Denver Fans Pack Ball Arena for Women's Hockey Game, Hope for Home Team

Crowd turnout shows strong support for professional women's hockey in the city.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 12:50am

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Professional women's hockey took center stage at Denver's Ball Arena on Sunday, with the Minnesota Frost and New York Sirens facing off in front of a packed crowd. Fans expressed excitement at the prospect of Denver getting its own women's hockey team, citing the city's strong hockey culture and the importance of supporting women's sports.

Why it matters

The large turnout for the women's hockey game indicates that Denver could be a viable market for a professional women's hockey franchise. Expanding the PWHL to Denver would provide more opportunities for female athletes and inspire young girls to pursue hockey.

The details

The stands at Ball Arena were filled with enthusiastic fans cheering on the Frost and Sirens. Many fans, including former college athlete Ali Butler, noted that the crowd size was much larger than what they had experienced for women's hockey games in the past. Fans like Mitchell Curley believe Denver's existing hockey fanbase, fueled by the success of the Colorado Avalanche, could easily support a women's team.

  • The women's hockey game took place on Sunday, March 16, 2026.

The players

Minnesota Frost

A professional women's hockey team that played in the exhibition game at Ball Arena.

New York Sirens

A professional women's hockey team that played in the exhibition game at Ball Arena.

Ali Butler

A hockey fan who attended the game and noted the large crowd size compared to her past experiences with women's hockey.

Mitchell Curley

A hockey fan who believes Denver's existing hockey culture could support a professional women's team.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, just kinda gives you goosebumps. It's super exciting!”

— Ali Butler, Hockey Fan (CBSColorado)

“One hundred percent. I mean, when I was playing in college, we didn't have the stadium full, so it's awesome to come here today and see the whole arena sold out.”

— Ali Butler, Hockey Fan (CBSColorado)

“Ever since the Avs won the Stanley Cup, it's clear we're a hockey city. So, you know the Avs, with DU being competitive, with CU being a great hockey team too, I think the next logical step is to have a women's hockey team here.”

— Mitchell Curley, Hockey Fan (CBSColorado)

What’s next

The strong fan turnout for the exhibition game could lead to discussions about Denver becoming a potential expansion market for the PWHL, the premier professional women's hockey league.

The takeaway

The packed stands at Ball Arena demonstrate the potential for a professional women's hockey team in Denver, a city with a passionate hockey fanbase that is eager to support women's sports and provide opportunities for young girls to pursue their hockey dreams.