A Guide to Ball Arena
Ball Arena is the multi-purpose entertainment hub in downtown Denver home to the Nuggets, Avalanche, and Outlaws Lacrosse. Nestled near the historic LoDo district, the venue is a central pillar of Colorado's sports culture.
Getting to the Arena
- Driving & ParkingTake I-25 towards Denver, exit 210B for Auraria Parkway, Merge onto Auraria Parkway. Turn left onto 7th, 9th, or 11th Street to enter Ball Arena grounds. There are numerous parking lots directly next to the arena. The Toyota Camry lot nearest the arena on the southwest side are exclusively permitted for those with VIP parking. The 4Runner lot further away are available for general admission. The Rav 4 Lot southeast of the stadium offers the closest parking for a higher price. The Tundra Lot is the only general admission lot on the east side of the stadium and the only lot that accepts cash.
- Public Transit
- Light Rail (RTD)The C Line returns: Direct rail service between Littleton•Mineral and Union Station stopping at Ball Arena is being reinstated. D and H Line Reroute: Due to downtown track work, these lines will be diverted to serve Ball Arena•Elitch Gardens and Union Station instead of the usual downtown loop.
- Bus LinesPrimary Routes: The 1, 15L, 20, and 43 remain the core lines serving the arena.
- 16th Street FreeRideIf you are coming from the 16th Street Mall, the shuttle frequency has improved to every 3 minutes. Note that it is currently operating on 15th and 17th Streets due to ongoing mall reconstruction.
- RideshareThe designated rideshare lot is at the intersection of 5th and Walnut Streets in the 4Runner West Lot.
Pregame Festivities
Denver's pregame scene stretches from the arena's own onsite options into the LoDo and Highlands neighborhoods. The craft beer culture here is among the best in the country, and the Avs fanbase takes full advantage.
Bars & Restaurants
- A restaurant and bar directly at Ball Arena offering elevated American fare and drinks. The proximity makes it the most convenient pregame option steps from the gates.
- A German-inspired beer hall and restaurant on Market Street in the RiNo area offering German beer, sausages, pretzels, and indoor bocce courts. The massive space and communal tables create a festive pregame atmosphere. About 15 minutes from the arena.
- A sports bar on Market Street with an impressive craft beer selection and a game-day atmosphere. Quality beer in a no-frills sports bar setting.
- A multi-level sports bar near Coors Field with a rooftop patio, multiple bars, and a festive game-day atmosphere.
- A beloved Denver burrito chain with a LoDo location. Their mission-style burritos are stuffed and smothered, and the vibe is casual and local. Multiple Denver locations.
- A Denver born sandwich chain known for their toasted hoagies. Fresh bread, quality meats, and generous portions make it quick, satisfying pregame fuel.
Neighborhood Attractions
- Denver's outpost of the immersive art collective, located near the arena. The multi-story, multi-dimensional installation takes 2-3 hours to explore and is unlike anything else.
- Denver's beautifully restored 1881 train station, now a dining, drinking, and transit hub. The Great Hall has craft cocktail bars and restaurants. The Terminal Bar is a popular spot for a drink.
- Denver's oldest and most charming block, with independent shops, restaurants, and cocktail bars. String lights and European-marketplace charm.
- One of the world's most famous concert venues, about 30 minutes west in Morrison. Open for hiking and tours year-round.
Monuments & Unique Features
- Championship Banner2023 Champion
- Nikola JokicThe two-time MVP and 2023 Finals MVP has redefined the center position with his passing, shooting, and basketball IQ. The Serbian-born Jokic — a second-round pick who was drafted during a Taco Bell commercial break — has become one of the most beloved athletes in Denver history.
- Retired Numbers
- #2 Alex English
- #12 Fat Lever
- #33 David Thompson
- #40 Byron Beck
- #44 Dan Issel
- #55 Dikembe Mutombo
- 432 Doug MoeRepresenting his total franchise coaching wins.
Seating & Special Sections
- Ford Champions ClubRow CS4 in Sections CS110, CS116, CS134, and CS140: The absolute premier VIP experience for Denver Nuggets games. Only accessible to fans holding specific floor tickets. The private club lounge itself is located on the event level.
- Select Health Club LevelSections 202–260: Spanning the entire 200-level concourse, a Club Level ticket grants access to upscale, less-crowded dining, exclusive restrooms, and wider, padded seats with prime, unobstructed sightlines of the floor.
- Theatre BoxesTucked into the Select Health Club Level. Designed for smaller groups plush corporate seating for 4 to 6 people who want a private feel without renting a massive suite. They come fully catered with a rotating gourmet chef's table menu, a full-service open bar, and VIP parking passes.
- Ball Arena Legacy Suites100-Level: These are the completely gutted and modernized lower-level suites featuring quartz countertops, luxury finishes, and top-tier smart appliances. They hold 16–28 guests and feature private en-suite restrooms.
- Ball Arena Signature Suites200-Level: The newly rebranded club-level classic suites, holding up to 20 guests with customized high-end catering managed by Legends Hospitality.
- Coors Banquet SuitesSpecialized 10-person private suites that come explicitly pre-stocked with local Coors beer, wine, and standard pub-style catering packages.
Concessions
- Signature ItemsGreen chile-smothered everything is the Denver signature. Biker Jim's gourmet dogs with exotic meats appear. Smoked brisket from local BBQ represents Colorado's growing food scene.
- Redeemer PizzaSec. 126, 342: A RiNo Art District favorite brought to the arena. They serve premium, artisanal New York 2.0-style thin-crust pizza made with organic San Marzano tomatoes and famous "cup and char" pepperoni.
- Mexico City LoungeSec. 118, 330: A legendary Denver institution operating near the ballpark for over 65 years. They bring their famous, uniquely fried white corn tortilla tacos stuffed with melted cheese, lettuce, and beef.
- Big Belly Brothers BBQSec. 148, 379: Colorado style low-and-slow barbecue. Highlights include 20-hour smoked brisket sandwiches, hickory-smoked pulled pork, burnt ends, and heavily loaded brisket fries or poblano nachos.
- Nola JaneSec. 303: True New Orleans southern comfort food brought downtown. They serve authentic 8-hour braised beef "Debris" Po'boys, alligator sausage, and "Nola Poutine" french fries completely smothered in house gumbo and cheese.
- Billy’s Gourmet Hot DogsSec. 106, 308: The official specialty sausage replacement at the arena. They serve classic Coney dogs alongside authentic Colorado game options like local Elk Brats.
- Illegal BurgerSec. 102: A local boutique burger chain serving elevated, high-quality thick cheeseburgers, seasoned fries, and premium loaded nachos.
- Cluck Shack ChickenSec. 146: The ultimate stop for comfort poultry. They spin out crispy chicken tenders, massive fried chicken sandwiches, and a unique Italian chicken tender basket paired with fried artichokes.
- Jakes Baby D'sSec. 134: A fan-favorite dessert stop offering fresh, hot, made-to-order mini donuts and hot coffee.
Arena Information
Capacity
19,520
Avg Attendance
19,820
Opened
1999
Last Renovated
2015
Architect
HOK Sport
Construction Cost
$187 million
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