It’s the most wonderful time of the year for Denver sports fans, and not because the Colorado Rockies are back on the field. Two of the Mile High City’s blockbuster teams are preparing to enter the playoffs.
First is the Denver Nuggets, which clinched its first NBA Championship title in franchise history last year. The team finished this season 57-25, setting them up as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. Game 1 of the playoffs tips off at Ball Arena on Saturday.
The Colorado Avalanche, which won the Stanley Cup in 2022, enter the playoffs after a lackluster – some might even say embarrassing – finish to the regular season.
Still, there are plenty of reasons to be excited, not the least of which is that playoff sports up the intensity of the game and both teams plan to rally fans with local events during the postseason.
Here’s the skinny on all the action, including a hockey drone show, basketball pep rally and more.
Denver Nuggets happenings
The defending NBA Champions are gearing up for another run at the title. To celebrate, the team is hosting a free playoff pep rally on Wednesday, April 17 at McGregor Square (1901 Wazee St., Denver).
Join the Nuggets’ drumline, dance squads and the mascot Rocky for an evening of revelry, complete with what’s promised to be the world’s largest bobblehead of Jamal Murray available for photo opps. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. and the first 500 fans that RSVP to attend get a free commemorative T-shirt.
During home games, Ball Arena will be a pre-game hotspot. For two and half hours prior to tip-off, the plaza outside of the Grand Atrium will be transformed into a beer garden with games and other attractions. Additionally, home games will include swag giveaways for ticket holders, including commemorative T-shirts, LED wristbands, cups, rally towels and more.
Tickets to Nuggets playoff games are now on sale at Ticketmaster, though most dates and opponents have yet to be solidified. The team will also host official watch parties during Round 1 away games at the original Stoney’s Bar & Grill (1111 Lincoln St, Denver). Visit nba.com/nuggets/fans/playoffs for more details.
Colorado Avalanche happenings
A young fan sporting a Joe Sakic jersey cheers on the Avalanche team during the Colorado Avalanche celebration rally in Civic Center Park on Thursday, June 30, 2022. (Photo by Eric Lutzens/The Denver Post)
Ball Arena kicks off the hockey postseason with a parking lot party on Friday, April 19 headlined by a Colorado Avalanche-themed drone show. From 7:30 to 9 p.m., fans can enjoy live music from DJ Triple T, food trucks, giveaways, and high-fives and photos with Bernie the team mascot. After sunset, a drone show will light up the airspace above the venue. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to set up in the parking lots for optimal viewing.
And the Avs will soon start a new tradition to celebrate playing on home ice. Ahead of every home game, there will be a “Party to Puck Drop” at Larimer Square (1430 Larimer St., Denver), where fans can enjoy DJs alongside food and drinks from the local restaurants and bars. At 90 minutes prior to puck drop, Bernie and the Ice Patrol squad will hand out pom poms to fans and lead a half-mile march from Larimer Square to Ball Arena.
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Expect to see buildings throughout downtown, including the Clock Tower, Union Station and Meow Wolf, illuminated burgundy and blue on all Avs game nights.
Tickets to Avs playoff games are now on sale at Ticketmaster, though dates and opponents have yet to be solidified. The team will also host official watch parties during road games at two local bars. Stay tuned to coloradoavalanche.com/playoffs for complete details.