Quick Facts
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 1000 Chopper Cir, Denver, CO 80204 |
| Venue type | Multi-purpose indoor arena |
| Basketball capacity | 18,000 |
| Hockey capacity | 17,800 |
| Concert capacity | Up to 20,000 |
| Opened | 1999 |
| Former name | Pepsi Center |
| Primary tenants | Denver Nuggets (NBA), Colorado Avalanche (NHL), Colorado Mammoth (NLL) |
| Website | ballarena.com |
Overview
Ball Arena opened in 1999 as Pepsi Center, taking its current name in 2020. It sits on the western edge of downtown Denver, between Speer Boulevard and the Auraria Campus, with a glass exterior and outdoor plaza that frames views of downtown and the Front Range. Beyond hosting the Nuggets, Avalanche, and Mammoth, the arena is Denver’s primary indoor stop for major touring concerts, comedy, and family entertainment.
Seating and Layout
- Floor (GA or reserved): The main floor, either an unseated general admission pit closest to the stage or assigned rows extending toward the mix soundboard, depending on the tour.
- 100-Level (Lower Bowl): Encircles the floor. Side sections, such as 102, 124, 126, and 148, offer balanced elevation and clear sound projection.
- 200-Level (Club Level): Directly above the lower bowl, with wider padded seating, dedicated bars, and less crowded concessions.
- Suite levels: Executive and loge suites between the lower and upper tiers, with private lounge space and dedicated food service.
- 300-Level (Upper Bowl): The upper deck. A steeper incline keeps views clear over the production, with the lowest rows of central sections offering a solid value option.
Most touring concerts use an end-stage setup, placing the stage at one end of the floor and closing off the rear bowl sections behind it. Some shows go in-the-round instead, with the stage at the center of the floor opening up all three levels around it. Floor configurations vary by performer, from open general admission standing space to numbered reserved rows.
Capacity
Ball Arena’s official capacity is 18,000 for basketball and 17,800 for hockey. For full-capacity concerts, floor seating can expand total capacity up to 20,000, depending on stage dimensions and how much of the floor goes to standing room.
Sound and Production
The arena uses acoustic dampening along the ceiling and upper walls to manage sound reflections and reduce slap-back echo. The structural roof steel supports high rigging weight capacities, letting production teams hang LED video arrays, moving lighting rigs, and heavy audio speaker clusters.
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible seating platforms with companion chairs are integrated across the 100, 200, and 300 levels. Accessible entryways include ground-level plaza access, wide concourses, elevators, and escalators reaching every tier. Assistive listening devices and sensory assistance supplies are available at Guest Services on the main concourse, and accessible parking is available near the main entries in the primary surface lots.
Venue Policies
- Bags: Since a 2024 policy update, any bag, including small purses, wristlets, and fanny packs, must be 4″ x 6″ x 1.5″ or smaller, roughly the size of a passport holder. This applies whether or not the bag is clear. Purses and backpacks larger than that aren’t permitted at all, and there’s no bag check available for anything that doesn’t comply.
- Medical and diaper bags: Allowed up to 14″ x 14″ x 6″, but subject to X-ray screening at entry.
- Tickets: Digital entry only, scanned via smartphone.
- Payment: Fully cashless. Food, beverage, and merchandise counters all take cards or mobile payment only.
- Outside food and drink: Not permitted. Bringing in outside alcohol, or trying to leave with any, can result in ejection and a citation.
- Cameras and recording: Professional cameras with detachable lenses and recording equipment aren’t allowed.
- Other prohibited items: Laser pointers and weapons.
Because there’s no bag check on-site, the safest approach is to bring little to nothing, or plan to leave any bag in your car or use off-site storage near the arena.
Getting There
- RTD Light Rail: The E Line and W Line stop directly at Ball Arena/Elitch Gardens Station, steps from the entrances.
- Bus: Regional RTD buses stop along Speer Boulevard and nearby Auraria Parkway.
- Driving and parking: The arena is accessible via I-25 at the Speer Boulevard or Auraria Parkway exits. Extensive surface lots surround the venue, split into named areas like the Camry, Toyota, and Lexus lots.
- Rideshare: Drop-off and pickup zones are set up along Chopper Circle and 12th Street.
Nearby
Ball Arena sits along the western edge of downtown Denver, bordering the Auraria Campus and Elitch Gardens. Pedestrian bridges cross Cherry Creek to the historic LoDo district and Larimer Square, both within easy walking distance for dining and entertainment.
Before You Arrive
Plan to arrive 60 to 90 minutes before showtime to allow for parking or light rail, security screening, and reaching your section before the opening act.
What to bring:
- A smartphone with your digital tickets loaded in your wallet
- A valid photo ID and a credit card, debit card, or contactless payment method
- As little as possible in the way of bags, since the 4″ x 6″ x 1.5″ limit is stricter than most arenas and there’s no bag check
- A light jacket for the walk between parking or the light rail station
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity of Ball Arena for concerts?
Up to about 20,000, depending on stage placement and floor layout.
Where is Ball Arena located?
1000 Chopper Circle, on the western edge of downtown Denver.
Is Ball Arena a cashless venue?
Yes, all concession counters, merchandise booths, and bars accept card or mobile payment only.
What light rail line goes to Ball Arena?
The RTD Light Rail E Line and W Line stop directly at Ball Arena/Elitch Gardens Station.
What are the best seats for sound at Ball Arena?
Lower-bowl sections directly opposite the main stage, such as Section 102 or 124, tend to offer balanced acoustic clarity.
Does Ball Arena have a clear bag policy?
No, but it has a stricter one: bags don’t need to be clear, but they must be 4″ x 6″ x 1.5″ or smaller. Purses and backpacks larger than that aren’t allowed, and there’s no bag check on-site.
Is there parking on-site at Ball Arena?
Yes, extensive surface lots surround the arena directly.
How early should I arrive for a concert at Ball Arena?
Arriving 60 to 90 minutes before showtime allows time for parking, transit, and security screening.
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