Downtown Denver

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Lore & Background

Ball Arena has been the stage for the Nuggets' most defining moments since the team joined the NBA in 1976 following the ABA-NBA merger. The franchise, originally founded as the Denver Larks in 1967 and later renamed the Denver Rockets before becoming the Nuggets in 1974, found its permanent home in this downtown venue. The arena witnessed a historic turning point in May 2023 when the team swept the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals to reach their first NBA finals appearance. Shortly after, in the 2023 NBA Finals, the Nuggets defeated the Miami Heat in five games to capture their first NBA title in franchise history. The venue also hosts the Colorado Avalanche, who have won three Stanley Cups there (1996, 2001, and 2022), and shares the space with other major league events.

In Their Own Story

The narrative of the Nuggets at Ball Arena is one of patience culminating in triumph. For decades, the team played under various names before settling as the Nuggets in 1974. The journey to the top of the mountain took until 2023, when the team finally secured their first championship. In that decisive series against the Miami Heat, they won in five games, ending a long wait for title glory. This victory at Ball Arena stands alongside the Avalanche's three Stanley Cups as the pinnacle of professional sports achievement in downtown Denver. The arena has also hosted significant ABA history, including the 1976 ABA All-Star Game at McNichols Arena (the predecessor venue), and later the 1984 NBA All-Star Game and 2005 NBA All-Star game, cementing its place as a recurring host for national basketball celebrations.

Reader's Guide

Visitors to downtown Denver seeking Nuggets games will find their destination at Ball Arena. This venue is one of three active sports complexes near the city center that accommodate the four major leagues; the others are Empower Field at Mile High and Coors Field. While the Colorado Rapids MLS team plays in nearby Commerce City, the Nuggets operate entirely within the downtown footprint. The arena also serves as a multi-sport hub, hosting the Colorado Avalanche alongside basketball. Fans can expect to see historic moments replayed here, from the 2023 championship run to past All-Star showcases. The location is distinct from other metro venues like Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City or the outdoor hockey games previously held at Coors Field and the Air Force Academy.

Did You Know?

• The Denver Nuggets changed their name from the 'Denver Rockets' just before their first season in 1967, adopting the 'Nuggets' moniker in 1974.
• Ball Arena is one of only three active sports venues near downtown Denver that host home games for the city's four major league teams.
• The Nuggets secured their first NBA title in franchise history by defeating the Miami Heat in five games during the 2023 NBA Finals.
• Denver hosted the ABA All-Star Game in 1976 at McNichols Arena, followed by NBA All-Star Games in 1984 and 2005 at the same location (later renamed Ball Arena).
• Unlike the Colorado Rapids who play in Commerce City, the Nuggets conduct all their home games within the city of Denver at Ball Arena.