning of the event. No overnight camping, but if front-of-floor position matters to you, arriving early afternoon gives you a real edge. For upper level concert seats, avoid anything directly behind the stage unless it’s specifically marketed as an in-the-round show.
Rideshare Hack
Don’t call your rideshare from Chopper Circle after the game. This is the single most consistent mistake fans make at Ball Arena. The entire post-game crowd funnels toward the main parking area, surge pricing spikes immediately, and you can easily wait 30–45 minutes for a car that costs two to three times the normal fare.
The move: walk south across the Speer Boulevard bridge toward the Auraria Campus, or cut to 9th Street and Larimer—about 8–12 minutes of walking from your seat. Call your ride from there. You’re out of the surge zone, the price drops significantly, and your wait goes from 40 minutes to 5. It’s the tip that locals quietly use while everyone else stands on Chopper Circle watching their estimated arrival time tick upward.
Hotels Near Ball Arena
Staying downtown near Ball Arena puts you within walking distance of the venue while placing you in the heart of Denver’s best dining, entertainment, and nightlife. The LoDo (Lower Downtown) neighborhood offers the closest accommodations, typically a 5-10 minute walk to events, while the 16th Street Mall area provides easy access via the free mall shuttle.
Downtown hotels also connect you to Union Station for easy airport access and put you near other major attractions like Coors Field and the Denver Art Museum. Most downtown properties offer the convenience of exploring Denver on foot, eliminating the need for parking or rideshares during your visit.
Best Hotels:
- The Ritz-Carlton, Denver: Luxury hotel with upscale amenities, refined accommodations, and a prime location.
- Four Seasons Hotel Denver: Offers opulent accommodations, exceptional service, and a luxurious atmosphere.
- Hotel Teatro: A boutique hotel blending historic charm with modern elegance, providing a unique and stylish experience.
- The Oxford Hotel: Denver’s oldest operating hotel, known for its classic style, historic significance, and timeless appeal.
- Kimpton Hotel Born: A stylish hotel featuring contemporary design, modern comforts, and excellent amenities.
- The Maven Hotel Downtown: Situated in the heart of downtown Denver, The Maven Hotel offers a chic and vibrant urban experience. With unique decor and a lively atmosphere, it provides a modern stay with easy access to Ball Arena. Also a cool food hall attached to the Maven I hit often when i lived in LoDo. This is closer to Coors Field, than Ball Arena, but still its fine.
Mid Tier to Budget-Friendly Options:
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Denver Downtown Convention Center: A budget-friendly option offering spacious suites, complimentary breakfast, and a convenient location.
- AC Hotel by Marriott Denver Downtown: Modern and affordable, this hotel features a European-inspired design and comfortable accommodations.
- The Curtis Denver – a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel: Known for its quirky and themed rooms, this budget-friendly hotel provides a unique and playful atmosphere.
- Hyatt Place Denver/Downtown: A contemporary choice offering modern rooms and a convenient location at an affordable price.
- Tru by Hilton Denver Downtown Convention Center: A budget-friendly option with a focus on simplicity, comfort, and modern amenities.
Bars and Restaurants Near Ball Arena
Ball Arena fans typically congregate in three main areas before and after events: LoDo (Lower Downtown) offers the closest concentration of sports bars and restaurants within walking distance, the 16th Street Mall provides dining options with easy shuttle access to the arena area, and the immediate vicinity around Ball Arena itself features several establishments catering specifically to event-goers.
Most fans gravitate toward LoDo for the authentic Denver sports bar experience, while others prefer the convenience of spots right next to the venue. Here are some great spots to start:
Society Sports and Spirits serves as the premier local sports bar in the heart of LoDo near Ball Arena, specializing in “The Tailgate” experience with tons of TVs and a lively atmosphere. They’re the official alumni bar of several teams including the Chargers, Texans, Steelers, Iowa State Cyclones, Arkansas Razorbacks and Pittsburgh Penguins. This is a great old bar. One of my favorite places to watch a game if you can get a seat. It gets busy before Avs/Nuggets games.
Rhein Haus offers a German-inspired experience just a short walk from Ball Arena, featuring spacious two-story space with bocce ball courts, ginormous pretzels with gourmet sauces, schnitzel and spätzle. It’s connected to Wally’s Wisconsin Tavern for even more options.
Nola Jane brings Big Easy hits like catfish po’boys, fried okra, gumbo, and crawfish étouffée to downtown Denver in a pretty purple spot that keeps beers from both New Orleans and Denver on draft. They’re open late for post-game bites and boozy hurricanes.
Tom’s Watch Bar provides wall-to-wall 360° screens and an unmatched viewing experience in the heart of LoDo, where fans gather to cheer on all Denver teams with chef-driven menu and craft cocktails. I come over here and watch games pretty frequently, it can be pricey but its a good spot.
For special occasions or memorable meals, Denver offers exceptional dining experiences. Mercantile Dining & Provisions at Union Station showcases James Beard-award-winning Chef Alex Seidel’s seasonal American cuisine, offering elevated takes on comfort food with locally sourced ingredients. Guard & Grace provides an expensive steakhouse experience in downtown/LoDo with beautiful décor and fantastic food. Tavernetta delivers very expensive Italian cuisine in downtown LoDo, while Rioja serves Mediterranean cuisine using local and seasonal ingredients in the charming Larimer Square. A5 Steakhouse caters to the “cool kids” with neon-splashed décor, silky martinis, and Japanese A5 striploin that melts in your mouth.
Things To Do In Denver
If you’re in from out of town for an event, here are 5 things to do in Denver if you have an extra day on your schedule
- Explore Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre: Immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of Red Rocks Park, known for its iconic amphitheater. Hike the trails, enjoy panoramic views of the city, and attend a concert if there’s one happening. It’s a unique outdoor venue surrounded by towering red rock formations.
- Visit the Denver Art Museum (DAM): Dive into the vibrant world of art at the Denver Art Museum. With an extensive collection spanning various cultures and periods, DAM offers a rich cultural experience. Keep an eye out for special exhibitions and interactive installations that make the visit even more engaging.
- Take a Stroll in Larimer Square: Wander through historic Larimer Square, Denver’s oldest block. Lined with charming boutiques, restaurants, and cafes, this pedestrian-friendly area is perfect for a leisurely stroll. The beautifully preserved architecture and vibrant atmosphere make it a delightful destination.
- Experience Denver’s Craft Beer Scene: Denver is renowned for its craft beer scene. Explore the numerous breweries and taprooms scattered across the city. Take a brewery tour, sample a variety of local brews, and immerse yourself in the dynamic and creative beer culture for which Denver is celebrated.
- Visit the Denver Zoo: Spend a day at the Denver Zoo, home to a diverse array of animals from around the world. Wander through themed exhibits, participate in interactive experiences, and learn about conservation efforts. It’s a family-friendly attraction that appeals to visitors of all ages.
These activities are just a sliver of Denver’s diverse offerings, from natural wonders to cultural experiences, ensuring a fun and memorable time in the city. If you have more time check out the full breadth of what the great State of Colorado has to offer.
Dont forget to check out our other guides in Denver and around the country. Here are some places to start
Mile High Stadium and Coors Field
Written by Brad Richards, Founder of Gameday Guides. This guide includes insights from personal visits as well as updated info from team sources, fan forums, and stadium policies. We aim to help you plan with confidence — enjoy your gameday.