Broncos' New Stadium Sparks Debate Over Nuggets, Avalanche Venue

Should Kroenke Sports & Entertainment follow the Broncos' lead and build a new arena to replace Ball Arena?

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Denver Broncos are expected to open a new stadium in 2031 at Burnham Yard under the Walton-Penner ownership group. This has sparked a debate over whether Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Nuggets and Avalanche, should also consider building a new venue to replace Ball Arena.

Why it matters

With two of the top 10 richest professional sports owners in the world - Rob Walton and Stan Kroenke - having teams in Denver, there is an opportunity to build world-class sports facilities in the city. While Ball Arena has history and charm, some argue it is time for a modernized venue to keep Denver's sports teams competitive.

The details

The Broncos' new stadium is expected to open in 2031 at Burnham Yard under the Walton-Penner ownership group. Meanwhile, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment has signed an agreement to keep the Avalanche and Nuggets at Ball Arena through 2050, with the option to build a new arena on the surrounding property or nearby where Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park is located.

  • The Broncos' new stadium is expected to open in 2031.
  • Ball Arena will turn 30 years old in 2029.

The players

Rob Walton

One of the top 10 richest professional sports owners in the world, with an estimated net worth of $118 billion.

Stan Kroenke

One of the top 10 richest professional sports owners in the world, with an estimated net worth of $21.3 billion.

Kroenke Sports & Entertainment

The company that owns the Nuggets and Avalanche and has an agreement to keep them at Ball Arena through 2050.

Kevin Demoff

The President of Team and Media Operations for Kroenke Sports & Entertainment.

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What they’re saying

“Ball Arena is just fine … for now.”

— Evan Rawal, Avalanche beat writer (Denver Gazette)

“Why not embrace a healthy sports rivalry when it comes to one question: What is the best sports venue in Denver?”

— Kyle Fredrickson, Broncos beat reporter (Denver Gazette)

What’s next

Kroenke Sports & Entertainment will need to decide whether to build a new arena to replace Ball Arena or continue making upgrades to the existing venue.

The takeaway

With two of the wealthiest sports owners in the world having teams in Denver, there is an opportunity to build world-class sports facilities in the city. While Ball Arena has history, some argue it may be time for a modernized venue to keep Denver's teams competitive.