Pepsi Center (Denver, Colorado)

Pepsi Center is a multi-purpose arena located in Denver, Colorado, USA. The arena is home to the Denver Nuggets of the National Basketball Association (NBA), the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League (NHL), and the Colorado Mammoth of the National Lacrosse League (NLL). When not in use by one of Denver’s sports teams, the building frequently serves as a concert venue.

The arena is named for its chief corporate sponsor, PepsiCo.

General information

Official website: https://www.pepsicenter.com/

Arena capacity: 19,520 spectators

Address: 1000 Chopper Cir, Denver, CO 80204, USA

GPS coordinates for the navigator: 39°44′55″N 105°0′27″W

Year of construction: October 1, 1999

Construction cost: $281 million

Field: Multi-Surface lawn with the size of 975,000 square feet (90,600 m2)

Seating plan of Pepsi Center

Features & Amenities

One of the best ways to enjoy a Nuggets game is from the Club level located on the second level of the stadium. Beyond great views of the court, these seats come with exclusive benefits not found anywhere else in the stadium.

Ticketholders in these club sections will be treated to in-seat wait service. This means never having to leave your seats to get food and beverages. They’ll be delivered directly to your seats. If you prefer a more upscale dining experience, you’ll find fine dining in The Denver Post Newsroom and Ridgeline Restaurant. These areas will give you an opportunity to sit down and enjoy a meal and are popular for entertaining guests prior to the game.

Additional amenities include a private entrance to the stadium where you can arrive 90 minutes prior to tip-off to take advantage of your club amenities. You’ll also have access to a concierge staff and season-ticketholders will enjoy complimentary parking.

Finally, many fans will find that their tickets come pre-loaded with Club Cash in the amount of $10, $15 or $20. If you tickets are part of a season-ticket package, the barcode of your ticket holds the value of the cash and can be used for food, drink or merchandise.

Recommended Seats for Kids and Family

Sections 328, 330 and 332:

• Close to a lot of concessions and a water fountain to refresh during the game;
• Near a place to buy Nuggets merchandise;
• Ticket prices in the lower tier.

Recommended Seats for Impressing a Guest

Sections 202, 204, 228 and 230:

• Great elevated view from club level seats;
• Some tickets receive club cash – stadium money to spend on food and beverages during the game;
• In-seat wait service and access to an exclusive club lounge.

Recommended Seats for Partying and Socializing

Sections 136 and 138:

• Small sections allow for easy trips to the concourse;
• Very close to the main bar in the stadium, easy to obtain alcohol.

Recommended Seats for Great Views of the Court

Sections 102, 124, 126 and 148:

• Great view from seats on the lowest level;
• Proximity to mid-court makes this area an ideal place to sit;
• Close to the action with an opportunity to be close to the players on the sideline.

ADA Seating

Dispersed wheelchair and accessible seating is available on all levels of the arena. Accessible seats are reserved for guests with disabilities who have accessible needs and their companions. Accessible seats are available in the following locations at Pepsi Center but may vary depending on the event configuration:

• Service/Floor Level: Varies by event;
• Lower Level: Sections 102, 106, 120, 130, 134, 136, 138, 140 & 144;
• Club Level: Sections 216, 236 & 256;
• Upper Level: Sections 305, 311, 317, 327, 333, 339, 345, 351, 357, 367, 373 & 379.

Where to buy tickets?

The Pepsi Center Box Office is located between 9th and 11th Streets on Chopper Circle; Box Office access is through the doors located on the south side of the arena.

Hours of Operation

Pepsi Center Box Office opens at 12PM (noon) on most event days. For events that start at 1PM or earlier, the Box Office will open two hours prior to the event start time. Please visit the Pepsi Center calendar to check what dates the Box Office will be open.

During non-operational hours, event tickets may be purchased via AltitudeTickets.com.

Ticket Will Call

Will Call tickets may be picked up beginning two hours prior to a game or event. Guests will be asked to provide a valid, government issued photo ID corresponding to the name of the person under which the tickets are held. Will Call will be moved to the East Atrium lobby once the box office closes on event night.

Box Office Fees / Purchases

Pepsi Center Box Office service fees are the same as purchases made online and over the phone. The box office accepts the following methods of payment: American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa and cash.

There are no refunds or exchanges on any ticket purchased for a Pepsi Center concert, game or event. In the event that a show is cancelled or rescheduled, please contact the original point of purchase.

Tickets are not available for purchase at the box office on the first day of the general public on sale for all non-team events. During this time, tickets can be purchased at AltitudeTickets.com. Any remaining tickets for any event following the first day of general public ticket sales will be available for purchase at the box office on the next business day that the box office is open.

Online Purchases

PepsiCenter.com or AltitudeTickets.com

Accessible/Disabled Tickets

Accessible/Disabled seating is available on all levels of the arena. Accessible seating and parking are available through PepsiCenter.com, AltitudeTickets.com, charge by phone and the Box Office. When ordering accessible tickets, please indicate that you require accessible seating so we can properly seat you.

Pepsi Center’s Box Office has a designated accessible window. This window is clearly marked for your convenience and is located on the farthest right-hand side when you enter the Box Office lobby.

The Nuggets have one of the lowest ticket price structures in the NBA, with seats available as low as $18. Parking is $20 in any of the non-premium lots. However, a day pass on the excellent light rail system brings you nearly door to door service for only $5.20 local / $9 regional. The concessions offer a much wider variety of items than is found in most NBA arenas, and can result in higher than average costs for some of the more premium menu selections. There are a wide variety of reasonably priced restaurants within walking distance of the Pepsi Center. We suggest a pregame meal at one of these establishments, leaving space for snacks and beverages at the arena.

How to get there?

Coming From The South:

• Take I-25 North towards Denver;
• Take exit 210B for Auraria Parkway;
• Merge onto Auraria Parkway;
• Turn left onto 11th Street to enter Pepsi Center grounds.

Coming From The North:

• Take I-25 South toward Denver;
• Take exit 212B toward downtown;
• Turn left onto Speer Boulevard;
• At the second stop light, turn right onto Chopper Circle.

Coming From Downtown Denver:

• Take Speer Boulevard to Auraria Parkway;
• Go west on Auraria Parkway and turn right on 11th Street to enter Pepsi Center grounds.

Citifyd is the digital payment system used in all Toyota Pepsi Center parking lots. Citifyd allows guests to use credit/debit cards to purchase parking via the Citifyd mobile application or online at www.citifyd.com/pepsi-center.

Pepsi Center parking lots open 3 hours prior to the start of the event. Credit/debit cards are accepted at all Toyota Pepsi Center parking lots for all events; parking rates will be discounted $5.00 when paying with a credit/debit card. For more information on Pepsi Center parking and rates, please call RPM Parking. Guests will also be prompted to purchase parking in advance after purchasing event tickets on AltitudeTickets.com.

Parking Lots

Toyota Camry Lot (Vip)

• Located on the southwest side of Pepsi Center;
• During Colorado Avalanche games, access is restricted and available only to vehicles displaying a VIP parking pass;
• Avalanche Game: Permit and $20;
• Nuggets Game: Permit and $20;
• Mammoth Game: Permit and $20;
• Concerts & Other Events: $20-$30.

Toyota Prius Lot

• Provides parking to permit holders and the general public;
• Avalanche Game: $20;
• Nuggets Game: $20;
• Mammoth Game: $15;
• Concerts & Other Events: $20-$30.

Toyota Tacoma Lot

• Provides parking to the general public;
• Avalanche Games: $20;
• Nuggets Games: $20;
• Mammoth Games: $15;
• Concerts & Other Events: $20-$30.

Toyota Tundra Lot

• Provides parking to permit holders and the general public;
• Avalanche Games: $20;
• Nuggets Games: $20;
• Mammoth Games: $15;
• Concerts & Other Events: $20-$30.

Toyota Rav4 Lot (Premier Parking)

• Available to the general public and offers Pepsi Center’s closest parking spaces;
• Avalanche Games: $25;
• Nuggets Games: $25;
• Mammoth Games: $20;
• Concerts & Other Events: $25-$35.

Valet Parking

• Available to the general public and offers the most convenient way to arrive and leave Pepsi Center;
• Valet drop-off and pick-up is located on the circle drive outside of the East Atrium
• Avalanche Games: $35;
• Nuggets Games: $35;
• Mammoth Games: $30;
• Concerts & Other Events: $35-$45.

Parking For Guests With Accessible/ADA Needs

• Accessible parking is available at Pepsi Center and is provided on a first come, first served basis. Guests parking in a handicap accessible parking space must display a state-issued accessible parking permit.

• • Camry North Lot provides 103 standard ADA spaces and 7 van accessible spaces. Special Needs parking is also available in Camry North and is available to guests once all other accessible spaces are occupied. The number of Special Needs spaces available varies by event. Access Camry North Lot from 12^th Street and Chopper Circle or 7^th Street off Auraria Parkway.
  • Tundra Lot provides 8 standard ADA spaces and 4 van accessible spaces. Access to Tundra Lot is available off Chopper Circle.
  • Rav4 Lot provides 3 standard ADA spaces. Access Rav4 off 11^th street from either Chopper Circle or Auraria Parkway.

Rideshare Information

A new post-event rideshare area within the Toyota Tundra Parking Lot and exit traffic pattern has been designated for all sports and entertainment events at Pepsi Center.

Chopper Circle will close mid-event, and road closure barriers will be placed at the four locations listed below:

• Chopper Cir. and 12^th;
• Chopper Cir. and 11^th;
• On Chopper Cir. at the main roundabout;
• Auraria Pkwy and 9^th

With the designation of a new rideshare area within the Toyota Tundra Parking Lot, all incoming rideshare traffic will be diverted into the west side of the parking lot, where all pick-ups will be made. Diverted traffic includes Lyft (the Official Rideshare Partner of Pepsi Center) as well as other rideshare companies, limos, Access-a-Ride and taxis.

Post-event road closures, rideshare area pick-up, and the new exit traffic pattern will begin for each type of event on Pepsi Center property as follows:

• At the start of the second period of Colorado Avalanche games;
• When the main act takes the stage at concerts and family events;
• At the start of halftime for Denver Nuggets games;
• At the start of halftime for Colorado Mammoth games.

Public Transportation

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) is the public bus and light rail system for the Denver Metropolitan area. RTD has more than 170 bus routes, 9 rail lines, and many specialty services

All RTD buses and rail vehicles are accessible for mobility aids. An RTD bus stop is located adjacent to the ground of Pepsi Center at 9th Street and Auraria Parkway. The W, C and E lines provide light rail services to the Pepsi Center/Elitch Gardens stop. Bus and rail operators are trained to assist passengers with disabilities boarding or exiting the vehicle.

Buses

An RTD bus stop is located adjacent to the grounds of Pepsi Center at 9th Street and Auraria Parkway and is served by bus routes 1, 15L and 20.

MallRide

The MallRide provides FREE shuttle service on the 16th Street Mall. The Mall extends approximately two miles and accesses both northbound and southbound light rail service at Union Station and the 16th Street Mall.

Light Rail

The C Line from the Littleton/Mineral Light Rail Station and E Line from the Lincoln Light Rail Station provide light rail service to the historic Union Station in LoDo with a stop at Pepsi Center/Elitch Gardens. D Line from Littleton/Mineral Light Rail Station, F Line from Lincoln Light Rail Station and H Line from the Nine Mile Light Rail Station provide light rail service to 16th/California in Downtown Denver.

C and E Line Schedules

(Please note that light rail service to and from Union Station will increase during major sporting events, concerts and other special events.)

C LINE – Littleton/Mineral to Union Station:

• Monday – Friday: 5:00a.m. – 11:30 p.m. (except Holidays);
• Train stops approximately every 15 minutes;
• Saturday & Sunday: 6:00a.m. – 11:30p.m., every 15 minutes.

E LINE – Lincoln to Union Station:

• Monday – Friday: 5:00a.m. – 11:30p.m.;
• Train stops approximately every 30 minutes;
• Saturday & Sunday: 6:00a.m. – 11:30p.m., every 15 minutes.

W LINE – Jefferson County Government Center to Union Station:

• Monday through Friday: 4:00a.m. – 12:00a.m.;
• Train stops approximately every 30 minutes;
• Saturday, Sunday and holidays: 6:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.;
• Train stops approximately every 15 minutes;

Biking

There are three bicycle racks located on Pepsi Center grounds: one outside the East Atrium, one outside the Grand Atrium and one in Toyota Prius Lot South.

Denver B-cycle is the first large-scale municipal bike sharing system in the United States, placing dozens of special bike stations (B-stations) in downtown Denver. Denver B-cycle members will be able to pick up one of the red bikes at any B-station and drop it off at any B-station. Denver Bike Sharing has a B-station located West of Pepsi Center’s Grand Atrium entrances, near Toyota Camry Lot North (map). Find out more and sign up at denver.bcycle.com.

Lyft

Lyft is the Official Rideshare Partner of Pepsi Center and will provide expedited service to guests traveling to and from games, concerts, and events. New this year, Pepsi Center will feature a designated rideshare pickup zone in the Toyota Tundra parking lot, providing fans with a quicker exit post-game. Fans are encouraged to use the one-time code PEPSINEW to receive $10 in Lyft credits towards their first two rides.

Once inside the Pepsi Center you will find wide concourses and excellent signage to guide you to your seat, restrooms or a specific concession area.

There are more than 500 HD TV monitors throughout the Pepsi Arena, so you should not miss any of the action.

Preferred hotels

With three unique hotels perfectly located in Downtown Denver, you are sure to find the perfect room to rest your body after exploring the Mile High City. As the official hotel partners of the Pepsi Center, our three locations are within walking distance to a variety of events, delicious dining options, and entertainment for every kind of stay.

Courtyard Denver Downtown

Experience the very best of the Mile High City when you stay at the Courtyard Denver Downtown. Located in a historic building on the famous 16th Street Mall, our downtown Denver hotel is within walking distance of the city’s best shopping, restaurants, and live sporting events. Enjoy an easy walk to the Pepsi Center located less than a mile from our hotel.Up to 15% off, plus save on parking!

TownePlace Suites Denver Downtown

Located steps from Broadway in the historic A.B. Hirschfeld Press Building, TownePlace Suites Denver Downtown is an all-in-one suite for those looking to extend their fun. After touring the Santa Fe Art District or attending a Pepsi Center event, return to our extended-stay hotel for our complimentary hot breakfast buffet. Up to 15% off, plus save on parking!

SpringHill Suites Denver Downtown

Enjoy the suite life at the SpringHill Suites Denver Downtown with our contemporary, over-sized suites and central location directly across the street from the Pepsi Center. When you’re not cheering at the game or singing along to your favorite artist, enjoy our complimentary WiFi and daily hot breakfast buffet. Up to a 15% discount!

Where to eat?

A vast majority of the concessions stands at the Pepsi Center offer the standard arena fare from national chains. Denver is a foodie town and we would like to see some regional favorites offered at the venue. We are happy to see a good representation of microbrews offered, as Colorado has more microbreweries than most states in the country.

For those looking for a sit-down meal inside the arena, the Breckenridge Brewery Mountain House fits the bill. Its mountain lodge theme will transport you to the Rockies… while sparing you the frosty temperatures.

For those looking to get a Rocky Mountain high from the munchies inside of the Pepsi Center, forget about it. Marijuana cannot be consumed in any form within the arena or its surrounding property.

Atmosphere

The Pepsi Vision scoreboard/video board measures 47’ X 27’ and does a great job of providing replays and important stats throughout the game. It also has HD projection capabilities to provide stunning graphics on the court.

The Nuggets honor their elite players from the past with banners hanging from the ceiling. These players include Alex English, David Thompson, Byron Beck, Dan Issel, Dikimbe Mutumbo and longtime coach Doug Moe.

The team’s poor record in recent years has really hurt attendance and this influences the energy level in the Pepsi Center. The bigger crowds tend to show up only when a top team (Golden State, LA Lakers) or regional rival (Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns) is the opponent.

The Nuggets organization does work hard to keep the fans entertained and energized. Rocky, the team mascot can always be counted on to perform some great stunts during a contest and the Skyline Drumline makes its way throughout the area drumming up support to its snappy beats.

Neighborhood

The Pepsi Center is conveniently located near the most popular attractions in the greater Denver area. Larimer Square is Denver’s ground zero (literally… it listed on the National Register of Historic Places ) and is home to the best shopping, dining and entertainment in the Mile High City. Interested in sports ?… depending on the time of year, you can choose to attend a Denver Nuggets NBA game or a Colorado Avalanche game at the Pepsi Center, in the fall the Denver Broncos will be playing in Mile High Stadium, or in the spring, summer or early fall the Rockies will be playing over at Coors Field. You can easily catch two different sports in the same day, as all three venues are within 2 miles of each other.

If you prefer cultural activities or have the kids in tow, you are in luck. The Pepsi Center is within walking distance of the Denver Center for Performing Arts, the Museum of Cultural Arts and the Children’s Museum of Denver.

There are several restaurants to choose from for a pre or postgame meal.These include the Tivoli Brew Pub, Rhein Haus Denver and Ted’s Montana Grill.

Fans

The Nuggets do have a very loyal core of fans that have been coming since the team’s ABA days. These fans remember the glory years of fast paced, high scoring basketball under Coach George Karl. They have seen the franchise’s peaks and valleys and feel that the youth movement now underway will lead the team back to success as other Western Conference foes teams are beginning to age.

Nugget fans are very friendly to visitors from the opposing teams, as they love to talk basketball and believe in being good ambassadors for the Mile High City.

Construction

Pepsi Center was constructed as part of a large six-year sporting venue upgrade in Denver along with Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies, and Broncos Stadium at Mile High (formerly Invesco Field at Mile High), home of the Denver Broncos. The complex was constructed to be readily accessible. The arena is situated at Speer Boulevard, a main thoroughfare in downtown Denver, and is served by 2 nearby exits off Interstate 25. A light rail station is on the western side of the complex.

Ground was broken for the arena on November 20, 1997, on the 4.6-acre (19,000 m2) site. Its completion was marked by a Celine Dion concert. Also included in the complex are a basketball practice facility used by the Nuggets, and the Breckenridge Brewery Mountain House, a restaurant accessible from within and outside the Center itself. The atrium of the building houses a suspended sculpture depicting various hockey and basketball athletes in action poses.

Activity

Pepsi Center hosted the NHL All-Star Game, the Stanley Cup Finals, and the NBA All-Star Game. The center hosted the Mountain West Conference men’s basketball tournament. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Men’s ice hockey Frozen Four West Regional was also hosted there as well as The NCAA Women’s basketball Final Four.

The Centrix Financial Grand Prix of Denver was held in the parking lot. Denver, Colorado was selected as one of five cities in the U.S. to host the Dew Action Sports Tour, a new extreme sports franchise. Titled the Right Guard Open, the inaugural event and The NCAA Men’s ice hockey Frozen Four tournament were held at the arena. The Dew Action Sports returned to Denver for its second year. Pepsi Center also hosted games of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament several times.

Other events

During the week, the arena hosted the International Convention and Contests of the Barbershop Harmony Society, a men’s singing organization.

The arena also hosted the Democratic National Convention, although the party’s presidential nominee, then-Senator Barack Obama, made his acceptance speech at the nearby Invesco Field at Mile High. To prepare for the convention, Pepsi Center underwent large scale projects including electrical power increases and the installation of new transformers by Xcel Energy (which is the namesake of the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, which hosted the Republican National Convention the following week) and telecommunications wiring by Qwest. A backup generator was installed that has the capacity to power the entire city of Pueblo. Roughly 12 miles (19 km) of optical fiber cables were installed for the massive communication needs of the convention.

The UFC has hosted four events at the arena.

Arena enhancements

The octagonal scoreboard that was in use since the arena’s opening was replaced with a new four-sided rectangular scoreboard. The two center faces measure 27 feet (8.2 m) high by 48 feet (15 m) long, while the two end faces measure 21 feet (6.4 m) high by 25 feet (7.6 m) wide.