A mountain city with a hockey heart
The Colorado Avalanche arrived in Denver in 1995, after the Quebec Nordiques relocated, and won the Stanley Cup in their first season. They won again in 2001 and in 2022. For many Coloradans, the Avs are the team that turned them into hockey fans. Denver also has a deep college hockey scene and plenty of adult leagues, and many residents grew up in hockey states before moving west.
Ball Arena
The Avalanche play at Ball Arena near downtown, between the Auraria campus and the South Platte River. The Nuggets share the building. The RTD light rail stops at a station next to the arena, making it easy to reach from the suburbs. Many fans also walk from Lower Downtown, or LoDo, where bars and restaurants fill up before games.
Union Station, a short walk away, is a nice spot for a pregame drink or dinner in a historic setting.
The 2027 Winter Classic
The NHL's Winter Classic on December 31, 2026, will feature the Avalanche against the Utah Mammoth at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City. For Avs fans, it is a road trip worth considering. If you are dating someone who loves the team, watching it together at a bar or making the drive to Utah could be a memorable date.
College hockey
The University of Denver Pioneers have one of the most successful programs in college hockey history and play at Magness Arena on campus. Colorado College in Colorado Springs plays at Ed Robson Arena, and Air Force is nearby too. College games are often cheaper than the NHL and have a lively student crowd.
Mountain weekends
Part of what makes Colorado dating unique is the mountains. Many Avs fans spend winter weekends skiing or snowboarding and evenings watching games in mountain town bars. A day trip to the mountains, followed by an Avs game at a bar in Breckenridge or Vail, is a classic Colorado date.
Outdoor skating
Evergreen Lake, in the foothills west of Denver, turns into a broad sheet of natural ice when it freezes and is popular for skating and pond hockey. Closer to downtown, seasonal rinks pop up at places like Skyline Park. Check dates and conditions, as Colorado weather can turn in an hour.
The altitude joke
Visiting teams often complain about Denver's altitude. Fans enjoy the joke. If your date is new to Denver, they may notice it too, especially after a few drinks. Drink plenty of water and go easy on the first night out.
Adult hockey
Rec hockey thrives around Denver, helped along by players who relocated from colder states. Players should name their home sheet in a profile. Rinks across the metro, from Littleton to Westminster, host leagues at all levels.
Getting home safely
Light rail runs after games, but check the schedule for late nights. Winter storms can make driving difficult, especially in the mountains. If you are heading into the mountains for a date, check road conditions and give yourself extra time. Mountain-day dates have their own safety notes on our safety page.
Writing a profile as an Avs fan
- Mention your mountain hobbies. Skiing, hiking and climbing are a big part of life here.
- Share your hockey roots. Many Coloradans grew up elsewhere and brought their love of the sport with them.
- Talk Cup years. 1996, 2001 and 2022 are all great conversation starters.
- Be flexible about weather. A sudden snowstorm can change plans.
Date ideas around Denver
- Dinner in LoDo, then an Avs game at Ball Arena.
- A Pioneers game at Magness Arena.
- Skating at Evergreen Lake on a cold winter day.
- A day in the mountains, then watching the game at a mountain town bar.
- A summer hike in the foothills, talking about the next season.
See our hockey date ideas for more.
Fans who moved west
Denver is a city of transplants. Many Avalanche fans grew up rooting for the Red Wings, Blackhawks, Bruins or Wild before moving to Colorado. Some still keep a soft spot for their childhood team. That mix makes for interesting conversations, especially when a former team comes to town. If your date is a convert, ask what made them switch to the Avs. If they never switched, ask how they handle game nights at Ball Arena.
Hockey towns along the Front Range
Beyond Denver, hockey runs along the Front Range from Fort Collins to Colorado Springs. College games, youth tournaments and adult leagues fill rinks all winter. Colorado Springs has a strong hockey tradition with Colorado College and the US Olympic & Paralympic Training Center, and the Broadmoor World Arena hosts events.
Avs fans and the Nuggets crowd
Ball Arena is home to both the Avalanche and the Nuggets, and many Denver sports fans follow both teams. The Nuggets won the NBA title in 2023, a year after the Avs lifted the Cup. That means a lot of Denver couples have shared some big championship celebrations recently. If your date follows both teams, winter can be a very busy season.
Colorado weather and planning
Denver winters can swing from sunny and mild to snowy in a single day. Plan outdoor dates with a backup option in mind. A trip to Evergreen Lake might turn into a cozy afternoon at a brewery if the ice is soft. Mountain roads can close during storms, so check conditions before heading to the high country for a ski-and-hockey weekend.
Questions that open up an Avs fan
Who was your first favorite player: Sakic, Forsberg, Roy or someone from the 2022 team? Were you on the parade route that June? Do you ski on game days and race back for puck drop? Have you been to a Pioneers game? Questions like these turn small talk into stories. They also tell you right away whether someone wants a partner at every game or just a friendly Avs chat over dinner.
Denver people tend to be outdoorsy and relaxed, and that shows in how many like to date: a hike, a brewery and a game on the TV.
Getting around the Mile High City
Denver is compact enough that many dates can stay in a few central neighborhoods, like LoDo, RiNo and Highlands, all a short ride from Ball Arena.
Last word
In Colorado, wear layers, carry water and keep a spare plan for snow days, because the weather rarely follows the forecast.
Ready, Colorado
Mention your mountain hobbies, the hockey team you grew up with and your Avs memories in your profile, then Signup Here. Coloradans with profiles can sign in and update them before the Winter Classic. Next door in spirit, Dallas and Los Angeles have guides, and you can reach all ten from the cities page.