Colorado Avalanche Face-Off With The Detroit Red Wings At The Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado

Chased By: KelliP

The Avalanche beat the Red Wings 3-1 and thanks to Razor Gator I was able to score some Colorado Avalanche tickets to see this awesome game. There were quite a few Detroit Red Wings fans at the game. When they cheered on the Red Wings, Avalanche fans were not shy about voicing how they felt about the opposing team. This must be due to the long time rivalry between the Colorado Avalanche and the Red Wings.

Pepsi Center in Denver
Pepsi Center – Google Maps
1000 Chopper Circle
Denver, CO 80204
(303) 405-1111

The Pepsi Center opened on October 1, 1999. It is a multi-purpose arena where concerts, Disney on Ice, Barnum & Bailey Circus, basketball, hockey and Cirque du Soleil perform. You can catch the sport teams the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Crush and Colorado Mammoth games at the Pepsi Center. It sits on 4.6 acres seating 19,099 during basketball games and 18,007 during hockey events.

I’ve been to a variety of events in the Pepsi Center. Back before the Nuggets were a team to watch, I saw them back in the 90s. Last year, I was able to see David Lee Roth strut around on stage with Van Halen. In March of the same year, I sang along with Bon Jovi down near the floor seats. Sport games are fun to catch at the Pepsi Center. During concerts, however, the sound is not the greatest unless you have floor seats.

During an Avalanche game, it’s a bit chilly inside the arena, so dress warm. I didn’t take my coat off the whole time I was there. This chill must be due to the ice; because the other events I attended it was really warm in the Pepsi Center.

Directions to the Pepsi Center
I live really close to the Pepsi Center since I am on the Northwest side of Denver. From my house and anywhere below 29th Avenue, you just take 29th Avenue until it intersects with Speer Boulevard. Going East on Speer Boulevard, you will turn right on Chopper Circle. Parking attendants are everywhere to give them your money for the parking fee.

Coming from the Denver International Airport, you will take I-70 West, exit I-25 South and exit Speer Boulevard going east to Chopper Circle turning right. From the opposite side of Denver in Northeast or Central Denver, if you live in the Northeast side you can take I-70 West to I-25 South to Speer Boulevard West to Chopper Circle turning left. From Central Denver, you can take 14th Avenue, which is a one way that intersects with Speer Boulevard. Turn right on Speer Boulevard to Chopper Circle turning left into the Pepsi Center.

Parking, Hotels, Restaurants and Attractions in Denver
There are several places to park around the Pepsi Center, which range in price between $10-20. The $10 parking is located on the Northeast side, which is the back of the Pepsi Center. The arena is located very close to the Northwest side of Denver, which is near a residential area. If you don’t mind walking, you can probably park your vehicle for FREE in these residential areas on 26th and 27th Avenue.

Most of the northwest side of Denver has been renovated and cleaned up of its criminal element. A new hotel was built and it is minutes away from the Pepsi Center. Residence Inn is located on 2777 Zuni Street. This hotel allows dogs, has a workout room, and there are new restaurants and shops walking distance away. Howard Johnson Inn is located on 4765 Federal Boulevard. They have an outdoor heated pool, pets are allowed and close to the fun downtown festivities. There is a Safeway grocery store nearby at 3800 W. 44th Avenue if you want to pick up some snacks during your stay. La Quinta Inn is located at 3500 Park Avenue West. They serve breakfast every morning, allow pets, and near Lakeside Amusement park.

Downtown Denver has many hotels to choose from. If you prefer a Bed & Breakfast stay, the Queen Ann is located at 2147 Tremont Place. Breakfast is served everyday from 7:15-9:15. You can enjoy your coffee in their garden and relax in the hot tub after a day of shopping or touring Denver. Adam’s Mark Hotel Sheraton is located at 1550 Court Place. Rooms have flat screen televisions, fitness center open 24 hours, and a rooftop, outdoor deck pool.

The Blue Sky Grill is the restaurant closest to the Pepsi Center at 1000 Chopper Circle. They are open when there are events happening at the venue. With the Pepsi Center located in downtown Denver, there are many restaurant options. You can walk from the Pepsi Center to Dixons, Gumbo’s Restaurant, P.F. Changs, and the Wazee Supper Club. If you want pan fried chicken, you can hop on the mall bus or drive to the Rocky Mountain Diner located at 800 18th Street. There are healthy options, such as, Sonoda’s Sushi Seafood located at 1620 Market Street. You can have a French experience at Le Chateau located at 1040 15th Street.

Munchies and Beverages at Pepsi Center
I was surprised to see an Arby’s in the Pepsi Center. You can enjoy a roast beef sandwich as you watch the Avalanche play for $5.50. The traditional hot dog is available for $6.75 and if you are more a bratwurst person they are $6.25. French fries can be added for $3.25 or cheese fries for $5. If you are in the mood for pizza, cheese and pepperoni are your choices for $6.75. Monster nachos are $7.25, wings and chicken tenders are $6.75 and there are even fish and chips for the same price.

The taco salad for $6.50 caught my eye, because I don’t recall seeing this munchie available at any venue. For the health conscience Avalanche fan, there is a tossed salad for $5.75. A Grande burrito is $8 and you can add a side of rice or refried beans for $2.

Beverages to enjoy with your munchies are Pepsi products. If you prefer something alcoholic to quench your thirst, draft beer is $6.50 and premium ale is $7.75. Bud products, Rolling Rock, Red Hook, Fat Tire and Blue Moon are your beer choices. Wine is available for $6.25, cocktails are $6.75, and Margaritas are $8.25 and water for $3.50.

There are plenty of sweets and nuts to choose from. A variety of candy is available for $3.75, cracker jacks are $3.75, popcorn (kettle, butter and cheese) for $5, pretzels for $3 and peanuts for $3.75.

Colorado Avalanche – Stanley Cup Champions
My husband was really excited to watch the Colorado Avalanche play the Detroit Red Wings. After I told him what game Event Chaser was sending me to, he jumped up and down for joy. He explained to me that this game was like the Rockies playing the Cubs, after this explanation I understood why he thought this game was such a big deal.

After the Red Wings scored the first goal in the top of the second quarter, Colorado Avalanche fans were worried. It wasn’t long before the game was tied up and when the Avalanche pulled ahead after a second goal, the fans went wild.

One of the Red Wing players shoved the Colorado goalie and injured him. Avalanche fans were waiting for a fight to breakout due to this penalty, but no fight. My husband explained to me that new NHL rules were put into place due to the fighting getting way out of hand. The more stringent rules were implemented after a hockey player was cut by a skate coming inches from slicing the artery in his neck. The fighting was causing serious injury and the NHL decided to establish harsher rules that would make a hockey player face severe consequences for their violent behavior.

Despite that Avalanche fans wanted to see fights, we enjoyed our night with the Avs and happy that they beat the Detroit Red Wings!! Thank you Event Chaser for an entertaining evening!!

EventChaser