
19,099 spectators
1999
1000 Chopper Circle, Denver, CO 80204
Denver, United States
Multi-Sport Venue
Basketball
Arena
Ball Arena stands at 5,280 feet above sea level — exactly one mile high — in the heart of downtown Denver, serving as the home of the 2023 NBA Champion Denver Nuggets, three-time Stanley Cup Champion Colorado Avalanche, and two-time NLL Champion Colorado Mammoth. Originally opened as the Pepsi Center on October 1, 1999, the arena was renamed Ball Arena in 2021 following a naming rights agreement with Ball Corporation, the Fort Collins–based manufacturer and the first company to put a man-made object on the Moon. Located at 1000 Chopper Circle along the South Platte River on the edge of downtown Denver, Ball Arena sits adjacent to the Elitch Gardens Theme Park and the Confluence Park greenways, creating a distinctive recreational setting unlike any other NBA venue. The RTD Light Rail's Ball Arena/Elitch Gardens Station is steps from the main entrance, making public transit access excellent. With a seating capacity of 19,099, Ball Arena has hosted the Stanley Cup Finals, NBA Finals, and the 2023 NBA Championship celebration when the Nuggets defeated the Miami Heat 4–1 to claim the first championship in franchise history. The arena operates 90-minute KSE (Kroenke Sports and Entertainment) venue tours that explore exclusive spaces including premium suites, the Michelob Ultra Mountain House, backstage hallways, and production booths — with free parking in the Camry North Lot for all tour attendees. The arena's Toyota-sponsored lots (Camry, RAV4, Tundra, and others) form a distinctive naming convention for the surrounding parking infrastructure. Ball Arena has also hosted NBA All-Star Weekend, the Women's Final Four, and the NCAA Frozen Four.
Ball Arena opened as Pepsi Center on October 1, 1999, the result of a long-anticipated effort to give Denver a modern, multi-purpose indoor arena to replace the aging McNichols Arena. The arena was built by KSE (Kroenke Sports and Entertainment) and immediately became the home of the Denver Nuggets (NBA), Colorado Avalanche (NHL), and Colorado Mammoth (NLL lacrosse). The Colorado Avalanche won the Stanley Cup in 2001 — just two years after the arena opened — raising the championship banner in Denver's first major professional sports championship in the modern era. The arena was renamed Ball Arena in January 2021 following a naming rights deal with Ball Corporation. The defining moment in the arena's history came on June 12, 2023, when the Denver Nuggets won their first-ever NBA Championship, defeating the Miami Heat 4–1. Nikola Jokic's transcendent three-season peak as two-time MVP and Finals MVP had delivered Denver its second major championship in 22 years. The arena has also hosted NBA All-Star Weekend, the Women's Final Four, NCAA Frozen Four, and major concerts. A $125 million renovation in 2017 at Pepsi Center upgraded the fan experience significantly before the arena took its current name.
Ball Arena on Nuggets game nights generates one of the NBA's most passionate home atmospheres — Denver's devoted basketball fanbase, finally rewarded with a championship in 2023, attends games with genuine investment and championship pride. Nikola Jokic's unique combination of brilliance and self-effacement has cultivated one of the NBA's most knowledgeable fanbases. Pre-game, the Lower Highlands (LoHi) neighbourhood is the premium gathering point — bars like Williams & Graham and restaurants like Root Down draw fans from across the city. The Michelob Ultra Mountain House inside the arena opens early and provides an excellent in-arena pre-game option. The RTD Light Rail connection makes arriving and leaving stress-free. For peak atmosphere: playoff games and marquee matchups against the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, or Oklahoma City Thunder — championship banners and championship expectations fill the Mile High arena with genuine intensity.
Ball Arena offers excellent 90-minute KSE Venue Tours Monday–Friday (excluding weekends, holidays, and playoff periods). Walk-in tours at 10:30 AM on non-game days; on game days, tours 1:00–2:00 PM only. Free parking in Camry North Lot. Enter via Grand Atrium Door 1. Pre-purchase or buy on-site at the Tour Kiosk. Contact KSEVenueTours@TeamKSE.com or 303-405-8556. All guests 18+ must show valid ID.
Ball Arena is directly served by Denver's Regional Transportation District (RTD) Light Rail at the Ball Arena/Elitch Gardens Station, located steps from the arena's main entrance. The C Line and E Line both stop at this station, with connections throughout downtown Denver and the broader metro area. From Union Station (downtown Denver), the C or E Line reaches Ball Arena in approximately 4 minutes. From Denver International Airport, take the University of Colorado A Line to Union Station and transfer to the C or E Line — total journey approximately 40 minutes. The W Line (west to Lakewood) also provides connections to Ball Arena. Standard RTD fares are $3.00 for local and $5.25 for regional (Airport) trips with a MyRide card. Free Park-N-Ride facilities at suburban RTD stations allow fans from across the metro to park and train in.
Several RTD bus routes serve the Ball Arena area including routes 10, 15, and 20 along major downtown Denver corridors. The 16th Street Mall Shuttle (free) connects Ball Arena to the downtown core via a transfer at Market Street Station. Bus fares are $3.00 per ride with a MyRide card. Check the RTD Trip Planner at rtd-denver.com for routing from your specific location.
Ball Arena is accessible from I-25 northbound via exit 210B for Auraria Parkway, following signs for Ball Arena. From I-25 southbound, take exit 212A for Speer Boulevard. The arena's parking lots are sponsored by Toyota and named accordingly (Camry Lot, RAV4 Lot, Tundra Lot, and others). Parking typically costs $35 or more for Nuggets and Avalanche games, with a $5 discount for credit/debit card payments. The Camry North Lot provides free parking for all KSE Venue Tours. Pre-book parking via the Ball Arena website or SpotHero. Rideshare designated zones are in the surrounding lot areas — check the Ball Arena website for the current event-night rideshare map.
Ball Arena is located along the South Platte River and adjacent to the Confluence Park greenway, in a neighbourhood that also includes Elitch Gardens (directly across the street), REI's flagship store, and the Platte River trail system. From downtown Denver hotels, the walk to Ball Arena crosses the 15th Street pedestrian bridge over the Platte River — a scenic 15–25 minute route. The Lower Highlands (LoHi) neighbourhood, one of Denver's most vibrant dining and bar districts, is a 20-minute walk or short Uber from Ball Arena and a popular pre-game destination.
Ball Arena offers excellent 90-minute KSE (Kroenke Sports and Entertainment) venue tours that take guests behind the scenes of the arena that hosted the Denver Nuggets' 2023 NBA Championship, the Colorado Avalanche's multiple Stanley Cup Finals, and countless major events at the Mile High City's premier indoor venue. Tours explore exclusive spaces including premium suites, the Michelob Ultra Mountain House, backstage hallways, production and broadcast booths, and the arena's operational heart. Depending on team schedule availability, bonus features may include a sneak peek at the Avalanche hallway and locker room, access to visiting team locker rooms, and a stop at the Nuggets Practice Court. Tours enter through the Grand Atrium main entrance (Door 1) and free parking is provided in the Camry North Lot for all tour attendees. The 10:30 AM walk-in tour is unavailable on Avalanche and Nuggets home game days.
Adult tickets cost £20, children's tickets are £12, and concession tickets are available for £16. The complete stadium tour experience lasts 90 minutes, providing comprehensive access to the stadium's most exclusive areas.
The KSE Venue Tour at Ball Arena includes premium suites, michelob ultra mountain house, backstage hallways and production/broadcast booths, potential bonus access to avalanche hallway & locker room, visiting team locker rooms, nuggets practice court (availability dependent on team schedule), giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world's most famous stadiums. Walk-in tours are available Monday–Friday (not available Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays). The 10:30 AM walk-in tour is unavailable on Avalanche and Nuggets home game days; on game days, tours only start between 1:00 PM–2:00 PM. During NBA/NHL/NLL playoffs, tours are unavailable. Check ballarena.com/arena-information/kse-venue-tours-at-ball-arena/ for the current tour calendar. Walk-in tours: purchase tickets with the Tour Guide at the Tour Kiosk in the Grand Atrium using the QR code. Pre-purchased tickets: present QR code from purchase confirmation email. Private group tours also available — contact KSEVenueTours@TeamKSE.com or call 303-405-8556. Park FREE in the Camry North Lot for all tours. Enter via the Grand Atrium main entrance (Door 1, southwest side near flagpoles).
Luxury accommodation - Short walk – 10 minutes
Rates from £350 to £900 per night
The Four Seasons Hotel Denver is the city's pinnacle luxury property — a 45-storey tower offering spectacular Rocky Mountain views, award-winning spa facilities, and the acclaimed EDGE Restaurant & Bar on the 27th floor. Home to visiting NBA players and executives, the Four Seasons is the definitive luxury base for premium Nuggets fans who want the best Denver has to offer alongside their game experience. Located at the edge of downtown, it is a pleasant 10-minute walk along the Platte River or a short rideshare to Ball Arena.
Mid-range accommodation - Short walk – 10 minutes
Rates from £180 to £400 per night
Kimpton Hotel Born is one of Denver's most celebrated boutique-adjacent mid-range properties, housed in a beautifully designed building at Union Station with a warm, nature-inspired aesthetic. The hotel's Citizen Rail restaurant in the train hall is among Denver's finest dining experiences, and the proximity to Union Station's RTD connections makes Ball Arena easily accessible by Light Rail. A stylish and well-located choice for Nuggets fans who want quality and character.
Budget accommodation - Walking distance – 6 minutes
Rates from £130 to £260 per night
SpringHill Suites Denver Downtown is the closest major chain hotel to Ball Arena, located approximately 0.3 miles away — a 6-minute walk. Offering Marriott's all-suite format with separate living and sleeping areas, complimentary hot breakfast, and accessible pricing, this is the most practical budget option for fans who want arena proximity without paying downtown luxury rates.
Boutique accommodation - Short walk or rideshare – 12 minutes
Rates from £170 to £380 per night
The Art Hotel Denver is a genuinely distinctive boutique property celebrating Colorado's artistic heritage, featuring an extensive museum-quality art collection throughout its public spaces and guest rooms, including the Fire Restaurant & Bar and a stunning rooftop pool with Rocky Mountain views. An excellent choice for Nuggets fans who want a memorable, culturally engaged Denver stay alongside their game experience.
Ball Arena is fully ADA-compliant with accessible entrances around the building. The RTD Light Rail Ball Arena/Elitch Gardens Station provides step-free transit access from the broader Denver metro area. The Grand Atrium main entrance (Door 1) and all numbered arena entrances provide accessible access. Elevators serve all concourse levels. RTD Light Rail stations are fully accessible with elevators — an excellent option for wheelchair users. The Grand Atrium entrance (Door 1) is the primary accessible entrance. Staff are available at all major entrances to provide direction and assistance.
Wheelchair accessible seating is available throughout Ball Arena at all price tiers. All accessible seats provide unobstructed sightlines. Companion seating is available adjacent to all accessible positions. Select accessible seating when purchasing tickets via Ticketmaster or contact Ball Arena Guest Services. Tour accessible parking is available in the Camry North Lot.
ADA-compliant restrooms are available on all concourse levels throughout Ball Arena. Baby changing facilities are available. Restroom locations are shown on arena concourse maps at ballarena.com.
Accessible parking is available in Ball Arena's surrounding Toyota-sponsored lots. Designated ADA spaces are marked throughout all lots. Free parking in the Camry North Lot is available for all KSE Venue Tour attendees (valid for tour days only). Pre-book accessible parking via Ball Arena website or SpotHero. Valid disability placard or plate required. Arrive early for sold-out events as accessible spaces fill quickly.
Assistive listening devices are available at Ball Arena for all Nuggets and Avalanche games and arena events. Request assistive listening devices from Guest Services at any arena entrance. Valid ID deposit may be required. Devices free of charge.
Guide dogs and registered service animals are welcome throughout all areas of Ball Arena. Children 3 and older require a ticket for Nuggets, Avalanche, and Mammoth games. Notify Guest Services in advance when attending with a service animal. Designated relief areas available.
Ball Arena Guest Services provide mobility assistance, wheelchair escort, and disability support at all events. The arena's comprehensive elevator network makes all levels fully accessible. Contact Guest Services upon arrival or in advance. Stroller-friendly pathways and family seating areas are also available throughout Ball Arena.
Upper Bowl (300s) tickets range from $25 USD to $100 USD for the season and partial-season plans via nuggets ticket office (nuggets.com/tickets)..
Entry-level tickets at the home of the 2023 NBA Champions — the Denver Nuggets, led by two-time MVP Nikola Jokic, deliver elite basketball in one of the American West's most passionate sports markets. Ball Arena's championship atmosphere is accessible from the upper bowl.
These upper-tier seating providing elevated full-arena views. at 5,280 feet above sea level, the mile high altitude adds a unique dimension to the ball arena experience. the steep upper bowl keeps fans engaged and relatively close to the action. tickets include standard event admission, access to all public concourse areas including toyota-sponsored lots at standard parking rate. bags max 4" x 6" x 1.5"., making them an excellent choice for visitors seeking luxury hospitality experience.
Lower Bowl (100s and 200s) tickets range from $75 USD to $450 USD for the full and partial-season packages available..
Lower level seats at Ball Arena offer the full championship experience in the home of Nikola Jokic and the defending NBA champions — one of the most exhilarating environments in professional basketball.
These main lower bowl seating providing close proximity to the court. ball arena's lower bowl seating was the scene of the nuggets' 2023 nba championship celebration, cementing it as one of the most memorable environments in modern nba history. tickets include standard event admission, lower-level concourse access, making them an excellent choice for visitors seeking luxury hospitality experience.
Select Health Club Level & UMB Reserve tickets range from $200 USD to $900 USD for the primarily full-season packages. contact premium sales for individual availability..
Premium club seating at the Mile High City's championship arena — access to exclusive lounges including the Ford Champions Club for the most premium experiences.
These ball arena's club level includes the select health club level and umb reserve (separate nuggets and avalanche reserve areas), providing premium mid-bowl seating with access to exclusive club lounges, elevated food and beverage service, and the best sightlines in the building. tickets include event admission, club lounge access (select health or umb reserve), elevated food and beverage service, priority entry, making them an excellent choice for visitors seeking luxury hospitality experience.
Luxury Suites (16–40 guests) & Theatre Boxes tickets range from $1500 USD to $15000 USD for the full-season leases and individual game rental options — contact suite sales for availability..
Suite hospitality at the home of the 2023 NBA Champions in one of the Rocky Mountain West's most dynamic sports markets — Denver's growing economy and outdoor lifestyle attract a premium corporate client base.
These ball arena suites start at $4,000 for regular season games and accommodate 16–40 guests. suites include private interior space, balcony seating, flat-screen tv, and in-suite catering via legends. theatre boxes provide a semi-private premium alternative for smaller groups. tickets include private suite or theatre box access, suite tickets, parking passes, balcony seating, flat-screen tv, in-suite catering via legends available separately, making them an excellent choice for visitors seeking luxury hospitality experience.
Ball Arena has a seating capacity of 19,099 for Denver Nuggets NBA games. The arena is also home to the Colorado Avalanche (NHL) and Colorado Mammoth (NLL lacrosse). It is located exactly 5,280 feet above sea level — precisely one mile high — in downtown Denver.
Take the RTD Light Rail C Line or E Line to Ball Arena/Elitch Gardens Station, which is steps from the arena's main entrance. From Union Station (downtown Denver): approximately 4 minutes. From Denver International Airport: take the A Line to Union Station, then transfer to the C or E Line — approximately 40 minutes total. Standard RTD fare: $3.00–$5.25 with MyRide card.
Ball Arena opened as Pepsi Center on October 1, 1999. It was renamed Ball Arena in 2021 following a naming rights agreement with Ball Corporation — the Fort Collins-based manufacturer known for beverage containers and aerospace technology.
Yes. Multiple Toyota-branded lots surround the arena (Camry, RAV4, Tundra, etc.) at $35+ for Nuggets/Avalanche games ($5 discount for card payment). Pre-book via Ball Arena website or SpotHero. Free parking in Camry North Lot for all KSE Venue Tour attendees. Rideshare zones also available — check the arena website for current locations.
Yes. 90-minute KSE Venue Tours run Monday–Friday (not weekends or holidays), with walk-in tours at 10:30 AM on non-game days. On Nuggets/Avalanche game days, tours only run 1:00–2:00 PM. Tours are unavailable during playoffs. FREE parking in Camry North Lot. Contact KSEVenueTours@TeamKSE.com or 303-405-8556. All guests 18+ must show valid ID.
The Denver Nuggets won their first NBA Championship in franchise history in 2023, defeating the Miami Heat 4–1 in the NBA Finals. The clinching Game 5 was played at Ball Arena on June 12, 2023. Nikola Jokic was named Finals MVP, adding to his two regular-season MVP awards.
Bags larger than 4" x 6" x 1.5" are NOT permitted. Medical bags, infant bags, and small clutches that meet the size requirement are allowed. All bags are subject to security screening. Ball Arena does not check bags during tours — all personal items brought on tours are the guest's responsibility.
Yes, fully ADA-compliant. RTD Light Rail Ball Arena/Elitch Gardens Station provides step-free transit access. Accessible seating at all levels, elevators throughout, ADA restrooms, accessible parking in Toyota lots. Stroller-friendly pathways and family seating areas available. Guest Services: 303-405-1100.
Via Ticketmaster and nuggets.com. Resale via SeatGeek, Vivid Seats, StubHub. Season and partial-season plans via Nuggets ticket office. Suite enquiries via ballarenapremium.com. Upper level from ~$25. High-demand games can be significantly more expensive.
Arena doors typically open 90 minutes before event start time. The Michelob Ultra Mountain House opens approximately 1 hour before general doors on Nuggets game days. Check ballarena.com for specific event door times.
Ball Arena is located exactly 5,280 feet above sea level — precisely one mile high — in downtown Denver, Colorado. Visitors from lower altitudes may experience mild altitude effects (headache, slight breathlessness) on arrival. Staying hydrated and avoiding excess alcohol helps. Most visitors adapt within 24 hours.
Ball Arena has hosted the Stanley Cup Finals (Avalanche's 2001 championship), NBA All-Star Weekend, Women's Final Four (NCAA basketball), NCAA Frozen Four (college hockey), and major concerts by global artists. The arena hosts over 200 events annually and is one of the Rocky Mountain region's busiest venues.
12 June 2023
The Denver Nuggets claimed the first NBA Championship in franchise history on June 12, 2023, defeating the Miami Heat 4–1 in the NBA Finals at Ball Arena. Nikola Jokic delivered a historic Finals performance — averaging 30 points, 14 rebounds, and 7.2 assists — earning his second NBA Finals MVP alongside his two regular-season MVPs. The championship celebration at Ball Arena and the subsequent downtown Denver parade brought over 1 million people to the streets of the city, marking the biggest sporting moment in Denver basketball history.
1 September 2022
Ball Arena launched the KSE (Kroenke Sports and Entertainment) Venue Tours programme, offering 90-minute public walking tours of the arena on weekdays throughout the year. Tours explore premium suites, the Michelob Ultra Mountain House, backstage hallways, broadcast booths, and potential bonus access to team locker rooms and practice courts. Free parking in the Camry North Lot is provided for all tour attendees. The programme has become one of Denver's most popular sports-themed tourism experiences.
5 January 2021
Denver's premier indoor arena was renamed Ball Arena in January 2021 following a naming rights agreement with Ball Corporation, the Fort Collins–based Fortune 500 manufacturer best known for aluminium beverage cans and aerospace technology — including being the first company to put a man-made object on the Moon. The deal, one of the most significant naming rights transactions in Denver sports history, reflects Ball Corporation's deep roots in Colorado and its status as one of the state's largest employers.
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