Ball Arena

Ball Arena is Denver’s premier large-scale sports and entertainment venue, located at 1000 Chopper Circle in the Central Platte Valley neighborhood just west of downtown. Home to the NBA’s Denver Nuggets, the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, and the NLL’s Colorado Mammoth, the 675,000-square-foot arena hosts more than 250 events annually — from marquee concert tours and family shows to championship sporting events — making it one of the busiest arenas in North America.

Groundbreaking took place on November 20, 1997, and the arena opened as the Pepsi Center on October 1, 1999, with a sold-out inaugural concert by Celine Dion. Designed by HOK Sport (now Populous) and built by Mortenson Construction at a cost of approximately $187 million in private funds, it replaced the aging McNichols Sports Arena. Kroenke Sports & Entertainment has owned and operated the facility since opening. In October 2020, naming rights transferred from PepsiCo to Ball Corporation as part of a sustainability partnership, and the arena was rebranded Ball Arena. The venue has hosted landmark events including the 2008 Democratic National Convention, the 2005 NBA All-Star Game, the 2001 Stanley Cup Final, and the 2023 NBA Finals. Concert headliners over the years have included Taylor Swift, The Rolling Stones, Beyoncé, Madonna, and Lady Gaga.

The five-level building seats approximately 19,520 for basketball, 18,007 for hockey and lacrosse, and up to 21,000 for concerts depending on stage configuration. The facility includes 95 luxury suites, 1,900 club seats, a state-of-the-art 4K floor projection system, a JBL Vertec line array sound system, and a 70,000-pound center-hung Daktronics scoreboard. A full-size practice court for the Nuggets sits within the building. The arena is served by RTD light rail (E and W Lines) at the Ball Arena–Elitch Gardens station.

Good to Know

• Ages: For Nuggets/Mammoth games and Avalanche games, children age 3 and older require their own ticket; children under 3 may sit on a ticketed adult’s lap. For concerts and special events, children age 2 and older generally require a ticket; policies vary by event.
• Bar: Full bars and concessions throughout the venue. A maximum of two alcoholic beverages may be purchased per ID per transaction. Alcohol sales end at the 4th quarter (Nuggets/Mammoth) or 3rd period (Avalanche). Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited and subject to a $250 citation.
• Parking: Toyota lots open three hours before events. Four standard lots plus one VIP lot; Premier Parking, Valet, and ADA parking also available. Most lots accept credit/debit; some accept cash. Rideshare drop-off and pick-up at 5th and Walnut Streets. ADA rideshare at the 9th Street roundabout. No tailgating with open alcohol.
• ADA: Dedicated ADA parking lot. Accessible seating throughout all levels. Service animals permitted (must be harnessed/leashed). Nursing suites, accessible restrooms, and mobility assistance available. Contact Guest Relations at 303-405-8548 for accommodations.
• House rules: Bag policy: only bags 4”×6”×1.5” or smaller permitted; medical and diaper bags up to 14”×14”×6” allowed with inspection. No re-entry once you exit. Strict no-smoking policy indoors and outdoors, including marijuana. Prohibited clothing includes profane or offensive attire, full-face coverings, and tactical gear. Evolv Express security screening at all entrances. Violations of the Code of Conduct result in ejection without refund.