
The Colorado Avalanche, also known as the Avs, are based in Denver and compete in the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League (NHL). They were orginally formed as the Quebec Nordiques and started in the World Hockey Association in 1972. However, the merger of WHA with the NHL in 1979 brought them to the Adams Divison of the Prince of Wales Conference.
Notably, ownership changes during the 1994-95 season, saw them relocate to Denver and start as the Colorado Avalance in the 1995-96 season. Their first season saw them clinch Stanley Cup Championships after sweeping the Florida Panthers in the finals. This also made them the first Denver based team to win a league championship and the second major North American sports team to win a championship a year after moving. Since then, they have clinched an additional eleven division championships, three Presidents' Trophies, two Conference Championships and two Stanley Cups. Notably, their last Stanley Cup triumph came in 2021-22.
Colorado Avalanche's stadium
The Colorado Avalanche's home arena is known as Ball Arena. The Ball Arena was formerly known as the Pepsi Center before a deal was signed with the Ball Corporation in 2020. Notably, the arena also hosts the Denver Nuggets of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Colorado Mammoth of the National Lacrosse League (NLL). The arena is owned by Kroenke Sports & Entertainment and is situated at 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver, CO 80204. Moreover, it has been the home for winter professional sports in the Denver area since its opening in 1999.
Home to numerous events throughout the year, Ball Arena has undergone notable changes and upgrades, including plans for new premium seating tiers and improved infrastructure in the surrounding neighborhoods. The arena boasts 95 suites and 1,900 club seats, offering fans a range of viewing options. Notably, the arena underwent a scoreboard upgrade before the 2013-14 season, replacing the octagonal scoreboard with a new rectangular one, enhancing the in-game experience for spectators. (via Ball Arena's official website)
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Colorado Avalanche's stadium history
The Colorado Avalanche's home arena, originally known as the Pepsi Center, emerged as a state-of-the-art sporting complex in Denver, replacing the aging McNichols Sports Arena. Groundbreaking for the arena took place on November 20, 1997, on a 4.6-acre site, with construction reaching completion in October 1999. In a significant upgrade before the 2013-14 season, the original octagonal scoreboard was replaced with a new four-sided rectangular scoreboard. This modernization enhanced the in-game experience for fans, with the two center faces measuring 27 by 48 feet long and the two end faces measuring 21 by 25 feet wide. Moreover, the arena bore the name Pepsi Center for two-decades, owing to a naming rights agreement with PepsiCo. However, on October 22, 2020, the naming rights were transferred to Ball Corporation, based in Broomfield, as part of a multi-year agreement with Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE). As part of this partnership, Ball Arena implemented initiatives to reduce plastic waste, including transitioning to serving concessions in recyclable aluminum packaging in 2022.
Alongside serving as the home venue for the Avalanche and the Denver Nuggets, the arena complex includes amenities such as a basketball practice facility for the Nuggets and the Breckenridge Brewery Mountain House, a restaurant accessible both within and outside the Center.
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Colorado Avalanche's stadium capacity
The Ball Arena boasts a versatile seating capacity that adapts to various events. For basketball games, the arena accommodates up to 19,520 spectators (since 2017). Over the years, the capacity for basketball has fluctuated, with previous figures including 19,718 (2016-17), 19,155 (2006-2016), and 19,099 (1999-2006). When hosting hockey games or lacrosse matches, the arena comfortably holds 17,809 attendees (since 2017). For arena football events, the capacity is slightly lower at 17,417. During concerts, the arena can accommodate a larger crowd of up to 20,000 spectators, while special events can draw even more with a capacity of 21,000 attendees.
Parking cost at Colorado Avalanche's stadium
The parking cost at the Ball Arena varies depending on the event. The parking tickets start at $37, with prices subject to change based on the specific game or event. The parking lots open three hours prior to any event. Moreover, Credit/Debit cards are accepted at all parking lots for all events. Moreover, cash payments are only accepted at the Tundra Lot, also, parking rates will be discounted ($5.00) at the Tundra Lot while paying with credit/debit cards. (via Spothero)
Colorado Avalanche's stadium notable events
The Ball Arena has hosted several notable events across various sports and other notable events. In terms of hockey, it hosted the 2001 NHL All-Star Game and two Stanley Cup Finals series in 2001 and 2022, both of which the Avalanche won. Additionally, it hosted NCAA Division I hockey tournaments and the Frozen Four round in 2007 and 2008, respectively. In terms of basketball, the arena hosted the 2005 NBA All-Star Game and was the venue for three games of the 2023 NBA Finals, where the Denver Nuggets secured their first NBA championship title. It has also been a venue for NCAA Division I men's basketball tournaments and the NCAA Women's Final Four in 2012.
Mixed martial arts events, such as UFC 135 and UFC 150, were held at the arena, marking its foray into combat sports. Moreover, various WWE television broadcasts have been hosted at the arena. Beyond sports, Ball Arena has been a prominent venue for music concerts and other events since its opening in 1999. Artists like Celine Dion, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, and Madonna have performed sold-out shows at the arena. Additionally, it has hosted conventions, such as the International Convention and Contests of the Barbershop Harmony Society, and political events like the majority of the 2008 Democratic National Convention.
FAQ's On Colorado Avalanche
A.The Avalanche play their home games at Ball Arena
A. Ball Arena is named after Ball Corporation, a packaging and aerospace company that bought the naming rights in a sponsorship deal.