Located in the heart of downtown Denver, the Ball Arena is a sporting and event arena and is the permanent home of the Denver Nuggets and the Colorado Avalanche. It is also home to star-studded events and concerts from acts all over the country and the world. Past performances at the Ball Arena include the Foo Fighters, Fleetwood Mac, and Justin Timberlake among many others. They also host a fabulous holiday schedule including the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream. Downtown Denver features some of the best entertainment in the country from family-friendly outings to UFC heavyweight fights. You’re sure to find the perfect show!
Inside the arena, fans will find plenty of options for concessions or take some time up on the Breckenridge Brewery Mountain House. Be sure to make a reservation as tables go quickly! You’ll also find free Wi-Fi and a nursing mother room in section 132.
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Ball Arena Facts
- Location: Denver, CO
- Capacity: 18,007
- Walk-ability: 7/10*
Luxury Seats vs Affordable Seats
With such a large seating capacity, the Ball Arena offers options for every budget, but if you don’t mind spending a few extra dollars, the floor seats in sections AAA, BBB, and CCC offer front row action and the most intimate setting. Don’t forget those headphones if you decide to sit close though!
If sitting right in front of the stage isn’t your cup of tea, you should look at sections 122, 124, and 126 or 102, 146, and 148. Seat prices become much more affordable, and you still get a fantastic experience. Plus, you will be closer to amenities like concessions and bathrooms.
For the best affordable seats at the Ball Arena, you can find upper-level seats in sections 320, 322, and 324 that provide a straight-on view of the stage without sacrificing sound quality. You’re quite a bit further from the stage at that point, but the great view and excellent sound make the price point worth your while.
What to Expect When You Arrive
Security: The Ball Arena features the expected security protocols such as metal detectors and a list of prohibited items. You’re allowed to bring a bag provided it’s smaller than 14”x14”x6”. We encourage you to try not to bring a bag in for security sake, but the Ball Arena also offers an “express lane” for people without bags, which will speed up your entry into the Arena.
Transportation and Parking: Unlike most downtown arenas, the Ball Arena offers ample parking in the way of 10 separate parking lots all named for Toyota vehicle models so that you can remember your lot easier! You’ll find the premier parking in the Rav4 lot while the Land Cruiser lot puts you next to the East Entrance. If you would prefer not to drive, the city provides excellent public transportation options. The MallRide and RTD bus system will drop you off about a 5-minute walk to the entrance while the Light Rail has a stop just west of the main entrance for easy access.
Top Restaurants Near the Ball Arena
Whether you decide to eat before the event or want some late-night bites once it ends, downtown Denver has some of the best nightlife only a short walk from the arena. If you’re looking for a family-friendly option on a tight budget, Infinitus Pizza Pie is a five-minute walk from the main entrance and is known locally as one of the best pizza places in downtown Denver. The service is quick, and the pizzas are delicious. What more could you ask for?
If you’re ready to go upscale and don’t mind spending more on excellent food with a French flair, Coohills is your spot. The open kitchen and uniquely modern interior design are reminiscent of a European café, but the real attraction is the locally sourced menu. Coohills prides itself by focusing on regional and farm-fresh ingredients to load its vast menu with French-leaning fare surely to delight the whole crowd.
For the late-night crowd, be sure to head over to the Rhein Haus Denver. The Bavarian-inspired Beer Hall is one of a kind offering an amazing beer selection, and delicious brats, and features indoor bocci pits for a truly unique experience.
Top Hotels Near the Ball Arena
Luxury: When the night is over, and it’s time to head back to the hotel, the Ball Arena offers plenty of options either steps from the arena or just a short ride away. If you’re ready to make your stay as luxurious as possible, we recommend the Four Seasons Hotel Denver. This posh, 5-star high rise comes in at a steep nightly rate but offers everything you need. Boasting incredible views of the downtown Denver skyline, a rooftop pool, and a chic, in-hotel restaurant, you might end up never wanting to leave!
Value:. The Hotel Teatro is an experience all its own. One of Denver’s original Boutique Hotels, this four-star accommodation mixes modern designs with the historical setting of a renaissance revival building. Sporting the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more special experience. The location is a fifteen-minute walk from the arena as well as some of Denver’s other great shopping, dining, cultural arts centers and more.
Affordable: Rivaling the Hotel Teatro for the best value for the distance from the arena, accommodations, and overall reviews, the three-star Spring Hills Suites by Marriot is a family-friendly hotel directly across the street from the main entrance. You’ll find free Wi-Fi and free breakfast not to mention the highly rated, Degree Metropolitan Food and Drink which offers a wide array of dining options for before or after your event. Be sure to browse their website for deals to get the best bang for your buck.
Other Activities Near the Ball Arena
The Ball Arena is located in the Lower Downtown Denver region locally referred to as “LoDo” and known as the hip, modern area of downtown. You don’t have to go far from the arena to find great shopping options and iconic entertainment venues like the Denver Center for Performing Arts, Ellie Caulkins Opera House, and the Boettcher Concert Hall. The public transportation system in Downtown Denver is great, but remember to bring some comfortable walking shoes!
*Walk-ability score is based on the proximity of parking, dining, lodging, and other entertainment. The Ball Arena has outstanding options for parking, but outside of a few dining and lodging options, you’ll need to be ready to drive around or take public transit to find your way to other hotspots downtown. The Ball Arena gets a 7/10 score.
