Kronke Sports Enterprises   

1000 Chopper Cir
Denver, CO 80204
303-405-1100
Official Website

Directions   Email   Send to Cell  

Opened October 1, 1999, the home of the Colorado Avalanche and the Denver Nuggets is a striking venue for sports, as well as for concerts and other entertainment events. The versatile, five-level arena seats between 17,000 and 20,000, and is well worth its $160-million price tag. Great pains were taken to make it convenient and enjoyable for fans -- from onsite parking to public art. Two dramatic, six-story atrium entrances create an open, spacious feeling and show off terrific views of downtown and the mountains. High-tech audio and video systems are ideal for concerts. For sports, a state-of-the-art, four-sided video scoreboard hung from the rafters takes center stage. Conveniences include six elevators and seven escalators, plus 41 public restrooms. The 95 luxury suites and 1,800 club-level seats are sold out for years. Affectionately referred to as "The Can" by some, it continually serves up a pleasant, hassle-free experience. Arena food: The Blue Sky Grill, opened in spring 2002, is the place for unique and hearty Colorado cuisine. The menu follows the restaurant's rustic-lodge decor, using game mainstays -- elk, bison, buffalo and pheasant -- for quesadillas, chili and steaks. You can also choose items such as salads, salmon and blueberry cobbler. A meal for one costs from $15 to $45. Arena concessions are plentiful (150 points of sale), but consist of the usual pizza, deli and dogs. LoDo is just a short walk away for pre- and post-event dining. Parking: Stadium lots are close and reasonably priced, and space is generally adequate. For larger events, parking is also available at adjacent Six Flags amusement park, with pedestrian walkways open to access the arena. You'll pay $10 for public and VIP spots and $30 for valet service. VIP parking is close to the building, while public lots are just a few blocks away. The parking areas are well-lighted, with police officers on hand to help direct cars and pedestrians. Enter at Seventh Street, off of Auraria Parkway. Getting there: By car, traveling south on I-25, take the Speer Boulevard South exit. Going north, exit at Auraria Parkway. For RTD bus and light-rail information, call 303-299-6000. Some downtown bars and restaurants run shuttles to Avalanche games -- call your favorite venue during hockey season.