Pepsi Center bubbles over with sports, concerts and special events
In 2008, the Pepsi Center served as main hub for the Democratic National Convention and was the site of Barack Obama's nomination for president of the United States. The pressure was on to be excellent and problem-free, and Denver’s favorite indoor event arena delivered. It was just another day at the office for a venue that utilizes 1,000 employees at most of its 200 events each year.
The Pepsi Center was designed to be multi-functional in order to handle the needs of Denver’s professional indoor sports teams—versatile crews work with ice, artificial turf and an NBA basketball court. The arena can also stage national touring singers and bands, large-scale meetings for up to 21,000 participants, and special events such as animal-driven circus performances.
The venue prides itself on quick turnaround. In 2007, it took workers just 50 minutes to morph the arena floor from afternoon ice for an Avalanche hockey game to turf-with-yardlines for an evening pro lacrosse contest.
A sleek upbeat look on the outside is inviting, but for attendees it’s the 675,000-square-foot interior that counts. Welcoming and user-friendly throughout, seats are as comfy as you’ll find in a public facility, with enough legroom for most average-sized folks. Even ticketholders in the high-altitude rows can follow the action on the floor, and close-ups are covered by the four-sided JumboTron. The venue is kept sparkling-clean, and friendly guest-services personnel help with directions and seating.
Concessions areas are conveniently placed throughout the facility, and the Blue Sky Grill offers full-service dining with a mountain-lodge atmosphere. A bar area seats 75, and the restaurant's Colorado-centric meals include elk, buffalo and trout. (Reservations are recommended, call 303-405-6090.)
Two restaurants located on the club level offer more private dining experiences. With a chef's table and revolving menus, The Ridgeline is open for limited public access (call 303-405-1277). The Denver Post Newsroom, a plush lounge with views, is available only to guests in suites and club-level seating, and those with courtside or rinkside tickets.
The five-level building also manages to incorporate a full-service broadcast studio and a business center, plus five conference rooms with outdoor balconies that offer mountain views. There’s also a super-secret practice court for Nuggets players only. Fan souvenirs for all Pepsi Center-based teams are available at the “Altitude Authentics” store on street level from Monday through Saturday, and whenever the arena hosts a home game.
If you love operations and behind-the-scenes info, take a 75-minute tour of the facility year-round for $7. Reservations are recommended, call 303-405-8556. Questions about ticketing? Call the Pepsi Center box office at 303-405-1111.
HelloMetro Tip: Hit the bricks—personalized pavers make up the “Pepsi Center Plaza of Fame” outside the building. You can add your own stone slab with some cash and a phone call: 877-737-2279.
Posted by Lisa Perry
