Game Weekend
The rounded exterior of Ball Arena in Denver, with the Ball Arena sign on the tan and red facade and banners over the main entrance

Denver Nuggets / Colorado Avalanche

Ball Arena

Denver, Colorado

A Nuggets or Avalanche game night, or a weekend, at Ball Arena.

Plan my tripJust find a hotel

The local take

An arena in Denver’s Central Platte Valley, a short walk from Denver Union Station and the LoDo hotels, bars and brewpubs around it.

More than half of the Nuggets and Avalanche home games fall Monday to Thursday, and most start at 7 p.m. or later, so plan for a game night as well as a weekend. For most events, doors generally open one hour before the game, there’s no re-entry, and tickets are mobile only.

Ball Arena

Your Denver weekend

Pick your game, then your hotel, food and things to do, or let a quick start choose them with you.

Which game are you going to?

Denver Nuggets & Colorado Avalanche

Exploring the weekend before choosing a game. Dates stay open.

Find your places.

Find your stay, your local pub, and everything around the game.

Each one picks a hotel and food that work together. Change anything below.

My weekend

7 hotels

Denver places

HotelSuggested

LoDo / Union Station · 0.43 mi from the arena

Next to Union Station, and the hotel’s FAQ puts Ball Arena approximately a 7-minute walk away.

The hotel’s FAQ puts the arena approximately a 7-minute walk away, and the C, E and W trains stop at Ball Arena–Elitch Gardens Station if you’d rather ride one stop. Tavernetta serves dinner daily from 5 p.m., and Wynkoop opens at 11 a.m.

  • Valet only, $64 a night + tax
  • Destination amenity fee applies
  • No airport shuttle
Check rooms
Details

Keep in mind: Parking is valet only, at $64 a night plus tax, and a destination amenity fee applies to every stay (the FAQ gives no amount). There’s no airport shuttle.

On game day: Union Station stay: walk to the arena, or ride a C, E or W train one stop to Ball Arena–Elitch Gardens Station, three minutes on RTD’s W Line schedule.

1600 Wewatta Street, Denver, CO 80202

0.43 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions: Directions to arena for Limelight DenverOfficial details for Limelight Denver
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Hotel

LoDo / Union Station · 0.50 mi from the arena

A historic hotel, dating to 1891, a block from Union Station, with the Cruise Room cocktail bar inside for the night before or after the game.

  • Valet $62 overnight
  • Destination amenity fee $30 + tax
  • Courtesy car within two miles
Check rooms
Details

Keep in mind: Valet parking is $62 a night, and there’s a $30 destination amenity fee plus tax. The FAQ doesn’t say whether the courtesy car runs to the arena.

On game day: Union Station stay: walk to the arena, or ride a C, E or W train one stop to Ball Arena–Elitch Gardens Station, three minutes on RTD’s W Line schedule.

1600 17th Street, Denver, CO 80202

0.50 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions: Directions to arena for The Oxford HotelOfficial details for The Oxford Hotel
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Hotel

LoDo / Union Station · 0.51 mi from the arena

Sleep inside Denver Union Station. The A Line from the airport ends right behind the hotel, and the C, E and W trains to the arena leave from the same station.

  • A Line to DEN from the station
  • Courtesy car within two miles, 7 a.m.–11 p.m.
Check rooms
Details

Keep in mind: The FAQ publishes no parking rate. Its courtesy car covers two miles, but the FAQ doesn’t say whether it runs to the arena on game nights.

On game day: Union Station stay: walk to the arena, or ride a C, E or W train one stop to Ball Arena–Elitch Gardens Station, three minutes on RTD’s W Line schedule.

1701 Wynkoop Street, Denver, CO 80202

0.51 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions: Directions to arena for The Crawford HotelOfficial details for The Crawford Hotel
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Hotel

Downtown Theater District · 0.59 mi from the arena

A themed Theater District hotel whose FAQ calls it one of the hotels near Ball Arena for Nuggets and Avalanche games, with The Corner Office restaurant in the lobby.

  • Self-park $45 overnight
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Details

Keep in mind: It’s farther from the arena than the Union Station hotels, and no walking time is published, so plan on a rideshare or the MallRide and a train. The FAQ lists no shuttle or included breakfast.

On game day: Theater District stay: take a rideshare to the arena’s rideshare lot at 5th and Walnut Streets, or ride the free MallRide to Union Station and change to a C, E or W train.

1405 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80202

0.59 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions: Directions to arena for The Curtis, a DoubleTree by HiltonOfficial details for The Curtis, a DoubleTree by Hilton
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Hotel

LoDo / Union Station · 0.75 mi from the arena

The Colorado Rockies’ official hotel, across from Coors Field. Its FAQ puts Union Station about a 10-minute walk away, where the arena trains leave.

  • Valet $60 a day
  • Destination amenity fee $28 + tax
  • No airport shuttle
Check rooms
Details

Keep in mind: Valet parking is $60 a day and there’s a $28-plus-tax destination amenity fee. It’s farther from the arena than the hotels at Union Station, and no walking time to the arena is published.

On game day: Union Station stay: walk to the arena, or ride a C, E or W train one stop to Ball Arena–Elitch Gardens Station, three minutes on RTD’s W Line schedule.

1600 20th Street, Denver, CO 80202

0.75 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions: Directions to arena for The Rally Hotel at McGregor SquareOfficial details for The Rally Hotel at McGregor Square
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Hotel

Airport / Tower Road · 13.2 mi from the arena

A Tower Road hotel with free breakfast and a free daily shuttle to Denver International Airport.

  • Free DEN shuttle 4:30 a.m.–12:30 a.m.
  • Free breakfast
  • Paid parking
Check rooms
Details

Keep in mind: The shuttle goes to the airport, not the arena, and seats are first come, first served. Parking is paid, with no rate shown.

On game day: Airport stay: take the hotel’s airport shuttle, the A Line to Union Station and a C, E or W train one stop to the arena, or drive and park in an arena lot.

6210 Tower Road, Denver, CO 80249

13.2 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions: Directions to arena for Ramada by Wyndham Denver International AirportOfficial details for Ramada by Wyndham Denver International Airport
We may earn a commission. Your final total is confirmed with the provider.
Hotel

Airport / Tower Road · 13.4 mi from the arena

A Tower Road hotel with free breakfast, an indoor pool and a free 24/7 airport shuttle, nine miles from the airport by the hotel’s count.

  • Free 24/7 DEN shuttle
  • Free daily breakfast
  • Paid parking
Check rooms
Details

Keep in mind: The shuttle goes to the airport, not the arena, and the page lists paid parking without a rate. From the airport it’s the A Line and a second train to the game.

On game day: Airport stay: take the hotel’s airport shuttle, the A Line to Union Station and a C, E or W train one stop to the arena, or drive and park in an arena lot.

6801 Tower Road, Denver, CO 80249

13.4 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions: Directions to arena for La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Denver Airport DIAOfficial details for La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Denver Airport DIA
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Your weekend

2 adults, 1 room
Stay
Not chosen
Food
None chosen
Do

Choose a hotel first

Travel & full itinerary

The full plan, stop by stop

2 adults · 1 room

Choose a hotel to plan travel.

Your home base

No hotel chosen yet

Your hotel sets the area, both arena journeys and the travel between your stops.

Nothing is in your plan until you choose it. A quick start above the list can choose one for you.

Make time for a good meal

Food for the weekend

Compare and choose food

No food picks yet. Add places in the comparison above when you’re ready.

Check opening hours for your dates and reserve directly where needed.

Meals outside your hotel area are a separate outing. Plan travel to the restaurant and back; the arena route does not cover that journey.

The reason for the trip

Ball Arena

Pick your game when you’re ready.

Nights open · 2 adults, 1 room

A different hotel?

Your arena travel updates to match. Any food you picked yourself stays.

Get to know the areas

LoDo / Union StationThe shortest trip to the arena, on foot or by train

Stay by Denver Union Station, the closest downtown base to the arena, and walk or ride one light rail stop.

Union Station’s Great Hall, historic hotels, brewpubs and cocktail bars

To the arena
Walk from Union Station toward the arena, or board a C, E or W train one stop to Ball Arena–Elitch Gardens Station.
After the game
Walk back, or board any C, E or W train toward Union Station, one stop away.
The tradeoff
Most hotels here list valet parking at a nightly rate and add a nightly destination amenity fee. Check both before you book.

Hotels in this area

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Downtown Theater DistrictA downtown stay with restaurants and theaters by the hotel

Stay on Curtis Street near the Denver Performing Arts Complex, and take a rideshare or the free MallRide and one light rail stop to the arena.

Theaters, the Denver Performing Arts Complex and the 16th Street Mall

To the arena
Book a rideshare to the Ball Arena Rideshare Lot at 5th and Walnut Streets, or ride the free MallRide to Union Station and take a C, E or W train one stop.
After the game
Meet your rideshare at the same lot at 5th and Walnut, or ride a train to Union Station and the MallRide back.
The tradeoff
It’s farther from the arena than the Union Station hotels, and no official source publishes a walking route or time from here.

Hotels in this area

We may earn a commission. Rates and availability are confirmed with the provider.
Airport / Tower RoadEarly flights and a lower-cost stay

Stay in the Tower Road hotel cluster near Denver International Airport, useful for early flights, and ride two trains to the arena.

Airport hotel corridor off Tower Road

To the arena
Ride the hotel shuttle to the airport, the A Line to Union Station (37 minutes on RTD’s schedule), then a C, E or W train one stop to Ball Arena–Elitch Gardens Station.
After the game
Ride a C, E or W train to Union Station and the A Line to the airport. On every day’s schedule from Sept. 27, 2026, the last A Line leaves Union Station at 12:30 a.m. or later.
The tradeoff
It’s a long way from the arena, and neither hotel publishes a game shuttle. Without a car, the trip in is a hotel airport shuttle, the A Line and a second train.

Hotels in this area

We may earn a commission. Rates and availability are confirmed with the provider.

Upcoming games at Ball Arena

Visiting with the away team? Each game has its own page.

To the game and back

Choose a route from the area you’re staying in.

Walk from Union StationLoDo / Union Stationwalk
Getting there
Limelight Denver’s FAQ puts Ball Arena approximately a 7-minute walk from the hotel, beside Union Station. Follow the route your map app suggests. For most events, doors generally open one hour before the game.
Getting back
Walk back the same way, or take a C, E or W train from Ball Arena–Elitch Gardens Station to Union Station if you’d rather ride.

The arena’s pages publish no walking route from Union Station, so no path or step-free route is given here. The arena lists bike racks at the East Atrium, the Grand Atrium and the 4Runner South lot.

Route information
One light rail stop from Union StationLoDo / Union Stationtransit
Getting there
Board a C, E or W Line train at Union Station and ride one stop to Ball Arena–Elitch Gardens Station, three minutes on the W Line schedule. A 3-hour pass is $2.75, and riders 19 and under ride free.
Getting back
Board any C, E or W train toward Union Station. On RTD’s schedule from Sept. 27, 2026 to Jan. 2, 2027, the last W train to Union Station leaves the arena station at 12:01 a.m. or later on every day’s schedule; the last C and E trains leave at 11:51 p.m. or later.

The arena’s page still names the D and H Lines, which RTD lists as suspended; ride the C, E or W. Schedules change, so check RTD’s schedule or trip planner for your date before you count on a late train.

Route information
Rideshare from the Theater DistrictDowntown Theater Districtrideshare
Getting there
Set your drop-off to the Ball Arena Rideshare Lot at 5th and Walnut Streets, in the 4Runner West lot. It’s the arena’s only rideshare, taxi and limo zone.
Getting back
Walk to the same lot at 5th and Walnut for pickup. For accessible pickup and drop-off, the arena’s pages name this lot and the roundabout on 9th Street.

Prices and wait times after the game are set by the app. The arena publishes the lot but no wait times.

Route information
Free MallRide and one train stopDowntown Theater Districttransit
Getting there
Ride the free MallRide to Union Station, then a C, E or W train one stop to Ball Arena–Elitch Gardens Station. While the 16th Street Mall is rebuilt, MallRide runs on 15th and 17th Streets.
Getting back
Ride a C, E or W train to Union Station and the MallRide back toward the Theater District.

No MallRide hours are copied here, so check RTD before a late return. On RTD’s schedule from Sept. 27, 2026, the last C and E trains leave the arena station at 11:51 p.m. or later and the last W at 12:01 a.m. or later.

Route information
Hotel shuttle, A Line and light railAirport / Tower Roadtransit
Getting there
Take your hotel’s free airport shuttle to Denver International Airport, ride the A Line to Union Station (37 minutes on RTD’s schedule), then change to a C, E or W train one stop to Ball Arena–Elitch Gardens Station. A trip from the airport needs an airport fare: a $10 Airport Day Pass covers the system for the day.
Getting back
Ride a C, E or W train to Union Station and the A Line to the airport. On RTD’s schedule from Sept. 27, 2026, the last A Line leaves Union Station at 12:30 a.m. or later on every day’s schedule. The Ramada shuttle runs until 12:30 a.m.; La Quinta’s runs 24/7.

Neither Tower Road hotel publishes a game shuttle, and the trip each way is a shuttle plus two trains. Check RTD’s schedule for your date before you set out.

Route information
Drive and park at the arenaAirport / Tower Roaddrive
Getting there
Take I-25 to exit 210B (Auraria Parkway) from the south, or exit 212B toward downtown from the north, and follow the arena’s directions to your lot. Arena lots open three hours before the game. For Nuggets and Avalanche games, the 4Runner and Elitch’s lots are $35–$45, Tundra $40–$50 and RAV4 Premier $70–$80.
Getting back
Walk back to your lot and follow the posted exits.

Cards work at every Toyota arena lot, and Tundra is the only one that takes cash. Elitch Gardens runs the Elitch’s lot separately. The Camry lot is permit-only for Nuggets and Avalanche games. The arena says on-site prices are managed in real time and can change on the night.

Route information

At Ball Arena

Small bags only

Only clutches, wristlets and fanny packs up to 4 × 6 × 1.5 inches are allowed; purses and backpacks aren’t. Medical and diaper bags up to 14 × 14 × 6 inches are allowed after inspection. Binbox lockers for other bags start at $15, non-refundable. Strollers are discouraged; ones that fold to fit under a seat are allowed.

Arena information
Doors, re-entry and cashless

For most events, doors generally open one hour before the game; Guest Relations (303-405-8548) has specific door times. There’s no re-entry once you leave. Concessions are cashless, and only select locations take cash; ask a Guest Relations representative or kiosk for the current list. Smoking and vaping are prohibited.

Arena information
Mobile tickets, and children three and up

All tickets are delivered electronically, with no will-call; add yours to a mobile wallet or the Altitude Presents app before you arrive. Everyone three and older needs a ticket for Nuggets and Avalanche games.

Arena information
Light rail and last trains

The C, E and W Lines stop at Ball Arena–Elitch Gardens Station, one stop from Union Station. On RTD’s schedule from Sept. 27, 2026 to Jan. 2, 2027, the last W train to Union Station leaves at 12:01 a.m. or later on every day’s schedule. The D and H Lines named on the arena’s page are suspended.

Arena information
Parking and rideshare

Arena lots open three hours before the game. For Nuggets and Avalanche games, prices run from $35–$45 (4Runner and Elitch’s) to $70–$80 (RAV4 Premier), and on-site prices can change on the night. Cards work at every Toyota arena lot, and Tundra is the only lot that takes cash. Rideshare drop-off and pickup are at 5th and Walnut Streets.

Arena information
Accessibility

Accessible entrances are Door 1 at the Grand Atrium and the East Atrium. Accessible seating is on every level. Accessible parking is first come, first served with a state permit, in the Camry North, Tundra and RAV4 lots. If your service animal needs a relief break, ask at the Grand Atrium where to exit and re-enter.

Arena information

Find your game & tickets

Use the team schedule for home dates and start times.

Denver Nuggets scheduleColorado Avalanche schedule

Useful things to know

Can I get to Ball Arena without a car?

Yes. The C, E and W light rail lines stop at Ball Arena–Elitch Gardens Station, one stop and three minutes from Union Station, and Limelight Denver puts the walk from Union Station at about seven minutes.

When do doors open, and can I leave and come back?

For most events, doors generally open one hour before the game. There’s no re-entry: once you leave, you can’t come back in.

How much is parking at Ball Arena?

For Nuggets and Avalanche games, arena lots run from $35–$45 to $70–$80 for the RAV4 Premier lot, and on-site prices can change on the night. Lots open three hours before the game, and every Toyota arena lot takes cards.

What bag can I bring?

Only a clutch, wristlet or fanny pack up to 4 × 6 × 1.5 inches, plus medical or diaper bags up to 14 × 14 × 6 inches after inspection. Backpacks and purses aren’t allowed.

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