Ball Arena to host 4,050 fans in April

Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche fans are coming back to Ball Arena.

Kroenke Sports & Entertainment announced on Thursday morning that the teams will be able to host up to 4,050 fans for Avalanche and Nuggets games asofApril2.

But before that happens, the Nuggets (March 30) and Avalanche (March 31) plan to host frontline workers, healthcare providers and first responders for back-to-back home games as a thank you for their ongoing efforts.

“We are indebted to the immeasurable dedication of frontline workers throughout the pandemic to keep our community safe,” KSE chairman and owner Stan Kroenke said in a statement.

KSE said it received capacity variance approval from the Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE) to host games with fans. Following guidelines approved by the NBA and NHL, the venue will be able to fill 22% of capacity.

“It’s really exciting. It’s hard to even remember the last time we even played in front of fans,” Avs coach Jared Bednar said. “They just add that level of excitement and energy, especially at Ball

Arena. We’re looking forward to it. We’ve played in some buildings already this year where there have been some fans. It just brings a whole another element to the game and that’s why these guys play. They love to perform and to do it in front of our fans is going to be awesome.”

As of Thursday, 18 NBA teams, not including the Nuggets, were allowing fans into arenas. More than half of the franchises in the NHL have also started hosting fans.

“This is a major first step in our quest to have a fully packed arena again with some of the greatest fans in sports,” Kroenke said.