The Ultimate Guide to Ball Arena in Denver

There’s nothing like the energy of being among tens of thousands of fans under one roof, rooting for your team. Denver’s Ball Arena is home to the NBA's Denver Nuggets, NHL's Colorado Avalanche and NLL's Colorado Mammoth — while also being a major stop for touring concerts, family shows and WWE events. Just west and within easy walking distance of downtown Denver, the venue is central no matter where you’re coming from, and you’ll find an abundance of pre- and post-event options nearby to grab a bite or drinks. Here’s your ultimate guide to attending an event at Ball Arena in Denver.
 

The Ball Arena Experience

Ball Arena (formerly known as Pepsi Center) has been a hub for sports and entertainment since opening in 1999. Entirely indoors, chances are you’ll find something happening year-round beyond the popular sporting events, from internationally touring musical acts to monster truck rallies to Disney on Ice and more. The arena sits just off the South Platte River Trail, which connects 35 miles of pathway across the region, and it's a five-minute walk from the bustling Lower Downtown (or “LoDo”) — Denver’s oldest neighborhood known for its nightlife, restaurants and shopping.

• Inside the Arena
• Know Before You Go
• Things to Do Near Ball Arena
• Restaurants Near Ball Arena
• Bars Near Ball Arena
• Post-Game Hangouts and Nightlife
• FAQs
   

Inside the Arena 

Seating Overview

While there are different seating configurations depending on the event type, generally, the arena is composed of: lower bowl (100-level); club level (200-level); and upper bowl (300-level). View official seating charts for each type of event.

There are a limited number of premium suites available, and each comes with balcony seating and a private interior space. Prices vary depending on the popularity, demand and location of the suite. Additionally, theatre boxes are all-inclusive and come fully catered with plush seating for four to six people. 

Dispersed wheelchair and accessible seating is available on all levels.
 

Food and Drink Highlights

Most Ball Arena concessions are cashless, so leave your bills at home. For a few specific menu favorites, folks go crazy over Mexico City Lounge’s tacos (sections 118 and 331), the New York-style slices with sourdough crust from Redeemer Pizza (sections 126 and 343) and the brisket at Big Belly Brother’s BBQ (sections 148 and 379). View a complete list of concession options.

Additionally, the Michelob Ultra Mountain House is a full-service, lodge-style restaurant located inside the arena that accepts (and encourages) reservations for parties of six or less, which can be made up to 120 days in advance. Colorado Social, located on the club level, is a good place to grab a draft beer or craft mocktail/cocktail to take to your seats, and the Código Lounge is an exclusive full-service bar available to ticket holders with Select Health Club level access during events.
 

Team Stores and Merch

Looking for some merch to sport during the game or to take home as a souvenir or gift? Altitude Authentics retail store is located just off Chopper Circle on the south side of the arena (adjacent to the Michelob Ultra Mountain House). Inside, you’ll find countless racks and walls filled with jerseys, hats, T-shirts, pins, stuffed animals — almost any kind of merch you can fathom. For a more limited but convenient selection, stop by one of the satellite kiosks in sections 104, 144, 252, 335 and 367.
 

Tips for the Best Experience

It’s commonly said that “there isn’t a bad seat in the house” at Ball Arena. For up-close views, sitting in the lower, 100-level bowl behind the home bench will give you an inside look to analyze and observe timeouts and player interactions. If it’s pure convenience you’re after, the 200-level “club” section is best for less crowds, shorter lines and bigger seats while giving you an optimal view, but be ready for the consequently higher price tag. For one of the most affordable options, the first few center rows on the 300-level upper decks will give you almost the same view as seen on TV, except you’re there in the flesh. 

Lines typically start to form 45 minutes to an hour before puck drop or tip-off. The main entrance is the Grand Atrium Plaza (east side). If you splurged on select club-level tickets, you can enter the arena 1.5 hours before the start of the event. 

Make sure you have a credit/debit card or mobile pay ready, as Ball Arena is largely a cashless venue. 

Know Before Go to Ball Arena

What You Can Bring

Ball Arena enforces a strict bag policy to keep everyone safe. Here are some key points: 

Allowed: Small clutches, wristlets and fanny packs (maximum size: 4"x6"x1.5") are allowed in Ball Arena. 

Not Allowed: Purses and backpacks are not allowed in Ball Arena. 

Exceptions: Medical and diaper bags (up to 14"x14”x6") are permitted but must go through a designated x-ray screening line. 

Lockers: If you accidentally bring a prohibited bag, cashless Binbox Lockers are available outside near the Grand Atrium Plaza, starting at $12. 

Prohibited Items: Outside food and beverages, sealed bottles of water (empty metal and plastic water bottles 32 ounces or less are permitted for all Nuggets, Avalanche and Mammoth games, but are prohibited for concerts/special events unless otherwise specified by an artist/tour), hard-case coolers, glass containers, air horns, tripods, selfie sticks and large signs are prohibited. 

Cameras and Tech: Small point-and-shoot cameras without detachable lenses are fine. iPads and GoPros are permitted for sports games but generally banned for concerts.
 

Transportation, Parking and Arrival 

Light Rail: The Ball Arena/Elitch Gardens station drops you off directly next to the venue and is serviced by D, E, H and W lines.  

Parking Lots: Official lots open three hours before an event. The 4Runner Lot is best for general public parking (approx. $35–40), while the Tundra and RAV4 lots are the closest premium parking ($70+). You can also find slightly cheaper parking across Auraria Parkway at the lots between 5th and 7th Streets, or use an app like SpotHero to book nearby garage spaces. 

Rideshare: The official Lyft/rideshare drop-off and pick-up zone is located strictly inside the 4Runner West parking lot at the intersection of 5th and Walnut Streets. 

Walking and Scooters: You can easily walk to the arena from downtown. Alternatively, you can rent an electric bike or scooter and take the scenic Cherry Creek Trail from farther away in the city. Three bike racks can be found on the grounds: outside the East Atrium; outside the Grand Atrium; and in the Toyota 4Runner Lot South. It is recommended to park scooters a few blocks away to avoid crowded zones around the arena. 

Read Ball Arena’s FAQ page for detailed information on everything you need to know. 

Things to Do Near Ball Arena

Meow Wolf Denver (Convergence Station): Just a 15-minute walk from Ball Arena you’ll find this major, critically acclaimed immersive art experience — a massive, four-story interactive art installation and a fun way to spend an afternoon before an evening event. 

South Platte River Trail + Confluence Park: This scenic park and river promenade where the South Platte River and Cherry Creek meet is a former railyard that has been restored as a pristine mixed-use area, featuring miles of walking and biking paths and sweeping skyline views.  

Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park: Denver’s largest amusement park sits directly adjacent to the arena on the east bank of the river and is a locally beloved, nostalgic place to spend a day riding rollercoasters and nibbling on cotton candy. 

Auraria Campus / Tivoli Quad: Directly across the street, this historic brewery building turned student union offers sprawling green space, a multi-tiered patio and a relaxed environment to soak in some sun and good views before heading to the arena.
 

Restaurants Near Ball Arena 

Quick Bites

Sports Bars with Casual Bites: Within a short walk of Ball Arena, several Denver restaurants keep the focus on cold drinks and easy food before or after a game or show. Head to ViewHouse Ballpark for rooftop seating with clear views toward Coors Field, or grab a seat at Thirsty Lion Gastropub near Union Station for a long tap list and a menu that runs from burgers to stir-fry. Society Sports and Spirits draws a steady game-day crowd with wings, nachos and wall-to-wall TVs, while Whiskey Tango Foxtrot adds a rooftop patio and a deep whiskey lineup alongside tacos and shareable plates.

My Brother’s Bar (0.7 miles): Denver’s longest-running bar, this casual, unassuming tavern is famous for having arguably the best burger in town. With no TVs and classical music piping over the speakers, this isn’t your average pre- or post-game spot, but a true Denver establishment worth visiting. 

Avanti Food & Beverage (1.2 miles): Located just across the Highland pedestrian bridge, this modern food hall houses several quick-bite concepts and offers a raved-about rooftop with skyline and city views that glisten at night.
 

Sit-Down Dining

Tavernetta (0.4 miles): This classy, modern high-end Italian spot near Union Station requires reservations and is ideal for an upscale pre-event dinner or a post-event night cap by the fireplace. 

Bao Brewhouse (0.4 miles): Moody red lighting and wood accents create a fun, swanky vibe at this multi-level Chinese street food restaurant and brewery. 

Tamayo (0.7 miles): Chef Richard Sandoval churns out innovative Mexican plates in this tried-and-true restaurant in historic Larimer Square with a big rooftop boasting skyline views.

Bars Near Ball Arena

Brooklyn’s at Ball Arena (On-site): The undisputed closest bar, essentially in the arena's parking lot, gets packed with fans a couple hours before game time. 

Terminal Bar (0.5 miles): Located inside the beautifully restored historic ticketing offices of Denver Union Station, this is an ideal stop for people-watching and a hand-crafted bev. 

Market Street and Blake Street (0.5 miles): Simply walk a couple of blocks into LoDo, which is lined with top bars and restaurants for you to choose from. The German-style beer hall Rhein Haus and Irish pub The Celtic on Market are two popular hangouts.

The 1up Arcade Bar (0.8 miles): This lighthearted LoDo favorite is filled with vintage arcade games, pinball machines and cheap draft beer.
 

Post-Game Hangouts and Nightlife

Dazzle Denver (0.6 miles): Inside the Denver Performing Arts Complex, you’ll find bites, sweet treats, craft cocktails and top talent at this jazz and supper club. 

Coyote Ugly Saloon (1.2 miles): Located in the Denver Pavilions, this rowdy bar stays open late (usually til 2 a.m.) and is a fun spot to play pool, let loose and dance on table tops. 

Fortissimo (0.7 miles): Denver’s only dueling piano bar also offers freshly shaken drinks, welcoming staff and a boisterous environment to close out the night.