Games, concerts and shows, some with strobe lights, haze, lasers and pyrotechnics, plus free sensory bags and two Sensory Nooks. There is no re-entry, so the breaks happen inside. Here is the quiet way through it, in the arena's own words.
Ball Arena
1000 Chopper Circle, Denver 80204 · Open for ticketed events only. Doors generally open one hour before an event; parking lots open 3 hours before. Call Guest Relations for a specific event's times. Holiday closures: not stated.
“Ball Arena also features two Sensory Nooks located at Section 120 and Section 340 in the elevator lobbies.” “These create an encapsulated environment to positively influence mood”
“Please contact a Guest Relations representative for assistance or additional information.”
Our note The arena names no quieter time and opens for events only. No event lists sensory-friendly changes. Daytime family options in this window: Disney On Ice Sat Nov 14 (11 am, 3 pm) and Sun Nov 15 (10:30 am, 2:30 pm); Nuggets at 3 pm Jan 2 and 3; Avalanche at 1 pm Jan 18 and 3 pm Jan 24 and 30.
Our note One accessibility page names Sensory Nooks at Sections 120 and 340; another names quiet areas at 120, 228 and 340. Section 120 also has a Guest Relations Kiosk, so start there.
Our note We'd expect Mammoth games to be louder than the arena's other sports, since cowbells, vuvuzelas and drumsticks are allowed.
Three things to know
Free sensory bags at all Guest Relations Kiosks (leave an ID): noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools and a special badge. Kiosks: Grand Atrium by the team store, Section 120, Section 375.
Two Sensory Nooks in the elevator lobbies at Sections 120 and 340; ask a Guest Relations representative.
No re-entry. Anyone who exits for any reason can't come back in, so breaks happen inside.
More: tickets, parking, bags, strollers, food, first aid
Named by the arena; it publishes no noise scale
Louder or brighter, in the arena's words
Events with strobe lighting, haze, lasers or pyrotechnics (“Performances and events at Ball Arena may include the use of strobe lighting, haze, lasers and pyrotechnics.”)not stated
Mammoth (lacrosse) games (vuvuzelas, cowbells and drumsticks allowed in the crowd)not stated
Avalanche games (cowbells allowed in the crowd)not stated
Quieter
Sensory Nook, elevator lobby at Section 120quiet zone
Sensory Nook, elevator lobby at Section 340quiet zone
Quiet area, elevator lobby at Section 228 (named on one accessibility page only)quiet zone
Kids: for Nuggets, Avalanche and Mammoth games, 3 and older need a ticket and under 3 can sit on a lap. For concerts and shows it is generally 2, but it varies.
Parking: lots open 3 hours before. For Avalanche or Nuggets games, arrival rates run from $35 to $45 (4Runner lot) up to $70 to $80 (RAV4, the closest); other events differ. Cards at all lots.
Accessible parking, first come, state permit required: Camry North (103 spaces plus 7 van), Tundra (8 plus 4 van, from Chopper Circle), RAV4 (3, from 11th St). Accessible drop-off at the Rideshare area in the 4Runner West lot or the 9th Street roundabout; Guest Relations can meet you at the curb.
Bags: no purses or backpacks; small bags up to 4 x 6 x 1.5 inches. Diaper and medical bags up to 14 x 14 x 6 inches go through VIP/ADA Door #1 at the Grand or East Atrium and stay with you. The pages disagree on lockers; don't count on storing anything.
Strollers: the arena asks you not to bring one. A folding stroller that fits under the seat is allowed; larger ones can be checked at Guest Relations.
Food: no outside food or drinks. Empty water bottles (32 oz or less, no glass) are allowed at Nuggets, Avalanche and Mammoth games, not at concerts. Ingredient lists at any Guest Relations Kiosk.
First aid: Lower Level across from Section 132, with paramedics during events.
Lost child: go to the nearest Guest Relations Kiosk (Grand Atrium, Section 120 or Section 375).
Guest Relations 303-405-8548, GuestRelations@TeamKSE.com; text line 920-520-2255. Concessions are cashless.
What the arena doesn't say
not stated what staff wear
not stated a social story or sensory guide
not stated how to get into a Sensory Nook, or a time limit
not stated whether the Sensory Nooks and quiet areas are the same spaces
not stated a light rail stop
not stated medical or baby food exceptions to the food rule
not stated whether lockers exist (pages disagree)
not stated strobe or pyrotechnics plans for each event
Screening at the Grand Atrium or East Atrium entrance. At a Guest Relations Kiosk a grown-up leaves an ID and borrows a sensory bag with headphones, fidgets and a badge. Some events use strobe lights, haze, lasers or pyrotechnics. The Sensory Nooks are in the elevator lobbies at Sections 120 and 340. Once you leave the arena you can't come back in. Change anything.
One tip from a dad who's been there
Bring an ID for the sensory bag, and go to the Guest Relations Kiosk at Section 120 first: a Sensory Nook is at the same section. Call Guest Relations (303-405-8548) the day before for your event's door time. Leaving early still counts as a Ball Arena day.
Common questions
What if my child won't look at the schedule or story?
That is common at first. Leave it where the moment happens, point to one picture at a time, and keep it low-pressure. Many kids warm up to it after a few calm tries, in their own time.
Can I make this in Spanish?
Yes. Every tool and this page exist in Spanish, and the printed page comes out in the language you choose. Use the language switch at the top.
Do I need an account?
No. There is no signup, and we don’t keep what you type; anything you save stays on your device. Make it, print it, done.
