Colorado Avalanche
Venue and travel guide
Venue and location
Address
1000 Chopper Circle
Source statement; not independently verified.
City
Denver
Source statement; not independently verified.
State
CO
Source statement; not independently verified.
Venue name
Ball Arena
Source statement; not independently verified.
Zip code
80204
Source statement; not independently verified.
Parking
Cheapest
4Runner Lot ($35 card) or Elitch's Lot ($35); cheapest overall is to use RTD light rail and skip parking
Source statement; not independently verified.
Guide url
https://www.ballarena.com/plan-your-visit/parking-directions/
Source statement; not independently verified.
Accessible parking
Accessible parking first-come, first-served with state-issued permit — Camry North (103 standard ADA, 7 van), Tundra (8 standard, 4 van), RAV4 (3 standard); Special Needs spaces in Camry North
Source statement; not independently verified.
Hours
Lots open 3 hours prior to the start of the event
Source statement; not independently verified.
Payment
Credit/debit cards accepted at all Toyota Ball Arena lots; cash only accepted at the Tundra lot (cash rate $5 higher than card). Advance purchase via Ticketmaster/AXS
Source statement; not independently verified.
Premium
Camry Lot and others are permit/VIP-only during Avalanche games; TRD-Pro is valet/Club Lexus; season permits available through the team
Source statement; not independently verified.
Prepaid
Yes — prompted after buying tickets on Ticketmaster.com, or purchasable in advance via Ticketmaster/AXS (typically saves $5–$10)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Prices
Avalanche games — 4Runner $35 (credit/debit), Tundra $40, Elitch's $35, RAV4 (Premier) $70; Camry/Corolla permit-only; playoff and special-event pricing subject to change
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Ball Arena offers multiple parking options including the Camry North Lot, the Tundra Lot, the Rav4 Lot, and other Toyota-branded surface lots. Pre-paid parking available through the Ball Arena app. Event rates range from $15-$30. ADA parking available in the Camry North Lot.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Public transport
RTD light rail Ball Arena/Elitch Gardens station (D, E, H, W lines) adjacent to arena; RTD bus stop at 9th Street and Auraria Parkway
Source statement; not independently verified.
Tailgating
N/A — indoor arena; no formal tailgating program in arena lots
Source statement; not independently verified.
Traffic
I-25/Auraria Parkway interchange, Speer Boulevard, and Chopper Circle near downtown can congest before and after games
Source statement; not independently verified.
Types
Toyota-sponsored lots named after Toyota vehicles — Camry (VIP), Corolla, 4Runner (general public), Tacoma, Tundra, Elitch's, RAV4 (Premier/closest), TRD-Pro (valet); permit-only and public options vary by event
Source statement; not independently verified.
Public transportation
Airport connection
RTD University of Colorado A Line connects Denver International Airport to Union Station, then transfer to light rail to Ball Arena/Elitch Gardens
Source statement; not independently verified.
App
RTD website (rtd-denver.com) and RTD Next Ride trip planner
Source statement; not independently verified.
Best option
Light rail to Ball Arena/Elitch Gardens station (D, E, H, W lines) is the most direct and avoids parking
Source statement; not independently verified.
Bus routes
RTD bus stop adjacent to grounds at 9th Street and Auraria Parkway, served by multiple routes
Source statement; not independently verified.
Fare
RTD fares via cash, the RTD Transit Watch / Next Ride app, or ticket machines; check rtd-denver.com for current fares
Source statement; not independently verified.
Ferry
N/A — landlocked inland venue
Source statement; not independently verified.
Nearest station
Ball Arena/Elitch Gardens light rail station, adjacent to the arena
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
RTD Light Rail C, E, and W Lines: Ball Arena/Elitch Gardens station is directly adjacent to the arena entrance. RTD bus routes 1, 20, and 48 serve the area. Light rail fare: $3.00. The light rail connects to Union Station, downtown Denver, and the broader metro area.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Rail lines
RTD light rail D, E, H and W lines
Source statement; not independently verified.
Tips
All RTD buses and rail vehicles accommodate mobility aids; call 303-299-6000 for bus schedules
Source statement; not independently verified.
Walking distance
Light rail station is directly next to the arena (steps away); bus stop is adjacent at 9th & Auraria Parkway
Source statement; not independently verified.
Shuttles
Notes
Free RTD MallRide on the 16th Street Mall connects to Union Station and light rail (currently rerouted to 15th/17th Streets during 16th Street Mall reconstruction)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Park ride
RTD park-n-Ride lots across metro Denver feed light rail to the Ball Arena/Elitch Gardens station
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
No dedicated shuttle service. RTD light rail serves Ball Arena directly via the Ball Arena/Elitch Gardens station on the C, E, and W lines. Many downtown hotels are within walking distance.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Bicycles
Overview
Bike racks available near the main entrance and along Chopper Circle. Denver B-cycle stations nearby. The South Platte River Trail provides a scenic bike route to the arena.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Rack locations
Three racks on Ball Arena grounds — outside the East Atrium, outside the Grand Atrium, and in Toyota 4Runner Lot South
Source statement; not independently verified.
Share cost
Varies by Lyft/Lime per-minute and unlock pricing; see provider apps
Source statement; not independently verified.
Share distance
Dockless — available within blocks of the arena around downtown Denver
Source statement; not independently verified.
Share provider
Lyft and Lime, under Denver's Shared Micromobility Program license agreements
Source statement; not independently verified.
Share station
No on-site dock; Denver's dockless shared micromobility (bikes/scooters) operates throughout downtown near the arena
Source statement; not independently verified.
Tips
Arena is reachable via the Cherry Creek Trail and shared-use sidewalk on Auraria Parkway; park scooters a few blocks away to avoid crowded zones immediately around the arena
Source statement; not independently verified.
Accessibility
Accessible parking
First-come, first-served with state permit — Camry North (103 standard ADA + 7 van), Tundra (8 standard + 4 van), RAV4 (3 standard); Special Needs spaces in Camry North
Source statement; not independently verified.
Assistive listening
Available at all events; request at the Guest Relations Kiosk in the Grand Atrium (valid ID required as collateral)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Contact
Guest Relations Kiosk in the Grand Atrium; see https://www.ballarena.com/plan-your-visit/accessibility-guide/
Source statement; not independently verified.
Dropoff
Roundabout on 9th Street and the Ball Arena Rideshare Lot (4Runner West) for ADA pick-up/drop-off
Source statement; not independently verified.
Fun fact
Guest Relations provides a complimentary wheelchair escort service that takes guests to their seats and returns to escort them out
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Ball Arena is fully ADA-compliant. Accessible seating on all levels. All entrances are wheelchair accessible. Elevators serve every level. The light rail station provides accessible transit access. Assistive listening devices and sensory kits at Guest Services.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Restrooms
Accessible restrooms available throughout the arena
Source statement; not independently verified.
Service animals
Service dogs must be harnessed/leashed/tethered and rest in the guest's seating area (not the aisle); visit the Grand Atrium for relief-area exit directions
Source statement; not independently verified.
Wheelchair seating
Dispersed wheelchair and accessible companion seating available on all levels of the arena
Source statement; not independently verified.
Food and vendors
Cashless
Yes — fully cashless at all concession stands, suites, and premium locations
Source statement; not independently verified.
Craft beer
20-oz domestic drafts (Coors, Coors Light, Michelob Ultra, Avalanche Ale) around $10; Colorado craft beers also available
Source statement; not independently verified.
Fun fact
Ball Arena dropped staples to $5 (hot dogs formerly $7.50, pretzels formerly $8) as part of fan-friendly pricing with Legends Global
Source statement; not independently verified.
Local
Redeemer Pizza, Mexico City Lounge, Nola Jane, Big Belly Brothers, Denver Potato Company, and additional rotating local partners
Source statement; not independently verified.
Mobile ordering
Available at the cashless arena; mobile/express ordering offered at select stands
Source statement; not independently verified.
Notable stands
Local Eats vendor stands, Código Lounge, Colorado Social, and Michelob Ultra Mountain House
Source statement; not independently verified.
Parking Apps Accepted
Ticketmaster/AXS for advance parking; LAZ Parking for daily/monthly
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Ball Arena features a Colorado-focused food and beverage program with local vendors, craft beer from Colorado breweries, and premium dining options. Altitude Authentics (team store) is on the main concourse.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Signature food
Local Eats program with six Denver restaurants — Mexico City Lounge fried tacos, Redeemer Pizza (cup-and-char pepperoni), Nola Jane debris po'boy/gumbo, Big Belly Brothers BBQ brisket, and Denver Potato Company loaded fries
Source statement; not independently verified.
Vegetarian
Available, including loaded/cheese fries and various plant-based concessions (specific stands vary by event)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Venue history
Architect
HOK Sport
Source statement; not independently verified.
Construction cost
US$187 million (about US$375 million in 2025 dollars)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Famous moments
Avalanche won the Stanley Cup in 2001 and 2022; arena opened with a Celine Dion concert; numerous Western Conference and NBA playoff games
Source statement; not independently verified.
Fun fact
Parking lots are all named after Toyota vehicles (Camry, Corolla, 4Runner, Tacoma, Tundra, RAV4, TRD-Pro) under the arena's Toyota sponsorship
Source statement; not independently verified.
Original capacity
~19,099 for basketball at opening; 18,007 for hockey
Source statement; not independently verified.
Original name
Pepsi Center (renamed Ball Arena on October 22, 2020)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Opened October 1, 1999 as the Pepsi Center. The Avalanche have won three Stanley Cups (1996, 2001, 2022). The arena was renamed Ball Arena in 2020 after Ball Corporation acquired naming rights. Home to Avalanche legends including Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg, and Patrick Roy.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Renovations
New four-sided rectangular center-hung scoreboard installed before the 2013–14 season; ongoing premium-space and concession upgrades; 2020 naming-rights rebrand
Source statement; not independently verified.
Retired numbers
Retired Avalanche jerseys — Joe Sakic (19), Peter Forsberg (21), Milan Hejduk (23), Patrick Roy (33), Adam Foote (52), Ray Bourque (77); plus Pierre Lacroix banner and 2001 & 2022 Stanley Cup championship banners
Source statement; not independently verified.
Venue details
Climate
Fully enclosed, climate-controlled indoor arena (~675,000+ sq ft)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Elevation
~5,280 ft (Denver, the "Mile High City")
Source statement; not independently verified.
Levels
Five-level facility with lower bowl, club/suite levels, and upper bowl
Source statement; not independently verified.
Premium
95 suites and approximately 1,900 club seats; premium areas include Select Health Club Level, theatre boxes, and Ford Champions Club
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Hockey seating capacity: 18,007. Ice surface: 200 ft × 85 ft. Modern bowl design with views of the Denver skyline and Rocky Mountains from the upper concourse.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Scoreboard
Four-sided rectangular center-hung board (since 2013–14) — two center faces 27 x 48 ft, two end faces 21 x 25 ft
Source statement; not independently verified.
Shared tenants
NBA Denver Nuggets and NLL Colorado Mammoth share the arena
Source statement; not independently verified.
Surface
Standard NHL ice sheet, 200 ft x 85 ft
Source statement; not independently verified.