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Ball Arena Guide

NBA · Denver · 17,417 capacity

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Last updated: 3/3/2026

Skip the airport traffic. The A Line train gets you from DIA to Union Station—right in the LoDo hotel district—in about 35 minutes. From there, four different light rail lines (the C, E, H, and W) run to the Ball Arena/Elitch Gardens stop, leaving you just a short walk from the doors.

At a glance

Bag policy
Size-restricted bags
Cashless
Cashless
Re-entry
No re-entry
Gates open
Gates open 2h before
Outside food
No outside food
Getting here
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.
Family friendly
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.
Capacity
17,417
Home teams:Denver NuggetsColorado Avalanche

No upcoming multi-sport weekend featuring Ball Arena on the calendar. See Denver home weekends on the city hub →

Where to stay for Ball Arena

Downtown Denver, especially the LoDo (Lower Downtown) area or near Denver Union Station, is considered an ideal hotel neighborhood due to its proximity to Ball Arena, numerous dining and entertainment options, and convenient access to public transit.

LoDo (Lower Downtown)

Denver's historic district, LoDo, offers a vibrant blend of past and present with its 19th-century brick warehouses, diverse restaurants, nightlife, and boutique shops. It's considered ideal for sports fans due to its central location and proximity to major venues.

LoDo is centered around Denver Union Station, a major multimodal transit hub. The E and W light rail lines directly serve Empower Field at Mile High and Ball Arena stations from Union Station. The Free MallRide shuttle also operates along the 16th Street Mall, connecting to Union Station.

Ballpark District

Located directly adjacent to Coors Field, the Ballpark District is a lively urban area offering numerous bars, restaurants, and entertainment options. It's a prime spot for baseball fans and those looking for a bustling atmosphere.

Coors Field is easily walkable from anywhere in the Ballpark District. The neighborhood is also close to Union Station, which provides extensive RTD light rail and bus connections, including the E and W lines to Empower Field at Mile High and Ball Arena.

RiNo (River North Art District)

RiNo is a trendy and energetic neighborhood known for its industrial-chic aesthetic, vibrant street art, craft breweries, and diverse dining and nightlife. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a lively atmosphere with a creative edge.

RiNo (within the Five Points area) has an excellent transit score and is connected to Downtown Denver by light rail. The L Line serves the 30th & Downing area, which provides connections to other downtown light rail lines at Union Station.

Five Points

Five Points is a historically rich and diverse neighborhood with a vibrant community feel. It boasts over 400 dining and drinking establishments, offering a wide array of choices for visitors.

Five Points has an excellent transit score, ranking among the highest in Denver, with multiple bus and rail lines running through it. It is well-connected to Downtown Denver by light rail, making it convenient for accessing various parts of the city. The L Line serves the 30th & Downing area.

See full Denver stay guide →

Arrival and exit strategy

Transit and approach

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.

Rideshare and parking

Rideshare: 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.

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.

After the event

The LoDo (Lower Downtown) district, particularly around Denver Union Station, offers numerous bars and restaurants suitable for post-game late-night activities. Many establishments in this area remain open late.

Works well with these Denver venues

Map context

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The game-day experience

  • Atmosphere area: Ball Arena is located at 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver, CO 80204. It is situated centrally near downtown Denver, adjacent to the Auraria Campus and Elitch Gardens, and is accessible from major highways.
  • Tailgating: Tailgating is allowed but not encouraged at Ball Arena. There are no designated tailgating areas within the Toyota Parking Lots, and guests may only occupy the number of spaces they have purchased. Saving spaces is not permitted. Open consumption of alcoholic beverages, open fires (logs and charcoal grills), and propane tanks larger than 20 lbs are prohibited.
  • 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.
  • Fan 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.
  • Pregame institution: Rhein Haus Denver (1415 Market St, Denver, CO 80202)

Where to eat and drink nearby

Pregame picks

  • Society Sports and Spirits
    1434 Blake St, Denver, CO · LoDo

    A popular spot known for its friendly atmosphere and solid selection of drinks and pub fare. It's the premier local sports bar in downtown Denver near Ball Arena and an official alumni bar for several teams.

    What 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 Triangle

    A long-standing Denver favorite and award-winning sports bar, known for accommodating big crowds with plenty of TVs, Colorado beers on tap, and solid pub grub. It's a Colorado-themed sports & music bar that hosts many teams.

    What 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 Arena
    901 Auraria Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204 · Auraria

    Nestled right across from Ball Arena, it's a vibrant culinary gem known for capturing the essence of pre-game excitement with hearty dishes and a welcoming atmosphere.

    What to order: Campfire Red Chili, Reuben Sandwich, Brooklyn's Macho Nachos, Brooklyn's Wings.