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Game Day Guide

Colorado Avalanche Game Day Guide

Everything you need for game night at Ball Arena. Tickets, gear, hockey bars, parking, and where to stay in Denver.

19,520

Seats

Ball Arena

Venue

Auraria

Neighborhood

2022

Stanley Cup

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Get Tickets

Compare Colorado Avalanche ticket prices. Upper-level seats start around $30 for weeknight games. Rivalry matchups and playoff games sell out fast.

Get Avalanche Gear

Rep the burgundy and blue. Official MacKinnon jerseys, Stanley Cup championship merch, hats, and more from Fanatics.

Hockey Bars & Pre-Game Dining

The best bars and restaurants near Ball Arena for before or after the game. Hockey bars are packed on game nights — arrive early.

Sobo 151

Craft cocktails and upscale bar food in the SoBo neighborhood. A 5-minute walk from Ball Arena. Great happy hour before puck drop.

Wally’s Wisconsin Tavern

Wisconsin-themed dive bar downtown with cheese curds and a rowdy hockey crowd. Old-school sports bar vibes with strong pours.

Tap Fourteen

40+ craft beers on tap in a sleek LoDo setting. 15-minute walk from Ball Arena or a quick rideshare. Reserve ahead on game nights.

Society Sports Bar

Two-level sports bar on Larimer Street with massive screens and game-day drink specials. Popular with the Avs faithful before and after.

Getting There

Rideshare

Uber and Lyft have designated zones on Chopper Circle. Expect surge pricing and 15-20 min waits post-game. Drop off on Auraria Parkway for a shorter walk.

Parking

Auraria Campus lots $15-$30. Book ahead on SpotHero for private lots from $10. Lots fill up fast for weekend games.

Denver Parking Guide →

RTD Light Rail

C, E, or W line to Auraria West station. 8-minute walk to Ball Arena. $3 each way. Runs late on game nights.

View Transit Map →

Stay Nearby

Downtown Denver hotels within walking distance of Ball Arena.

SpringHill Suites Denver Downtown

Auraria 10 min walk$$

The Art Hotel Denver

Golden Triangle 12 min walk$$$

Hotel Born

Union Station 18 min walk$$$$

Game Day Tips

Altitude Warning

Denver is at 5,280 feet. Visiting fans should hydrate heavily and go easy on alcohol. The thin air hits harder than you expect.

Dress Warm

Ball Arena is cold inside (it's an ice rink). Bring a hoodie or jacket even in summer. Winter games mean bundling up for the walk too.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much are Colorado Avalanche tickets?

Regular season Avs tickets start around $30-$50 for upper-level seats. Lower-bowl seats run $100-$300. Rivalry games against the Red Wings, Blackhawks, or Wild push prices higher. Playoff tickets start at $150+. Check Vivid Seats for the best resale deals.

What time do doors open at Ball Arena for Avalanche games?

Doors open 1.5 hours before puck drop for regular season games and 2 hours before for playoffs. Arrive at least 45 minutes early to get through security, grab food, and watch warm-ups.

Can I bring a bag to Ball Arena?

Ball Arena enforces a clear bag policy. Bags must be clear plastic or vinyl, no larger than 14" x 14" x 6". Small clutch purses (4.5" x 6.5") are allowed. No backpacks, camera bags, or oversized purses.

What is the best way to get to Ball Arena without driving?

RTD light rail is the easiest option. Take the C, E, or W line to Auraria West station, an 8-minute walk to Ball Arena. Uber and Lyft have designated zones on Chopper Circle. The 16th Street Mall shuttle connects to Union Station, where you can grab the light rail or walk 20 minutes to the arena.

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