Nuggets Overview

Fast facts

League: Western Conference Northwest Division

Head Coach: Michael Malone

Team Mascot: Rocky the Mountain Lion

Year Opened: 1999

Capacity: 18000

City / State: Denver / Colorado

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Nuggets vs Jazz

Rival Team: Utah Jazz

The Nuggets and Jazz are the only two NBA teams located in the Rocky Mountains and as a result, have played in the same division throughout most of their history. The two teams have also met in the playoffs four times with their matchup in 1994 being particularly intense. If you want to experience Ball Arena at its best, then make sure to attend a Nuggets game when the Jazz are in town.

Nuggets Stadium Guide

In Game

The Ball Arena manages to provide an enjoyable experience despite the fact the Nuggets haven’t had a lot of success on the court lately. The Nuggets may be lagging in attendance, but the fans that do show up are among some of the most die hard in the NBA. These fans root hard for their team, and you’ll notice that they can be much more spirited than fans of more successful teams at times. The fans hanging around the Ball Arena are also some of the most knowledgeable as well and love to talk ball, so you’ll make friends quickly with those sitting around you during the game.

The in-game entertainment also plays a significant role in making a visit to the Ball Arena worthwhile. SuperMascot Rocky is one of the most entertaining mascots around the league, and he’ll put on an incredible show night in and night out. The Elevation Dunk Squad and Sky-Line Drumline also put on electrifying performances that will bring you to your feet and get you cheering.

The location of the Ball Arena is also among the best in the league meaning you’ll find plenty of great places to eat and drink before and after the game. The 16th Street Mall and Larimer Square are only a quick shuttle ride away, so you’ll be able to make a day out of it during your trip to Denver.

Finally, you can usually find affordable tickets on the secondary market, so you have little excuse not to stop at a Nuggets game during your trip to Denver.

Things to check out

Restaurants

One of the unique features of the Ball Arena is the fact that there are three restaurants located inside of the stadium. The Shock Top Lodge, Land Rover Denver Club, and Peak Pub House all offer excellent cuisine, so don’t be afraid to try anyone of them.

Ball Arena Sculpture

In the Ball Arena’s atrium, you’ll find an interesting basketball and hockey sculpture. Make sure to take a photo of this unique sculpture during your visit to Denver as a keepsake.

Banners

The Ball Arena is home to numerous banners honoring the all-time great Nuggets and Avalanche players and teams, so make sure to check them out.

SuperMascot Rocky

SuperMascot Rocky is one of the most beloved mascots in the NBA and will surely bring a smile to your face. He performs a variety of high flying antics during the game, so keep your eyes peeled for SuperMascot Rocky.

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Elevation Dunk Squad

The Elevation Dunk Squad energize the crowd with their electrifying dunks. These high flying acrobats bring the crowd to their feet and get everyone cheering loudly for the Nuggets.

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Sky-Line Drumline

These talented drummers keeps everyone engaged and entertained during stoppages in play, so take notice when they’re on the court.

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Denver Nuggets Dancers

The Denver Nuggets Dancers keep everyone entertained throughout the game with their showstopping performances. You’ll see a variety of different dance routines during your visit to the Ball Arena, so stay in your seat during timeouts.

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DJ Bedz

DJ Bedz does an excellent job of laying down tracks that will get everyone up and cheering for the Nuggets. You never know what he’ll play next, so come prepared to hear some unique beats.

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Avaya Fan Engagement Team

The Fan Engagement Team does an outstanding job of pumping up the crowd and getting everyone into the game. Get loud, so you’ll get noticed by the Fan Engagement Team and win some free Nuggets swag.

Fight Songs

  1. One, Two, Three

    After every Nuggets three-pointer, the PA announcer says, “one, two” and the crowd respond with a cheer of three. Get loud and join in on this fun cheer during your trip to see the Nugget.

    PA: One, Two…

    Crowd: Three!!

Nuggets Bars & Restaurants

  1. Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox

    Ophelias

    Huge, multilevel "gastro-brothel" with live music & a restaurant offering eclectic American food.

    1215 20th St, Denver, CO 80202, USA

    303-993-8023

    Bar website

    american - $$

  2. Viewhouse Eatery, Bar & Rooftop

    Viewhouse is a chef-driven, casual eatery, bar & rooftop that delivers a superior, inclusive experience with a locally rooted vibe & fun energy.

    2015 Market St, Denver, CO 80205, USA

    303-586-3523

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  3. Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery

    Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery

    Mission is to create the most innovative, unique, and distinctive specialty beers, enjoyable in any scenario, which will change beer enthusiasts' idea of what is possible in specialty craft beer.

    1139 20th St, Denver, CO 80202, USA

    720-689-2337

    Bar website

    american - $

  4. Falling Rock Tap House

    Falling Rock Tap House

    The Falling Rock Tap House features a large outside street level patio – perfect for a beer before or after a game.

    1919 Blake St, Denver, CO 80202, USA

    303-293-8338

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  5. Rhein Haus Denver

    Rhein Haus beer

    Mammoth, German-style beer hall featuring unique brews, sausages, housemade pretzels & bocce courts.

    1415 Market St, Denver, CO 80202, USA

    303-800-2652

    Bar website

    european - $

  6. Sports Column

    Bennys Boom Boom Room beer

    Offering a full menu, an outdoor rooftop patio, a plethora of HD flat and big screen televisions, excellent service, and great food and drink specials.

    1930 Blake St, Denver, CO 80202, USA

    303-296-1930

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  7. Great Divide Brewing Company

    Great Divide

    Party like a yeti.

    2201 Arapahoe St, Denver, CO 80205, USA

    303-296-9460

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. Blake Street Tavern

    House of Wings Sportsbar Beer 3rd Base Sports Bar Beer Kilroys Beer

    Whether you want appetizers, burgers or a full-on five-course meal, you’ll find Blake Street Tavern offers anything but your standard bar fare.

    2301 Blake St, Denver, CO 80205, USA

    303-675-0505

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  9. The 9th Door Capitol Hill

    Ninth Door Cafe

    The mission is simple: serve delicious, affordable food that guests will want to return to week after week.

    The Beauvallon, 925 Lincoln St, Denver, CO 80203, USA

    303-832-7027

    Bar website

    european - $$

  10. Denver Chophouse and Brewery

    Chophouse

    Diverse cuts for carnivores plus house-brewed ales, small-batch bourbons & half-price happy hour.

    1735 19th St #100, Denver, CO 80202, USA

    303-296-0800

    Bar website

    american - steakhouse - $$

  11. Jackson’s

    Jacksons

    Jackson’s Sports Bar newly released bar and grill menu offer traditional sports bar food with an emphasis on being quickly prepared and very tasty!

    1520 20th St, Denver, CO 80202, USA

    303-298-7625

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  12. Vesta

    Vesta

    In addition to their Renowned Perfect Guinness, we feature over 15 imported draft beers.

    501 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80203, USA

    303-296-1970

    Bar website

    american - $$

  13. Lodo’s Bar And Grill

    Lodos

    Never a dull moment in Lodo's Bar and Grill.

    3053 W 104th Ave, Westminster, CO 80031, USA

    303-293-8555

    Bar website

    american - $$

  14. Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs

    Biker Jim Dogs

    Known for using exotic meats such as reindeer, wild boar, rattlesnake, pheasant, elk, antelope, jack-a-lope and buffalo all bolstered by quirky (and delicious) toppings, including squiggles of cream cheese unloaded from a caulking gun.

    2148 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205, USA

    720-746-9355

    Bar website

    american - $

  15. Wynkoop Brewing Co

    Wynkoop Brewing Co beer

    Colorado's first brewpub offers craft beers and New American pub grub in a pool hall/bar setting.

    1634 18th St, Denver, CO 80202, USA

    303-297-2700

    Bar website

    american - $$

  16. Ian’s Pizza

    Ians Pizza

    Changes the way you look at pizza, the best way possible.

    2210 Blake St, Denver, CO 80205, USA

    303-296-9000

    Bar website

    pizza - $

  17. The Preservery

    The Preservery

    A seasonal restaurant, bakery, marketplace and bar working to build bridges through great food, live music and good old-fashioned fun. We are proudly family-owned and operated.

    3040 Blake St #101, Denver, CO 80205, USA

    303-298-6821

    Bar website

    american - $$

  18. Strange Craft Beer Company

    Strange Craft Beer Company

    Funky tasting room & beer garden in a microbrewery offering housemade drafts & root beer.

    1330 Zuni St m, Denver, CO 80204, USA

    720-985-2337

    Bar website

    american - $

  19. Mile High Station

    Mile High Station

    One of the best event venues in Denver to celebrate just about anything special.

    2027 W Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80204, USA

    720-946-7721

    Bar website

    american - $$

  20. Tivoli Brewing Company

    Tivoli beer

    Lofty craft brewery & taproom featuring more than 50 Colorado draft beers & an American pub menu.

    Tivoli, 900 Auraria Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204, USA

    720-458-5885

    Bar website

    american - $$

  21. The Kitchen Bistro

    The Kitchen

    Giving a modern twist to our favorite dishes

    1560 Wazee St, Denver, CO 80202, USA

    303-623.3127

    Bar website

    european - $$$