Ball Arena Debuts Outdoor Playoff Viewing Area

New fan zone lets Nuggets and Avalanche fans watch playoff games just steps from the arena, even without tickets.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 9:21pm

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An energetic, abstract painting in neon colors depicting a large crowd of sports fans gathered around a giant video screen displaying a basketball game, capturing the excitement and community spirit of the playoff atmosphere outside an arena.The new outdoor viewing area at Ball Arena brings the thrill of the playoffs to fans without tickets, creating a communal experience just steps from the action.Denver Today

Ball Arena in Denver has created a new outdoor fan zone called Base Camp 5280 that allows Nuggets and Avalanche fans to watch playoff games on a large video screen, even if they don't have tickets to the game. The space features food trucks, music, and team entertainment, and opens two hours before each home playoff game. The initiative aims to expand access to the playoff experience beyond just ticket holders.

Why it matters

This new outdoor viewing area reflects a broader effort by the Nuggets and Avalanche organizations to create more opportunities for fans to engage with the playoff atmosphere, even if they can't get inside the arena. It addresses a longstanding gap noted by fans - the lack of a dedicated space near the arena for those without tickets to watch playoff games collectively.

The details

For the Nuggets' first-round playoff game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the new Base Camp 5280 fan zone featured a 20-foot video board broadcasting the live game, along with food trucks, music, and team entertainment. The space opened two hours before tipoff and was free to attend, though a digital pass was required for entry. Fans gathered on Chopper Circle between 9th and 11th streets to soak up the playoff atmosphere, even if they didn't have tickets to the game inside Ball Arena.

  • The new outdoor viewing area debuted for the Nuggets' first-round playoff game on April 18, 2026.
  • Base Camp 5280 will be open for all Nuggets and Avalanche home playoff games.

The players

Ball Arena

The home arena of the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche, located in downtown Denver.

Denver Nuggets

The professional basketball team that plays in the NBA and is based in Denver, Colorado.

Colorado Avalanche

The professional ice hockey team that plays in the NHL and is based in Denver, Colorado.

Minnesota Timberwolves

The professional basketball team that plays in the NBA and is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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What they’re saying

“There really needs to be a place here at the arena where fans can come and watch the game even though they don't have access to get inside the stadium.”

— Liz Rossof

“To be around like-minded fans — the cheering, the hype — it's something totally different. They got a 20-foot screen, you know what I mean?”

— Jonathan Jaramillo

“Being outside and in the vicinity of where Ball Arena is, it's always energy. It brings people together, the community together.”

— Letisha Duran

What’s next

The outdoor viewing area will be open for all remaining Nuggets and Avalanche home playoff games, giving fans without tickets a chance to experience the playoff atmosphere.

The takeaway

This new outdoor viewing zone at Ball Arena represents an innovative way for sports teams to expand access to the playoff experience and bring the community together, even for fans who can't get inside the arena. It addresses a longstanding need for a dedicated space near the arena where those without tickets can still watch the games collectively.