Editor’s note: Know Before You Go is an occasional series exploring metro Denver area attractions. 

Now that Colorado professional teams the Avalanche and Nuggets have made it into the playoffs, we didn’t want you to miss a moment of the action. Here’s what you need to know if you go:

Parking

The first hurdle to any event is always figuring out the parking situation. If you are a person who needs accessible parking, it will be on a first-come-first-serve basis at Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver, so we recommend arriving early. There are a total of 10 parking lots that surround Ball Arena which you can buy tickets for parking in advance here. The parking that surrounds the arena will be $30+ depending on when you book your parking. That being said, there are several parking lots near Ball arena that may be cheaper options if you are okay with a short walk. The Tivoli Garage across from Brooklyn’s is an option used by many (as well as the other parking garages on the Auraria campus). There is also a parking lot at Elitch Gardens which will be a slightly less expensive option. Another option is the garage behind Coohills.

There is more information about parking at Ball Arena here.

Another option for avoiding parking at Ball Arena all together is to take the train/light rail from your area of town to the Ball Arena/Elitch Gardens station. A map of the light rail system near you can be found here.

Disability Accessibility

Upon looking into disability accessibility for Ball Arena, potential patrons will notice they have a wheelchair escort service and that the accessible parking lot is located right near the main entrance — making it seamless and easy for people using devices to still enjoy the game worry-free.

Additionally, there are Assistive Listening Devices, interpreters and captioning options for any fans who may need them. For more information, reach Guest Relations at 303-405-8548.

If you are bringing a person with sensory needs there are options for sensory bags at Guest Relations, but I also found that some of the noise makers, cow bells and thunder sticks were also a favorite for kids and adults alike who needed to release a little extra energy in a high-sensory environment.

Service animals are allowed at Ball Arena events permitting they follow ADA standards of being harnessed or leashed at all times and being in-control of the handler. There is an entrance and exit for service animals to relieve themselves that allows reentry.

For other disabilities that require devices or additional supplies as well as breastfeeding and new moms, medical and diaper bags size 14″x14″x6″ are allowed and are subject to x-ray screening upon entry.

You can find more details on the disability accessibility services and guidelines here.

Take a look here at a list of prohibited items.

Additional FAQs can be found here.

Food & drink

When it comes to food options at Ball Arena, there is something for almost everyone, no matter your flavor or dietary restrictions. If you have few food restrictions, there really is nothing better than some “stadium food.” Nothing tastes as good as fake nacho cheese does when you’re watching an Avs game.

Luckily, there are options at Ball Arena in case nacho cheese just doesn’t hit the same for you, or maybe you have food restrictions such as allergies, diabetes, celiac. Options exist for vegans and vegetarians.

A guide to food options for people with dietary restrictions can be found here.

Other considerations

Other considerations to take into account if you are sensitive to loud noises is to bring some noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs which can help reduce the noise. That’s especially true if you become overwhelmed by a lot of loud sounds or are traveling with an infant.

Kid friendly

No better place to bring your children than a sporting event! Make memories and enjoy cheering on your favorite Colorado team. Be sure to bring signs or noisemakers so they can make the MOST of an event that allows children (and adults) to be kids.

One recommendation from us — more cowbell.