Ball Arena Guide
Entry, transit, rideshare, parking, and game-day logistics for Denver.
Last updated: 3/3/2026
Key logistics
| Bag policy | Only small clutches, wristlets, and fanny packs measuring 4" x 6" x 1.5" or smaller are allowed. Medical and diaper bags no larger than 14" x 14" x 6" are permitted after proper inspection at designated entrances. Ball Arena does not offer bag check for oversized items. |
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| Doors open | For most events, doors generally open one hour before the scheduled start time. For some special events or concerts, this can be 90 minutes to 2 hours prior. General Admission lines for concerts/special events can begin forming as early as 10:00 AM on event day. Parking lots open three hours prior to events. |
| Cashless? | Ball Arena is a primarily cashless venue. Concessions, suites, premium locations, and ticket purchases at the box office accept debit/credit cards and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay). Some select concession locations may still accept cash. |
| Rideshare zone | The official rideshare, taxi, and limo lot, presented by Lyft, is located at the intersection of 5th and Walnut Streets, within the 4Runner West parking lot. ADA/Accessible pick-up and drop-off is available at the roundabout on 9th Street. |
| Re-entry | Ball Arena enforces a strict NO RE-ENTRY policy for all events. Guests who exit the arena for any reason will not be permitted re-entry. |
| Transit | Public transportation options include RTD Light Rail, with the C, E, H, and W lines serving the Ball Arena/Elitch Gardens Station, which is a short walk from the arena. Several RTD bus routes (e.g., 1, 6, 10, 15, 15L, 19, 20, 28, 32, 43, 44) also serve the area. The MallRide provides free shuttle service on the 16th Street Mall, connecting to light rail. |
Parking
Ball Arena's Toyota parking lots open three hours before an event. Credit/debit cards are accepted at all lots. The Tundra lot offers a $5 discount for card payments and is the only lot that accepts cash payments. Guests are encouraged to pre-purchase parking passes online. Accessible parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis in Camry North, Tundra, and RAV4 lots.
Family & accessibility
- Strollers: Guests are encouraged not to bring strollers into the arena. Strollers that fold or collapse to fit underneath seats are permitted. Larger strollers can be checked at the Guest Relations Kiosks located in the Grand Atrium main entrance, outside of Section 120, and outside of Section 375. Strollers are allowed in suites.
- Family perks: Ball Arena offers UCHealth Nursing Suites for private nursing/pumping, located near the First Aid Station at Section 132 and on the Upper Level at Section 348. The arena is certified as a breastfeeding-friendly public space. Baby and infant supplies are permitted. Accessible seating and amenities are available throughout the venue.
Culture layer
- Signature food: Ball Arena features a variety of locally inspired food options. Notable mentions include a local bison pastrami melt available at 'The Barrel', chicken offerings from 'Wyncoop', and items from 'Denver Potato Co.'. The arena also offers $5 stadium staples and $10 domestic draft beers (Coors, Coors Light, Michelob Ultra, Avalanche Ale) at many food stands.
- Local tradition: Local fan traditions at Ball Arena largely revolve around supporting the resident teams: the Denver Nuggets (NBA), Colorado Avalanche (NHL), and Colorado Mammoth (NLL). Fans typically wear team colors (e.g., Burgundy and Blue for the Avalanche, Blue and Gold for the Nuggets) and engage in enthusiastic cheering for their respective teams.
Verified places nearby
- Society Sports and Spirits1434 Blake St, Denver, CO · LoDoWhat to order: Pub classics, good quality bar food like 'fire' wings and 'soo good' nachos.
- Stoney's Bar and Grill (Lincoln St)1111 Lincoln St, Denver, CO 80203 · Capitol Hill / Golden TriangleWhat to order: Colorado beers on tap, solid bar eats including a version of the green chile-covered Pueblo staple, the Slopper.
- Brooklyn's at Ball Arena901 Auraria Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204 · AurariaWhat to order: Campfire Red Chili, Reuben Sandwich, Brooklyn's Macho Nachos, Brooklyn's Wings.