Ball Arena is the home of the Colorado Avalanche in downtown Denver

Ball Arena, located at 1000 Chopper Circle in Denver, Colorado, is where the Colorado Avalanche play their National Hockey League home games. The arena opened in 1999 and seats approximately 16,061 for hockey. It sits in the Lower Downtown (LoDo) neighborhood, a short walk or light rail ride from downtown Denver's main streets and restaurants.

The venue is also home to the NBA's Denver Nuggets and the NHL's Colorado Avalanche, so the building hosts events year-round. When the Avalanche are not playing, Ball Arena hosts concerts, other sporting events, and conventions. The arena is named after Ball Corporation, a packaging company headquartered in Colorado.

Key Takeaways

  • Ball Arena is in downtown Denver at 1000 Chopper Circle and holds about 16,061 people for Avalanche games.
  • The arena is accessible by car, public transit (RTD light rail), or on foot from downtown Denver.
  • Parking is available in nearby lots and garages, though prices vary by event and day of the week.
  • The arena has concessions, restrooms, and standard amenities throughout the building.
  • Ticket prices depend on the opponent, day of the week, and how close the game date is.

Getting to Ball Arena by car or public transit

If you drive, Ball Arena has parking available in multiple lots surrounding the building. Prices vary depending on the event and the day — weekend games typically cost more than weekday games. Some lots fill up quickly for popular matchups, so arriving early is common practice. Street parking is also available in the surrounding neighborhood, though it may require walking several blocks.

The RTD (Regional Transportation District) light rail is another option. The 16th Street Mall Free MallRide and the T-REX light rail line both serve downtown Denver and connect to the arena area. Many fans park at a light rail station outside downtown and ride in, which avoids parking fees and traffic. The light rail station nearest Ball Arena is the Pepsi Center Station (also called the Ball Arena Station), which is a short walk from the building.

What to bring and what is not allowed inside

Ball Arena allows standard bags, small backpacks, and purses. Clear bags are preferred and sometimes required for certain events — check the arena's website or your ticket confirmation for the specific policy for your game. You can bring a small camera for personal use, though professional cameras and recording equipment are typically not permitted.

Outside food and beverages are not allowed inside the arena. You will need to purchase food and drinks from the concessions stands inside. The arena has numerous food vendors throughout the building, including standard arena fare (hot dogs, nachos, popcorn) and some local Denver restaurants and chains. Prices are typical for arena concessions and are higher than outside restaurants.

Ticket prices and where to buy them

Ticket prices for Avalanche games vary widely based on the opponent, the day of the week, and how far in advance you buy. Games against popular teams like the Vegas Golden Knights or Edmonton Oilers typically cost more than games against less-watched opponents. Weekend games cost more than weekday games. Tickets purchased weeks in advance are usually cheaper than tickets bought close to game time.

You can purchase tickets directly from the Avalanche's official website, through Ticketmaster, or from resale platforms like StubHub and SeatGeek. The official Avalanche website often has information about season ticket packages, group discounts, and special promotions. Prices on resale sites fluctuate based on demand, so checking multiple sources before buying is common.

Seating sections and view quality

Ball Arena has seating divided into lower bowl, club level, and upper bowl sections. Lower bowl seats are closest to the ice and offer the best views but are the most expensive. Club level seats include amenities like wider seats and access to club lounges. Upper bowl seats are the most affordable and still provide a clear view of the game, though they are farther from the action.

Corner seats and behind-the-goal seats offer different viewing angles. Some fans prefer corner seats for a full view of the ice, while others prefer behind-the-goal seats for a closer look at the action in front of the net. The arena's design means that even upper bowl seats have relatively good sightlines, with few obstructed views. Checking the seating chart before you buy helps you understand where your seat is located.

Amenities and services at Ball Arena

Ball Arena has restrooms, water fountains, and first aid stations throughout the building. The arena is accessible for people with mobility challenges, with wheelchair seating and accessible parking available. Service animals are permitted inside the arena. If you need information, arena staff are stationed throughout the building and can direct you to services.

The arena has a lost and found, though items are typically held for a limited time. If you lose something during a game, contact the arena's main office during business hours. ATMs are located throughout the building, though fees may explore. Cell phone service is generally available inside, though it can be congested during busy events.

What to expect on game day

Arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before the game starts, especially for popular matchups. This gives you time to park, walk to the arena, go through security, and find your seat before the opening puck drop. Security lines can be long during peak arrival times. The arena typically opens its doors about 90 minutes before game time.

The atmosphere inside is energetic, with music, video displays, and crowd participation throughout the game. The Avalanche have a passionate fan base, and games against division rivals are particularly loud. Bring a jacket or sweater — arena temperatures are kept cool, and upper bowl seats can feel chilly. After the game, expect crowded exits and parking lots, so plan extra time to leave if you are driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own food or drinks into Ball Arena?

No, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the arena. You will need to purchase food and drinks from the concessions stands inside. The arena has multiple food vendors throughout the building with a range of options and price points.

What is the best way to get to Ball Arena if I do not want to drive?

The RTD light rail is the most popular alternative to driving. The Pepsi Center Station (Ball Arena Station) is a short walk from the arena, and the light rail connects to downtown Denver and surrounding areas. Many fans park at a light rail station outside downtown and ride in to avoid parking fees and traffic.

How early should I arrive before an Avalanche game?

Plan to arrive 30 to 45 minutes before the game starts. This gives you time to park, walk to the arena, go through security, and find your seat. For very popular games, arriving even earlier is a good idea to avoid long lines.

Are there wheelchair-accessible seats at Ball Arena?

Yes, Ball Arena has wheelchair seating throughout the arena and accessible parking in nearby lots. If you need accessible seating, contact the Avalanche ticket office when you purchase your tickets so they can reserve the appropriate location for you.

What happens if I lose something at the arena?

Ball Arena has a lost and found, though items are typically held for a limited time. Contact the arena's main office during business hours to report a lost item. Provide a description of what you lost and where you think you left it.