How to celebrate the Nuggets and Avalanche playoffs
It’s t he 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 i ts first NBA Championship title in franchise history last year. The team finished this season57-25,setting them up as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. Game 1 of the playoffs tips off at Ball Arena on Saturday against the Los Angeles Lakers.
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 plant or ally 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
During home games, Ball Arena will be a pregame hot spot. For 2 ½ hours prior to tipoff, the plaza outside of the Grand Atrium w ill 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. 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
Ball Arena kicks off the hockey postseason with a parking lot party on Friday 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 m ascot. 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 A vs will soon start a new tradition to celebrate playing on home ice. Ahead of every home game, there will be a “Party to Pu ck Drop” at La rimer Square (1430 La rimer St ., Denver ), where fans can enjoy DJS alongside food and drinks f rom the local restaurants and bars. At 90 minutes prior to puck drop, Bernie a nd t he I ce Patrol squad will hand out pompoms to fans and lead a half- mile march from Larimer Square to Ball Arena.
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 A vs p layoff games are now on s ale at Ticketmaster. The team will also host official watch parties during road games at two local bars. Stay tuned to colorado avalanche. com/ playoffs for complete details.