The heights in Denver make visitors think twice before playing sports, but that thin air hasn’t always translated to success for home teams. From the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche to the NLL’s Colorado Mammoth and of course, the NBA’s Denver Nuggets, it’s been long enough since the people of Denver last celebrated a sports title not given by the Broncos.
Even so, fans often flood Speer Boulevard and line up outside of Ball Arena, one of the most versatile sports venues in the nation.
From a basketball court to lacrosse games, this venue has hosted countless concerts, special events, family shows, and many more; becoming a living part of the identity of Colorado. That’s why in this article, we’re going to let you know everything there is about this arena.
Where is Ball Arena in Colorado?
The Ball Arena in Colorado is located in Downtown Denver at Speer Blvd, more specifically at 1000 Chopper Cir, Denver, CO 80204, United States. It has two nearby exits to Interstate 25.
How to get to Ball Arena?
Fans attending basketball games, hockey games, lacrosse tournaments, or concerts; can reach ride bus routes 1, 15L, and 20 to get there; or use Lines C, E, and W of the Light Rail system.
Kroenke Sports: What company owns Ball arena?
Ball Arena is owned by Stanley Kroenke. More specifically, by Kroenke Sports Enterprises. Among the subsidiaries owned by this company, we can find the Los Angeles Rams, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Rapids, Colorado Mammoth, Arsenal F.C., Arsenal W.F.C., Los Angeles Gladiators, and Los Angeles Guerrillas.
They also own SoFi Stadium, Emirates Stadium, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Elitch Gardens Theme Park, 1stBank Center, and London Colney.
When did it become Ball arena?
Unless you’re too young or new to the NBA or the NHL world, you may remember that this arena was known as Pepsi Center. Even though the ground broke in 1997, it wasn’t until 1999 that it opened its doors to replace the McNichols Sports Arena and become an entertainment center where people could attend a Ball Arena concert or watch an NBA game while living a top-notch experience.
From its opening and all the way through 2020, PepsiCo owned the naming rights of the arena, naming it Pepsi Center. Then, the Ball Corporation reached an agreement with Kroenke Sports to wipe the Pepsi Center name away and become their new official partner.
Who plays at Ball Arena?
In the past, it hosted the defunct Colorado Crush of the AFL and it still serves as the house of the Colorado Mammoth, Colorado Avalanche, and Denver Nuggets. It also hosts concerts, artists on tour, and diverse entertainment events that take place in the area.
What makes Ball Arena special?
The Ball Corporation vowed to become a “sustainability partner” that would turn the former Pepsi Center into a hub where people could enjoy sports, a concert, and entertainment events responsibly. For that purpose, they will employ recyclable products to reduce plastic waste inside the center.
Also, while unveiling Ball arena, spokespersons from the Ball Corporation announced that all concessions will feature aluminum packaging by 2022.
Is Ball Arena named after Ball jars?
Yes, the Ball Arena is named after the Ball Corporation, a company headquartered in Colorado that produces mostly glass jars, and lids.
Can you bring a bag to Ball Arena?
Even after the name change, the Ball Arena features the same policy as the Pepsi Center, meaning that fans attending a basketball game or any of the other events on this venue won’t be able to bring a bag inside.
Diaper bags and medical bags smaller than 14″x14″x6″ are permitted, while those that go above those measures will have to undergo Ray X screening.
Denver Nuggets: A Championship In The Making
Even though the Denver Nuggets have been around for quite some time, they have yet to win an NBA Championship. Even so, a series of recent events have turned the franchise into one of the biggest sources of entertainment around the NBA.
The surge of Nikola Jokic has made the team must-watch television. He leads the team with his playmaking skills and ability to generate offense through the entire basketball floor, becoming the greatest passing big man in the history of the league.
Watching Jokic play is worth paying the ticket. It’s just top-notch entertainment and one of the reasons why this venue is packed throughout the whole season. Hopefully, he’ll be what they need to finally turn the page and win their very first ring. He’s making every court his very own basketball practice facility.
Where did the Nuggets play before the Pepsi Center?
The Denver Nuggets go a long way back, even before Pepsi sponsored sports venues. Their history goes back to 1967 when they were the Denver Rockets in the ABA, in an era when the basketball floor didn’t even look like it does nowadays.
They became the Nuggets in 1976 still in the ABA before joining the NBA that year. Throughout their history, they’ve played at the Denver Auditorium Arena (1967–1975), Denver Coliseum (1967–1975), McNichols Sports Arena (1975–1999), and of course; their recent venue: Ball Arena.
Colorado Avalanche: The Avs Want To Get Back To The Top
Just like their basketball neighbors, the Colorado Avalanche have a history full of ups and downs. However, this hockey team has at least won championships throughout its history. They won the Stanley Cup in 1996 and 2001 and won a divisional title in 2021.
The Colorado Avalanche boast one of the most loyal fans in the hockey world, which is why it’s not easy to find tickets for the most important games of the season. So, if you’re a fan of the ice and are planning a trip to Denver, we recommend you check the dates of games in advance.
So, if you’re ever near downtown Denver with your friends and want to enjoy some top-notch entertainment, a concert, or any event taking place at Ball Arena, we strongly encourage you to do so.
