How do I get to Ball Arena as an away fan?

Fly into Denver (DEN) and take the A-Line train to Union Station. From there, RTD Light Rail is excellent — the Ball Arena/Elitch Gardens Station drops you right next to the venue (C, E, and W lines), a single stop west of Union Station, for a $3 fare. The free 16th Street Mall bus and RTD buses (1, 15L, 20) also serve the area. It's faster and cheaper than driving.

What is parking like at Ball Arena and when should away fans arrive?

Official Toyota-named lots ring the arena: Elitch Lot 1 (attached, north side) is closest at $25–40, and the South Lot along Speer Blvd is $20–30. Expect ~$35 for Nuggets/Avs games, with a $5 discount for paying by card; pre-purchase via Ticketmaster/AXS to save more. Lots open 3 hours before, there's no tailgating, and inventory is ample since it shares lots with Empower Field. Arrive early to enjoy LoDo — and hydrate, because the mile-high altitude sneaks up on visitors.

Where do visiting fans sit at Ball Arena?

It's a modern, indoor, climate-controlled arena (~19,520 for basketball, ~17,809 for hockey) with excellent sightlines and no obstructed views, and it gets loud. Lower-bowl seats are pricier while the upper level is the value tier. One real factor: the altitude (5,280 ft) is the home teams' genuine advantage, so pace yourself on the stairs. Nuggets crowds are passionate but fine for visiting fans.

What food should you get at Ball Arena, and what should you bring?

Beyond classic concessions, look for Colorado touches like brisket mac n' cheese, plus a full sit-down option at the Michelob Ultra Mountain House; downtown Denver is right nearby. On bags, Ball Arena is strict — no backpacks, purses, briefcases, or luggage (medical/diaper bags allowed, subject to X-ray). Confirm the current specifics on the venue site. It's indoors, so weather isn't a factor inside.

Is Ball Arena friendly to away fans, and any insider tips?

Hydrate for the altitude — it hits harder than you expect, and alcohol amplifies it. Take the light rail to skip traffic. Stay in LoDo, pair the trip with the mountains, and enjoy a loud but friendly crowd.

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NBA & NHL · Denver Nuggets & Colorado Avalanche

Visiting Ball Arena as an Away Fan: The Complete Guide

Q: Where should visiting fans stay for a Nuggets game at Ball Arena?

Downtown Denver (LoDo) is the ideal base — walkable nightlife and a short light-rail hop or walk to the arena. Staying downtown gives you Denver's breweries and food plus an easy trip to the game.

Q: What is the pregame scene like at Ball Arena?

LoDo (Lower Downtown), a short walk from the arena, is the pregame — breweries, bars, and restaurants everywhere. Grab a craft beer and food in LoDo, then walk or ride the light rail over.

Ball Arena · 1000 Chopper Cir, Denver, Colorado

★ A downtown arena on the light rail, mind the altitude

Ball Arena — formerly the Pepsi Center (renamed in 2020, still searched under the old name) — sits just west of downtown Denver near LoDo, served by light rail and walkable from the city's bars and breweries. Home to the Nuggets (NBA), Avalanche (NHL), and Mammoth (NLL lacrosse), this indoor, climate-controlled arena is easy to reach — just remember Denver's mile-high altitude. Here's how to do a Nuggets or Avalanche road trip right.

Getting There

Fly into Denver (DEN) and take the A-Line train to Union Station downtown. From there, RTD Light Rail is excellent — the Ball Arena/Elitch Gardens Station drops you right next to the venue (served by the C, E, and W lines), just a single stop west of Union Station. The $3 single-ride fare is faster and cheaper than driving.

From downtown, you can also take the free 16th Street Mall bus toward Union Station, then light rail or walk (Wewatta St south → Chopper Circle). RTD buses (1, 15L, 20) drop at Auraria Pkwy & 9th St, and the rideshare zone is at 5th & Walnut.

Where to Stay

Downtown Denver (LoDo) is the ideal base — walkable nightlife and a short light-rail hop or walk to the arena.

Staying downtown gives you Denver's breweries and food plus an easy trip to the game.

Parking & When to Arrive

The official lots are sponsored by Toyota and named after models ("Camry Lot," "Rav4 Lot," etc.). Elitch Lot 1 (the attached garage on the north side) is closest at $25–40, while the South Lot along Speer Blvd is $20–30 (often available later). Expect ~$35 for Nuggets/Avs games, with a $5 discount for paying by credit/debit card — and pre-purchase via Ticketmaster/AXS to save $5–10 and guarantee a spot. Lots open 3 hours before, there's no tailgating, and since Ball Arena shares lots with Empower Field (Broncos) nearby, inventory is ample. Note concerts sell out parking faster than games, so arrive 2+ hours early for one.

Arrive early to enjoy LoDo — and hydrate, because the mile-high altitude sneaks up on visitors, especially with a beer or two.

Where Visiting Fans Sit

It's a modern, indoor, climate-controlled arena (~19,520 for basketball, ~17,809 for hockey) with excellent sightlines and no obstructed views — the climate control is a nice touch given Denver weather, and it gets loud. The lower bowl is premium while the upper level is the value tier. Nuggets crowds are passionate but fine for visiting fans.

One real factor: the altitude (5,280 ft) is the home teams' genuine advantage — take the stairs easy and pace yourself, especially if you're not acclimated.

Food & What to Bring

Beyond classic concessions, look for Colorado touches like brisket mac n' cheese, and there's a full sit-down option at the Michelob Ultra Mountain House. Denver's a great beer town, and downtown Denver right nearby is loaded with pre/postgame spots.

On bags, Ball Arena is strict — NO backpacks, purses, briefcases, or luggage. Medical and diaper bags are allowed (subject to X-ray), and all bags are inspected; confirm the current small-bag/clear-bag specifics on the venue site. It's indoors, so weather isn't a factor inside. Confirm the current policy before you go.

The Pregame Scene

LoDo (Lower Downtown), a short walk from the arena, is the pregame — breweries, bars, and restaurants everywhere.

Grab a craft beer and food in LoDo, then walk or ride the light rail over.

Insider Tips

It's the former Pepsi Center. Take RTD Light Rail — the Ball Arena/Elitch Gardens Station is right next to the venue (1–2 stops from downtown, $3). If you drive, parking is ~$35 (pay by card for $5 off; pre-book to save more) — Elitch Lot 1 closest, South Lot cheaper. Note the strict bag rule: NO backpacks or purses. And the altitude is real — pace yourself, especially with a beer or two.

Stay in LoDo for downtown pre/postgame, pair the trip with the mountains, and enjoy a loud but friendly crowd.

Plan & Book

Build your Ball Arena trip

Choose each piece — flights into DEN, a hotel in downtown Denver (LoDo), Nuggets tickets, and a rental car if you want to explore Colorado (light rail covers the game). It adds to your trip below. Nothing books until you're ready.