Game Day: Avs Host the Red Wings at Ball Arena Saturday Night

The Avs play Detroit tonight, so plan your Saturday around a 7pm puck drop at Ball Arena. ESPN lists it as 9:00 pm ET, which is 7pm here. Details are on our event page.

It's also Hockey Fights Cancer Night, presented by UCHealth, and the Avs are honoring six cancer warriors (NHL.com, checked Nov 7, 2026). That alone makes it a good night to be in the building or at least near a TV.

The matchup

Colorado comes in at 9-6-2 in the Central. Detroit is 7-7-3 in the Atlantic (ESPN, Nov 6, 2026).

ESPN calls Avs vs. Wings one of hockey's most iconic rivalries, then admits it's lost some luster since Detroit fell off. Fair. If your dad still brings up the old rivalry days, bring him anyway.

The guy to watch is MacKinnon, who leads the Avs with 27 points in 17 games, fifth in the NHL. DeBrincat leads Detroit with 16 points (ESPN, Nov 7, 2026).

Watching from a bar

Run For The Roses at 1801 Blake St #10 in LoDo is the closest, 0.64 miles from the arena. It's tagged as a sports bar, with bourbon and cocktails. It has 4.4 stars on Google from 330 reviews (as of May 2, 2026).

Bar 404 at 404 North Broadway is 2.1 miles out and describes itself as both a local sports bar and an independent music venue. Cheap ($ on Google), 4.5 stars from 287 reviews (as of May 2, 2026).

Players Pub at 8 S Broadway in Baker is tagged as a sports bar with local beer. It's 2.49 miles away, $$, and holds 4.5 stars from 249 reviews (as of May 2, 2026). More options in the bars directory.

Pregame near the venue

My Brother's Bar at 2376 15th St is 0.53 miles away. It's a cash-only dive known for burgers and cheap drinks, with 4.5 stars from 2,965 reviews (as of May 2, 2026). Hit the ATM first.

If you want a real dinner, Tavernetta at 1889 16th St Mall is 0.43 miles out. Italian, pasta, a wine bar, $$$, and 4.6 stars from 2,511 reviews (as of May 2, 2026). Good call for a date that ends at a hockey game.

Getting there and home

Take light rail C, E or W to Ball Arena•Elitch Gardens Station. Bus routes 1, 15L and 20 stop at Auraria Parkway and 7th/9th Street (RTD, checked Nov 7, 2026).

The station is at 1700 9th Street and has no RTD parking (RTD facilities, checked Nov 7, 2026), so don't plan on parking there. Check return times on RTD before the third period.