Ball Arena
About Ball Arena
Ball Arena, located in Denver, Colorado, is the home of the Denver Nuggets and opened in 1999 (originally as the Pepsi Center). It is a major multi-purpose venue in downtown Denver and is shared with the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche. With a capacity of around 19,500 for basketball, the arena is known for its energetic atmosphere and high-altitude setting, which can give the Nuggets a unique home-court advantage. It regularly hosts NBA games, concerts, and major sporting events.
Historical Overview
Located on Speer Boulevard in downtown Denver, Ball Arena serves as a premier multi-purpose venue and a cornerstone of the city's sports and entertainment landscape. Privately owned and operated by Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, the facility broke ground on November 20, 1997, and officially opened its doors on October 1, 1999, as the Pepsi Center. The inaugural event was a sold-out concert by Celine Dion, marking the beginning of the venue's role as a major host for international touring acts, family shows, and high-profile athletic competitions. The arena was designed by HOK Sport to anchor the downtown area, providing a modern home for the NBA's Denver Nuggets, the NHL's Colorado Avalanche, and the NLL's Colorado Mammoth.
Did You Know?
The arena was constructed at a cost of 187 million dollars and officially opened to the public on October 1, 1999.
ArchitectureIn 2020, the venue was renamed Ball Arena following a partnership with the Colorado-based Ball Corporation to promote sustainability and recyclable aluminum packaging.
HistoryThe arena features a seating capacity of 19,520 for basketball games and 17,809 for hockey and lacrosse matches.
RecordsThe venue hosted the 2008 Democratic National Convention, which served as a major political milestone for the city of Denver.
CultureKroenke Sports & Entertainment has received approval to redevelop the surrounding 64-acre site into a mixed-use neighborhood featuring over 6,000 housing units.
Design
Quick Info
NBA
NHLClubs & Events (2)
Colorado Avalanche
The AvsNHLFounded in 1972 as the Quebec Nordiques before relocating to Denver in 1995, the Colorado Avalanche are a premier NHL franchise with three Stanley Cup championships. Nicknamed "The Avs," the team is renowned for its rich history of legendary players and a high-octane style of play that has cemented its status as a perennial contender.
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Location
Upcoming Matches
Colorado Avalanche vs Pittsburgh Penguins
NHL
Sat 17 Oct 2026, 01:00
Fixture via fixturedownload.com
Bayern München vs Arsenal
UEFA Champions League
Wed 21 Oct 2026, 19:00
Fixture via fixturedownload.com
Colorado Avalanche vs Tampa Bay Lightning
NHL
Sat 24 Oct 2026, 01:00
Fixture via fixturedownload.com
News & Blog
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Travel & Matchday
Travel Guide
Everything you need to know about getting to Ball Arena
Getting There
Ball Arena is located in downtown Denver at 1000 Chopper Circle, easily accessible via Speer Boulevard and Auraria Parkway. Drivers should follow signs for the arena grounds, with entry points available via 7th, 9th, or 11th Street. For those avoiding traffic, the Regional Transportation District light rail system provides direct service to the venue.
Public Transport
The Ball Arena/Elitch Gardens light rail station is the primary transit hub, served by the W, E, and C lines. Several bus routes also stop nearby at 9th Street and Auraria Parkway, providing convenient access from across the Denver metropolitan area. The station is a short walk from the main arena entrances.
Parking
The arena offers several on-site parking lots, including the Toyota RAV4 Premier lot and various standard lots like the Camry North and Tundra lots. Prices typically range from $35 to $80 depending on the event and proximity, and it is highly recommended to book parking in advance through official platforms to guarantee a spot. Accessible parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis in designated areas like the Camry North lot for those with valid permits.
Nearby Airports
Denver International Airport is the primary gateway to the city, located approximately 25 miles northeast of the arena. Travelers can reach downtown Denver from the airport via the A-Line commuter train, which connects to Union Station, followed by a short light rail ride or walk to the venue.
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