Ball Arena is a top spot for sports and shows in Denver. I’ve been to many events there, and it always delivers a fun time. The arena has great views from most seats, tasty food options, and a lively atmosphere that makes every visit exciting.
I love how easy it is to get to Ball Arena. It’s right in downtown Denver, with good parking and public transit choices. Inside, there’s plenty to see and do before the main event starts. The staff is always friendly and helpful too.
Whether you’re catching a Nuggets game, an Avalanche match, or a big concert, Ball Arena has something for everyone. The sound system rocks, the screens are huge, and the energy of the crowd is electric. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in Denver.
Key Takeaways
- Ball Arena offers great views, food, and atmosphere for various events
- The location is convenient with multiple transportation options
- Friendly staff and modern amenities enhance the overall experience
History and Overview
Ball Arena has a rich history in Denver. It’s home to two major sports teams and hosts big events. I’ve been there many times and love the atmosphere.
Formerly Pepsi Center
Ball Arena wasn’t always called that. It opened in 1999 as Pepsi Center. I remember when they made the switch in 2020. The arena sits right in downtown Denver. It’s easy to get to, with exits off I-25 nearby.
There’s even a light rail station on the west side. That makes it super simple to avoid traffic on game days. The arena holds different numbers of people depending on the event. For NBA games, it fits 18,007 fans. For NHL games, it’s 18,000. Concerts can pack in even more – up to 19,155 people!
Home to Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche
I love catching games at Ball Arena. It’s where the Denver Nuggets of the NBA play. The Colorado Avalanche of the NHL call it home too. Both teams have been here since the arena opened.
The Nuggets and Avs have had some great seasons here. I’ve seen playoff games that were electric. The crowd gets so loud! It’s not just sports, though. Big concerts come through too. I saw Janet Jackson and Nelly perform here recently. They put on an amazing show with their years of experience.
Seating and Comfort
Ball Arena offers a variety of seating options to suit different preferences and budgets. I’ve explored the arena and can share my insights on the comfort and views from various sections.
General Admission Seats
The general admission seats at Ball Arena are pretty standard. I found them to be reasonably comfortable for most events. The seats have enough legroom for me to stretch out a bit. Cushioning is decent, but not luxurious.
For concerts, the floor seats can get crowded. I prefer the lower bowl seats for a better view and more space. The upper levels are more affordable but farther from the action.
Tip: Bring a small cushion for longer events if you want extra comfort.
Suites and Club Level Seats
Club level seating at Ball Arena is a step up in comfort and amenities. I love the extra legroom and padded seats here. The views are excellent too.
Some perks I enjoyed:
- Access to exclusive lounges
- In-seat food and drink service
- Private restrooms
Suites offer the ultimate luxury experience. They’re great for groups and come with catering options. The private viewing areas are perfect for socializing during events.
Seating Chart and Views
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I’ve found the seating layout at Ball Arena to be well-designed for most events. For concerts, the end-stage setup is common. Sections 132, 134, and 136 are usually closest to the stage.
Best views for sports:
- Center ice (hockey): Sections 102-106, 120-124
- Center court (basketball): Sections 130-132, 150-152
Upper levels offer a good overall view but you’ll miss some details. I recommend checking the seating chart before buying tickets to get the best experience for your budget.
Accessibility Features
Ball Arena does a good job with accessibility. I’ve noticed several features that make it easier for everyone to enjoy events:
- Wheelchair-accessible seating in various sections
- Companion seats next to wheelchair spaces
- Accessible restrooms on all levels
- Elevators to all floors
ADA-compliant seats are available in different price ranges. I’ve seen staff members who are helpful in assisting guests with special needs.
For those with hearing impairments, assistive listening devices are available. Visual aids for emergency information are also in place throughout the arena.
Event Experience
Ball Arena offers amazing events for everyone. I’ve been to concerts, games, and shows there. The place really knows how to put on a great time.
Concerts and Stage Setup
I love how Ball Arena handles concerts. The end-stage setup is perfect for big shows. There’s usually a main stage with cool B-stages that let artists get closer to fans.
I’ve seen some concerts with fan pits right up front. It’s so exciting to be that close to the action! The sound is great too. I’m always impressed by how clear the music is, even in such a big space.
Some artists use the whole arena floor. They add catwalks or round stages. It makes the show feel more intimate, even in a big venue.
Sports Games Atmosphere
The energy at Nuggets and Avalanche games is electric! I love the buzz of the crowd as we file in. The giant screens show cool stats and replay big moments.
During breaks, there’s always something fun happening. Dance cams, trivia games, and mascot antics keep everyone entertained. The music pumps us up, especially when our team is winning.
I once saw a Lakers vs. Nuggets game. The rivalry made the atmosphere even more intense. Fans from both sides were going wild!
Special Events and Family Shows
Ball Arena isn’t just for sports and music. I’ve taken my kids to some great family shows there. The arena transforms for these events. It’s like magic!
We saw a circus once. They used the whole floor for multiple rings. Another time, we went to a monster truck rally. The arena looked totally different with all that dirt and those huge ramps.
Holiday shows are special too. The place gets decked out in festive decor. It really adds to the mood. No matter what event I attend, Ball Arena always delivers a fun experience.
Amenities and Concessions
Ball Arena offers a wide variety of food, drinks, and shopping options. I found plenty to enjoy during my visit, from tasty local eats to cool Denver sports gear.
Food and Drink Options
The classic stadium fare is available at Ball Arena – hot dogs, burgers, fries, and nachos. But I was impressed by some unique offerings too. I loved the loaded fries from Denver Potato Company at section 148. They had bison, cheese, and pork toppings that were delicious.
For pizza fans, Pan Style Pizza serves up cheesy slices in several spots. I grabbed a pepperoni slice that really hit the spot.
Drink-wise, there’s plenty of soda, water, and beer throughout the arena. I noticed a good selection of local craft brews, which was nice to see.
Bars and Exclusive Clubs
Club Lexus is the fanciest spot in Ball Arena. While I didn’t get to go in, I heard it has amazing views of the court/ice and upscale food and drinks.
There are bars scattered around the concourses. I stopped at one for a pre-game cocktail and enjoyed the lively atmosphere.
For a more exclusive experience, some sections have in-seat food and drink service. It’s a bit pricier, but super convenient if you don’t want to miss any action.
Souvenir Shops and Merchandise
I found tons of Nuggets and Avalanche gear at the souvenir shops. Jerseys, hats, t-shirts – you name it, they’ve got it. The main team store is huge and has a great selection.
There are smaller kiosks around the arena too. I picked up a cool Nuggets hat at one near my section.
For game-specific items, look out for the special event merchandise stands. I saw one selling limited edition posters for the concert I attended.
Prices are what you’d expect at a pro sports venue – not cheap, but the quality seemed good.
Access and Parking
Getting to Ball Arena is easy with multiple parking options and public transit nearby. I’ll share some tips to help you plan your visit and find the best way to arrive.
Parking Facilities and Rates
Ball Arena offers several parking lots around the venue. I found that the lots are color-coded, which makes it simple to remember where you parked. Prices vary depending on the event and how close the lot is to the arena.
The official lots are along 7th Street, 9th Street, 11th Street, and Speer Boulevard. I recommend checking the Ball Arena website for the most up-to-date parking map and rates before your visit.
If you’re looking to save money, I’ve discovered some cheaper options. The Tivoli parking garage on the nearby campus is a good choice. It’s only $7, and sometimes they don’t even charge!
ADA-Compliant and Accessible Parking
Ball Arena provides accessible parking for guests with disabilities. These spaces are located close to the entrance for easy access. I always suggest arriving early to ensure you get a spot, as they can fill up quickly.
If you need accessible parking, look for the designated areas in the official lots. The arena staff is always helpful if you need assistance getting from your car to the venue.
Remember to bring your valid disability parking permit or license plate to use these spots.
Public Transportation and Nearby Attractions
I love using public transit to avoid parking hassles. The RTD light rail is a great option, with stops near Ball Arena. It’s affordable and saves you from traffic headaches.
If you’re staying downtown, many hotels are within walking distance or a short ride to the arena. This setup makes it easy to explore other attractions before or after your event.
For a fun pre-game activity, I recommend checking out nearby Elitch Gardens Theme Park. The Elitch parking lot can even be used for arena events sometimes.
Denver’s 16th Street Mall is also close by, offering plenty of dining and shopping options. It’s perfect for grabbing a bite before heading to Ball Arena.
Guest Services
Ball Arena offers many helpful services for visitors. I found the staff friendly and the facilities accessible. Let me share what I learned about security, assistance, and accommodations for families and those with special needs.
Security Measures
I felt safe at Ball Arena thanks to their thorough security. At the entrance, staff checked my bag and used metal detectors. I noticed security cameras throughout the arena. The security team was visible and attentive during events.
For big events, I saw more security guards. They patrolled the halls and parking areas. I appreciated their presence without feeling overwhelmed.
Ball Arena also uses clear bag policies for some events. I made sure to check their website before going. It helped me know what I could bring inside.
Staff and Assistance
The staff at Ball Arena impressed me with their helpfulness. I found employees at info desks ready to answer questions. Ushers helped me find my seat quickly.
When I needed directions, any staff member I asked was happy to help. They seemed well-trained and knew the arena layout.
I noticed staff assisting elderly guests and those with mobility issues. They offered wheelchairs and helped people to their seats. Their patience stood out to me.
Facilities for Families and Disabled Guests
Ball Arena caters well to families and those with disabilities. I saw family restrooms with changing tables. There were also nursing rooms for new moms.
The ADA-compliant main entrance made access easy for wheelchair users. Elevators reached all levels. I noticed accessible seating areas throughout the arena.
For hearing-impaired guests, the arena offers assistive listening devices. I learned they can arrange sign language interpreters with advance notice.
Concession stands had lowered counters for wheelchair users. I found this thoughtful touch helpful for kids too.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve gathered some key info about Ball Arena to help you plan your visit. These answers cover seating, food, parking, policies, and tips for a great experience.
What are the best seating options for concerts at Ball Arena?
For concerts, I recommend the lower level seats closest to the stage. They offer great views and an immersive experience.
The club level seats are also nice, with comfy chairs and good sightlines. If you’re on a budget, upper level seats still provide decent views of the stage.
Can you tell me about the food options available inside Ball Arena?
Ball Arena has tons of food choices. I love their classic arena fare like hot dogs, nachos, and popcorn.
They also have some local spots like Denver Cheesesteak Company. For drinks, there are bars throughout the arena serving beer, wine, and cocktails.
What are the parking facilities like at Ball Arena?
Parking at Ball Arena is pretty straightforward. There are several lots surrounding the arena.
I usually park in the Camry or Toyota Lot. They’re close to the arena and easy to get in and out of. Prices vary depending on the event.
What’s the bag policy for events at Ball Arena?
Ball Arena has a strict bag policy. I always check it before going to an event. Small clutch bags (about the size of your hand) are allowed.
Larger bags like purses or backpacks aren’t permitted. There are exceptions for medical needs or diaper bags.
How is the customer service experience at Ball Arena?
In my experience, the staff at Ball Arena are friendly and helpful. They’re good at directing people and answering questions.
If you need help, look for employees in uniform. They’re usually easy to spot and happy to assist.
Are there any tips for arriving at Ball Arena events?
I always try to arrive early, especially for big events. Traffic can get heavy near game time.
Public transportation is a great option. The light rail stops right at the arena. It saves you the hassle of parking and traffic.
