# Colorado Avalanche: Ball Arena Game Day Guide

> Prices, parking, seating and transit for NHL games at Ball Arena in Denver, CO. All figures are for the 2025-26 and were last updated 2026-03-21.

Source: https://visityourteam.com/nhl/avalanche
League: NHL | Division: Central
Data source: VisitYourTeam editorial

## Venue

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Name | Ball Arena |
| Location | Denver, CO |
| Capacity | 18,007 |
| Surface | Ice |
| Roof | Indoor |
| Opened | 1999 |
| Coordinates | 39.7487, -105.0077 |
| Official site | https://www.ballarena.com |

## Game Day Cost

Cheapest realistic single-person game day at Ball Arena: **$61** ($45 ticket + $3 parking + $7 food + $6 drink).

| Category | Lowest price |
| --- | --- |
| Ticket | $45 |
| Parking | $3 |
| Food item | $7 |
| Drink | $6 |

### Ticket tiers

| Tier | Price | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Upper Level (300-Level) | $45 | Steep upper deck with a full-rink view, the altitude and the crowd energy both run high up here |
| Club Level (200-Level) | $110 | Mid-level seats with access to the Pepsi Center Club lounge, wider seats, and premium concessions |
| Lower Level Corners (100-Level) | $150 | Corner sections close to the ice with good views of the net and aggressive board play |
| Lower Level Center (100-Level) | $225 | Center ice lower bowl with perfect sightlines, the ideal spot to watch the Avs' speed game |
| Glass Seats | $375 | Behind the glass at ice level. Feel every hit, hear the skates, and watch Colorado's speed up close |

### Concession prices

| Item | Category | Price |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Hot Dog | Classic | $7 |
| Green Chile Cheeseburger | Regional | $14 |
| Rocky Mountain Nachos | Regional | $13 |
| Brisket Sandwich | Regional | $15 |
| Chicken Tenders Basket | Classic | $14 |
| Pizza Slice | Classic | $9 |
| Loaded Nachos | Classic | $13 |
| Philly Cheesesteak | Classic | $14 |
| Blue Moon Belgian White | Beer | $14 |
| Domestic Beer | Beer | $12 |
| Local Craft Rotation (Odell, Great Divide) | Beer | $15 |
| Hard Seltzer | Cocktail | $14 |
| Soft Drink | Non-Alcoholic | $6 |
| Water Bottle | Non-Alcoholic | $6 |

## Parking

Ball Arena is near downtown Denver along the Platte River. Shared venue with NBA Nuggets. RTD light rail to Auraria West station. Official lots $20-30, nearby lots $8-15.

| Lot | Price | Distance | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Ball Arena Lots | $25 | 0.1-0.3 miles | Official lots at Ball Arena. Advance purchase through Avalanche/Nuggets app or AXS. |
| Auraria Campus / Speer Blvd Lots | $10 | 0.3-0.5 miles | Budget lots near Auraria campus and along Speer Boulevard. Short walk to arena. |
| RTD Light Rail | $3 | 0.3 miles from station | RTD light rail to Auraria West or Pepsi Center/Elitch Gardens stations, both walkable. Connects from downtown, suburbs, and DIA. |

### Parking tips

- The RTD light rail to Pepsi Center station is the easiest option. It drops you right at the arena.
- Pre-book arena lot parking online for rivalry games. Walk-up availability varies.
- LoDo garages are cheaper and let you pregame in the best bar district in Denver.
- The Platte River trail connects LoDo to the arena, a flat, scenic 15-minute walk.
- Post-game, the arena lots clear in about 20-30 minutes. Speer Boulevard exit heading east is the fastest.


## Seating

Ball Arena has a standard three-tier layout: the 100-level lower bowl, the 200-level club, and the 300-level upper level. With 18,007 seats in hockey configuration, it's a mid-sized NHL arena that feels intimate without being cramped. The bowl has a good rake at every level, so even upper-deck seats provide decent sightlines. The arena was designed with hockey in mind, the Avs were the first tenant.

| Section | Price range | View | Pros | Cons |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Glass Seats (100-Level Front Rows) | $275 - $550+ | Ice-level behind the glass. The Avs' speed game is incredible from this angle. You see every stride and feel every hit. | Most immersive experience; Feel the speed of Colorado's game; Premium lounge access included | Glass obstructs during board play; Low angle limits cross-ice visibility; Premium pricing |
| Lower Bowl Center (100-Level) | $150 - $300 | Center ice lower bowl with perfect sightlines. The best seats for reading plays and watching the Avs' transition game. | Ideal sightlines for hockey; Close enough to see puck movement; Great atmosphere surrounded by knowledgeable fans | Highest regular-seat prices; Center sections sell out for big games |
| Lower Bowl Corners/Ends (100-Level) | $75 - $160 | Corner and end zone seats close to the ice. Great for watching goals and aggressive board play up close. | More affordable than center ice; Excellent angle behind the net for power plays; Close to player tunnels | Far-end play harder to track; Corner angles require head turning |
| Club Level (200-Level) | $100 - $200 | Elevated mid-level with wider seats. Club access includes a private lounge with premium food and drinks. | Most comfortable seats; Private lounge access; Great elevated sightlines | Removed from ice-level intensity; Premium pricing for club amenities |
| Upper Level (300-Level) | $35 - $95 | The upper deck has a steep rake that gives every seat a full view of the ice surface. Surprisingly good for reading plays. | Most affordable option; Full-rink bird's-eye view; Energetic fan section | High above the ice; Steep stairs; Limited food options |

Official seat map: https://www.ballarena.com/events-tickets/seating-charts/

## Getting There

Ball Arena sits just west of downtown Denver, between the Auraria campus and the South Platte River. It's walkable from LoDo (about 15 minutes along the river trail) and well-served by RTD light rail. Denver's grid is straightforward, and driving to the arena is less stressful than most NHL cities. The parking lots are large, transit works, and rideshare is quick from downtown. At 5,280 feet, visitors should account for altitude when walking. It's not far, but you may be more winded than expected.

**Driving.** From the north: Take I-25 South to Exit 211 (Auraria Parkway), head west to Chopper Circle. From the south: Take I-25 North to Exit 210A (Colfax Ave), head west. From the west: Take I-70 East to I-25 South. Parking is in arena surface lots.

**Public transit.** RTD light rail to Auraria West station, a short walk from Ball Arena. $3 fare. Connects from Denver International Airport, suburbs, and downtown. RTD buses also serve the area.

**Rideshare.** Uber/Lyft drop-off is on Chopper Circle near the main entrance. Post-game pickup zones are marked. Expect 10-minute waits and moderate surge after games.

### Transit options

| Option | Price | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| RTD Light Rail to Pepsi Center/Elitch Gardens Station | $3 | The W Line stops directly at the arena. The station is adjacent to Ball Arena on the south side. |
| RTD Bus / Free MallRide | $0 | The free 16th Street MallRide shuttle runs downtown. Walk from the western terminus to the arena in 10 minutes |
| Rideshare (from LoDo/Downtown) | $12 | Uber/Lyft from the LoDo bar district or Union Station, about 5-10 minutes to the arena |

## Tailgating

There's no traditional parking-lot tailgating at Ball Arena, the arena is in an urban setting without dedicated tailgating lots. Avalanche fans gather at LoDo Breweries (Wynkoop Street) and surrounding bars and restaurants for the pregame scene. The energy builds as game time approaches, with fans filling the streets and plazas near the arena. Check the team's website for recommended pregame spots and any official fan events.

### Rules

- No grills, coolers, or tailgating setups are permitted in parking garages or structures near Ball Arena.
- Outside alcohol is not allowed in public plazas or the arena grounds.
- The arena's clear bag policy applies at all entry gates.
- No re-entry. Once you leave Ball Arena, you cannot return.
- Follow all posted rules in parking garages; they are for vehicle parking only.


### Best areas

| Area | Description |
| --- | --- |
| LoDo Breweries (Wynkoop Street) | Denver's original craft beer district. Wynkoop Brewing Company was Colorado's first brewpub. The area is packed with Avs fans before games. |
| Blake Street / Union Station | The revitalized area around Union Station has restaurants, cocktail bars, and craft beer at every turn. Denver's social hub. |
| Confluence Park / River Trail | The park where Cherry Creek meets the South Platte, between LoDo and Ball Arena. A scenic hangout and walking path to the game. |

## Food & Drink

Ball Arena leans into Colorado's food culture with green chile everything, Rocky Mountain–inspired fare, and a strong craft beer selection led by Blue Moon (brewed in nearby Golden). Denver's food scene outside the arena is exceptional, LoDo restaurants are a short walk away. The arena has solid concessions with local character, and Colorado's craft beer rotation keeps things interesting. Pricing is moderate by NHL standards.

### Nearby restaurants

| Name | Cuisine | Price range | Rating |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| JINYA Ramen Bar - Union Station | Restaurant | $$ | 4.9 |
| Corinne Denver | Restaurant | $$ | 4.8 |
| Sam's No. 3 | Breakfast Restaurant | $ | 4.6 |
| Tavernetta | Italian Restaurant | $$$ | 4.6 |
| Linger | Restaurant | $$$ | 4.5 |
| Holey Moley Golf Club Denver | Miniature Golf Course | $$ | 4.5 |
| Downtown Aquarium | Aquarium | $$ | 4.3 |
| Stout Street Social | American Restaurant | $$ | 4.3 |

## Game Day Timeline

Ball Arena sits on the western edge of downtown Denver, near Confluence Park where Cherry Creek meets the South Platte River. The Avs' pregame scene centers on LoDo (Lower Downtown), Wynkoop Street and Blake Street are packed with breweries and sports bars. Denver's craft beer scene is world-class, and pregame pints at a LoDo brewery are essential. The altitude (5,280 feet) hits visitors harder than they expect, hydrate aggressively. Games run 2-2.5 hours in regulation.

| Time | What happens | Detail |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 3 hours before puck drop | LoDo pregame | Start at a brewery on Wynkoop Street or Blake Street. Denver has more craft breweries per capita than almost any city in America. |
| 2 hours before puck drop | Walk to the arena | It's about a 15-minute walk from LoDo through Confluence Park to Ball Arena. The mountain views along the way are stunning. |
| 1 hour before puck drop | Doors open | Enter Ball Arena and watch warm-ups. The Avs play a speed-focused game, warm-ups showcase their elite skating. |
| 30 minutes before puck drop | Find your seat | Settle in for the pregame video and introductions. The crowd builds steadily, Denver fans arrive early. |
| Puck drop | Game time | Three 20-minute periods. The Avs play one of the fastest styles in the NHL. Expect high-energy shifts and speed through the neutral zone. |
| First intermission | Hit the concourse | Grab a green chile cheeseburger or a Blue Moon (brewed in Golden, just west of Denver). The concourse has solid food variety. |
| Post-game | Back to LoDo | Walk back to LoDo for post-game drinks or catch the light rail from the Pepsi Center station. The bars on Blake Street stay open late. |

## Lodging

| Hotel | Per night | Distance |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Four Seasons Hotel Denver | $280 | 0.5 miles |
| the Curtis Denver - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel | $180 | 0.6 miles |
| The Westin Denver Downtown | $280 | 0.6 miles |
| Embassy Suites by Hilton Denver Downtown Convention Center | $180 | 0.7 miles |
| Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center | $180 | 0.8 miles |

## Typical Weather

| Month | High (F) | Low (F) | Precipitation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| October | 68 | 38 | 1.2 inches |
| November | 56 | 28 | 0.8 inches |
| January | 49 | 21 | 0.4 inches |
| March | 58 | 30 | 1.1 inches |
| April | 64 | 36 | 2.0 inches |

## FAQ

### What is the bag policy at Ball Arena?

Ball Arena enforces a clear bag policy. Fans may bring one clear plastic or vinyl bag no larger than 12" x 6" x 12", or a small clutch purse no larger than 4.5" x 6.5". All bags are subject to inspection at entry gates. Diaper bags and medically necessary items are permitted after inspection. Leave prohibited bags in your vehicle to avoid delays at the gates.

Source: https://www.ballarena.com

### How early can I enter Ball Arena?

Gates at Ball Arena typically open 1 hour before the scheduled game time. Arriving early gives you time to explore the arena, find your seats, and enjoy pre-game activities. Check the team's official website or app for specific gate times on game day, as times may vary for special events.

Source: https://www.ballarena.com

### Can I bring outside food or drinks into Ball Arena?

Outside food and beverages are generally not permitted inside Ball Arena. Exceptions typically include one sealed, clear water bottle (up to 20 oz) and medically necessary items. There are a wide variety of food and beverage options available inside the arena. Check the venue's A-to-Z guide for the most current policy.

Source: https://www.ballarena.com

### How much does parking cost at Ball Arena?

Parking at Ball Arena starts at $10 for auraria/speer lots. Prices vary by lot location and proximity to the arena. Pre-purchasing parking passes through the team's official app or website is strongly recommended, as many lots sell out on game day. Arrive early for the best selection.

Source: https://www.ballarena.com

### Is Ball Arena a cashless venue?

Ball Arena operates as a cashless venue. Credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are accepted at all points of sale. Cash-to-card conversion kiosks are typically available inside the arena for fans without cards.

Source: https://www.ballarena.com

### Can I leave and re-enter Ball Arena during a game?

Ball Arena does not allow re-entry once you have exited the arena. Make sure you have everything you need before entering. If you need to visit your vehicle, plan to do so before going through the gates. Exceptions may be made for medical emergencies at the discretion of arena management.

Source: https://www.ballarena.com

### What accessibility services are available at Ball Arena?

Ball Arena is fully ADA-compliant and offers wheelchair-accessible seating, companion seats, accessible restrooms, and elevators throughout the arena. Assistive listening devices are available at the guest services desk. Service animals are welcome. Contact the arena's accessibility services or guest relations in advance to arrange any special accommodations.

Source: https://www.ballarena.com

### Does Ball Arena require mobile tickets?

Ball Arena uses mobile-only ticketing for most events. Tickets are managed through the team's official app or authorized ticketing partner. Download your tickets to your mobile wallet before arriving, cellular service can be limited near the arena on game day. Screenshots of tickets are typically not accepted for entry.

Source: https://www.ballarena.com

### What items are prohibited at Ball Arena?

Prohibited items at Ball Arena include weapons of any kind, outside alcohol, large bags or backpacks, umbrellas, noisemakers (air horns, vuvuzelas), laser pointers, professional cameras with detachable lenses, drones, and any items that could be used as projectiles. Strollers may need to be checked at guest services. Review the full prohibited items list on the team's official website before attending.

Source: https://www.ballarena.com

### Is smoking or vaping allowed at Ball Arena?

Ball Arena is a smoke-free facility. Smoking, vaping, and the use of e-cigarettes are prohibited throughout the arena, including seating areas, concourses, restrooms, and clubs. Some venues have designated smoking areas outside the gates, but re-entry is not permitted. Plan accordingly.

Source: https://www.ballarena.com

### Is tailgating allowed at Ball Arena?

Tailgating is permitted in designated parking areas at Ball Arena. Most lots open several hours before the game. Charcoal and propane grills are typically allowed, but open flames on the ground and deep fryers are prohibited. All tailgating setups must be cleaned up and grills extinguished before entering the arena. Check the team's official tailgating guide for lot-specific rules and permitted items.

Source: https://www.ballarena.com

## Provenance

- Season: 2025-26
- Last updated: 2026-03-21
- Last verified: 2026-03-25
- Canonical page: https://visityourteam.com/nhl/avalanche
- Prices are researched per venue and represent typical published rates, not live market pricing.