Denver is a sports-rich town. In addition to a litany of football, baseball, basketball, hockey, rugby, and lacrosse teams, the city has also played host to tennis, auto racing, and a litany of other sports. It also has a host of professional sports venues, including the famed Sports Authority Field at Mile High (now known as Empower Field at Mile High).
The city has a few major sports venues that have hosted a plethora of championship teams throughout the years. Let’s take a closer look at these historic venues and what they have had to offer throughout the years.
Top Sports Stadiums and Arenas in Denver
Four major stadiums, three of which are still regularly active, live in Denver. There is great history and a built-in advantage given how high above sea level Denver sits. Now that sports betting in Denver is legal, more reasons to visit these venues.
It has created a number of memorable moments at the NBA, NHL, NFL, MLB, and MLS levels throughout the years.
Empower Field at Mile High
- Opened: 2001
- Capacity: 76,125
- Features: Hosts concerts, suites, club seats, catering
For decades, Mile High Stadium was home to the Denver Broncos of the NFL as well as Major League Soccer team, the Colorado Rapids. It gave way in 2001 to Empower Field at Mile High, formerly known as Invesco Field and Sports Authority Field.
Over the years, it has hosted incredible Denver Broncos moments, including multiple iterations of the AFC Championship Game. Few stadiums resonate on a national level, but Mile High became one of the most revered sites in sports.
Ball Arena
- Opened: 1999
- Capacity: 18,000
- Features: Multi-surface, cutting-edge sound, host to major sports and concerts
Perhaps the most versatile arena in Colorado, Ball Arena (formerly known as the Pepsi Center) plays host to basketball (Denver Nuggets), lacrosse (Colorado Mammoth), hockey (Colorado Avalanche), and arena football (Colorado Crush). For the most part, however Ball Arena has been synonymous with the Avalanche and Nuggets.
The venue has served as a multi-surface venue capable of hosting National Lacrosse League, National Hockey League, Arena Football league games and some other Denver sports leagues games. The Avalanche and Colorado Mammoth, some of the best Denver sports teams, have won multiple titles while playing in Ball Arena.
Coors Field
- Opened: 1995
- Capacity: 50,144
- Features: on-site brewery, 60+ luxury suites, outdoor concert venue
Since 1995, Coors Field has been the home of the Colorado Rockies of Major League Baseball. It might not be among the most revered sports stadiums, but it has been a constant host to baseball and concerts feature world-class acts. The Rockies spent their first two seasons at Mile High Stadium before ultimately moving into their own place.
The Rockies even managed to host the biggest event in baseball in 2007, playing a pair of World Series games in front of the home crowd. Though it doesn’t have the reverence that Mile High Stadium had, Coors Field has become a staple of Colorado sports and has served as a beacon for baseball in Colorado for three decades.
Denver Coliseum
- Opened: 1951
- Capacity: 10,200
- Features: Multi-surface, 122000 sq ft,
One of the oldest venues in located in downtown Denver, the Coliseum hosted many sporting events and special events to become one of the most versatile venues in the city. With a decent seating capacity of just over 10,000, it has been a great arena for hockey, basketball, concerts, and other events.
For years, the Denver Coliseum was host to unique events like Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus, the Colorado Wildcats of the Professional Indoor Football League, and even WCW’s Spring Stampede. As one of the most versatile arenas, the Coliseum will hold a special place in the heart of Denver natives.
Historical Significance and Unique Features
Ball Arena is significant because of the achievements of the Nuggets, Avalanche, and Mammoth. That said, there may be no more historically significant stadium in Denver history than Mile High. Regardless of its name, it has become known for its inherent advantages based on the thinner air high up above sea level.
Like most modern arenas and stadiums, the major venues in Denver are capable of holding other events. Whether it be auto racing, circuses, or concerts, each venue is booked up throughout the year as a result. Suites, catering, and other amenities make seating as comfortable as possible.
Fan Experience and Atmosphere
The fan experience at Mile High has become legendary. From the chants of “in-com-plete!” to the standard “Let’s Go Broncos!”, the crowds have been raucous throughout the years. All of which has created an atmosphere that is difficult for opposition to manage.
Events Beyond Sports
Ball Arena, Empower Field at Mile High, and Coors Field are all home to other events, primarily concerts from top acts. Ball Arena is home to motocross, major circus events, musicals on ice, and more each year. Mile High is mostly used for concerts aside from Broncos football games.
Accessibility and Amenities
Denver is equipped with a litany of public transportation methods, including the bus authority and train system. All of the major venues either have on-site parking or access to nearby parking garages to accommodate the tens of thousands of visitors.
In order to make games as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, the best of modern amenities is provided. On-site catering, suites and luxury boxes, state-of-the-art sound, and free Wi-Fi are just part of the game day experience.
Economic Impact on Denver
Sports have had a major impact on the local economy. It is estimated that more sports, recreation, and tourism contribute to more than 60% of the Colorado GDP. Game days for the Avalanche, Broncos, Nuggets, and Rockies results in millions of dollars into the local economy.
Conclusion
Denver has been home to tremendous sports moments throughout the years. With memorable stadium experiences, fans not only look forward to the events but the venues themselves. Mile High, Ball Arena, Coors Field, and more have created memories that will last forever.
Whether you are local to Denver or just visiting, make it a point to visit the venues located right in the heart of Denver. It is the best way to experience what the Mile High City has to offer.
