Ball Arena Ranked As Best NHL Arena For Fans, Per Study

I’m not sure Colorado Avalanche fans expected Ball Arena to be named the best arena in the NHL, but at least one study has determined that to be the case.

This is, once again, something I’d only post when things are quiet, and that certainly is the case right now. If you’re looking for more in-depth hockey stuff, please take a look at the Nikolai Kovalenko film room from this morning. Tomorrow, we’ll be looking at a potential Devon Toews extension. In the meantime, it’s kind of slow.

This ranking is based off some very specific criteria, so there is likely room for a lot of disagreement, but this is at least how the rankings in this study were determined.

Here are the details of the study, and how Ball Arena came to be ranked at the top:

“CanadaSportsBetting evaluated all 32 current NHL arenas on four key metrics; the average price per ounce of beer (USD), the walking distance from each arena to the closest public transport, the walking distance to the nearest external restaurant, and the availability of dedicated parking. 

These criteria were chosen to provide a well-rounded assessment of the overall fan experience at each arena. Each arena was given a score out of 10 on each metric, for a maximum possible score of 40 points.

The study found that Ball Arena in Denver, CO ranked as the best NHL stadium, scoring an impressive 35.57 points out of 40. Home to the Colorado Avalanche, The Ball Arena offers below-average beer prices at $0.78 per ounce and is just a one-minute walk from the closest bus station on Auraria Pkwy & 9th St. The arena was also found to be just a one-minute walk from the nearest external restaurant, Brooklyn’s At Ball Arena, and fans who drive to games can benefit from dedicated on-site arena parking.”

The point about parking and transportation does make sense. There’s the light rail that can drop anyone off right outside of Ball Arena, and plenty of other transportation available near the building, in addition to the parking. I’m honestly a little surprised to see the “below-average” beer prices part, so I can’t imagine what it is in other arenas around the league.

What do you think? Based off the criteria this study was using, it makes sense, but it’s not actually talking about the arena itself. The building was completed in 1999, so it’s nearly 25 years old now, which is somewhat old. Looking at the rest of the arenas, it’s about middle of the pack in terms of age, but more upgrades are likely needed. The gigantic Jumbotron is pushing 10 years at this point.

Still, an interesting study. Maybe we’ll get some actual news here soon to give fans something real to talk about.