How to Save on Sports Tickets in Denver

Denver is a city that lives and breathes sports. From the thunderous roar of Mile High Stadium during a Broncos game to the electric energy of Ball Arena as the Nuggets chase another playoff run, the city’s passion for athletics is undeniable. But with that passion comes a price tag—sports tickets in Denver can be expensive, especially for high-demand matchups, playoff games, or events featuring star athletes. The good news? Saving money on Denver sports tickets isn’t just possible; it’s a skill that can be mastered with the right strategies, timing, and resources.

This guide is designed for fans who want to experience the thrill of live Denver sports without draining their bank account. Whether you’re a lifelong supporter of the Colorado Rockies, a newcomer to the city drawn in by the Avalanche’s Stanley Cup run, or someone planning a group outing for a concert or event at Empower Field, this comprehensive tutorial will show you exactly how to save on tickets—legally, ethically, and effectively. You’ll learn insider tactics used by seasoned fans, discover under-the-radar platforms, understand pricing cycles, and access tools that give you a real edge in the ticket market.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to buy tickets at the lowest possible prices, avoid common pitfalls, and even score premium seats without paying premium rates. This isn’t about scalping or shady deals—it’s about smart, informed, and strategic purchasing that puts more games in your calendar and more cash in your pocket.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Understand the Ticket Release Calendar

The first step to saving money on Denver sports tickets is knowing when tickets become available and how pricing evolves over time. Most teams follow a predictable release schedule:

• Season ticket holders get first access, typically 6–12 weeks before the season starts.
• Priority groups (fan clubs, credit card partners, sponsors) get access next, often 4–6 weeks out.
• General public sales usually open 3–4 weeks before the event.
• Final inventory drops to secondary markets 1–7 days before the game.

By tracking these phases, you can time your purchase strategically. Buying during the general public sale often yields the best balance of selection and price. Waiting too long risks missing out entirely, especially for popular matchups. But buying too early—especially during the season ticket window—means paying top dollar.

Pro tip: Sign up for email alerts from the official team websites (Broncos.com, Nuggets.com, Rockies.com, Avalanche.com). These alerts often include exclusive presales, discount codes, or early access to standing-room-only tickets, which are significantly cheaper than seated options.

2. Target Off-Peak Games and Weekday Matchups

Not all games are created equal. Weekend games, especially Sunday afternoons and Friday/Saturday nights, command the highest prices. In contrast, weekday afternoon games—particularly during the regular season—often have lower demand and, therefore, lower prices.

For example:

• A Rockies game on a Tuesday at 1:10 p.m. against a non-contending team might sell for $25–$40 in the upper deck.
• The same team playing on a Saturday night in July could cost $80–$150 for comparable seats.

The same logic applies to the Avalanche and Nuggets. Games against lower-ranked opponents, teams with poor road records, or those played during school weeks tend to be less expensive. Use the team’s schedule to identify these opportunities and plan your attendance around them.

Consider also the weather. In Denver, late-season Rockies games in October (when temperatures drop and snow is possible) often see reduced demand. Similarly, Avalanche games in late March or early April, when playoff positioning is already decided, can offer deep discounts.

3. Leverage Group Discounts and Community Programs

Many Denver sports franchises offer group ticket programs that reduce the per-ticket cost when you buy in bulk. Typically, groups of 10–20+ people qualify for discounts ranging from 15% to 40% off regular prices.

These programs aren’t just for corporate outings. Friends, family, alumni associations, church groups, and even book clubs can qualify. For example:

• The Colorado Rockies offer “Rockies Group Nights” with discounted tickets, free giveaways, and dedicated group seating areas.
• The Denver Nuggets have a “Nuggets Neighborhood Program” that allows local organizations to purchase tickets at reduced rates.
• The Avalanche’s “Avalanche Community Nights” partner with nonprofits and youth organizations to provide affordable access to games.

To take advantage, visit the official team websites and search for “group tickets” or “community partnerships.” Fill out the request form, and a representative will contact you with options. You don’t need to be a nonprofit—just organize a group of friends or coworkers and pool your resources.

4. Use Official Secondary Marketplaces (Not Third-Party Resellers)

When tickets sell out on the primary market, many fans turn to resale platforms. But not all resale sites are equal. The official team websites often operate their own verified resale platforms:

• Denver Broncos: Official Ticket Exchange on Broncos.com
• Colorado Rockies: Rockies Ticket Exchange on Rockies.com
• Denver Nuggets & Avalanche: Nuggets/Avalanche Ticket Exchange on BallArena.com

These platforms guarantee authenticity, eliminate fraud risk, and often cap resale prices at or below face value. Unlike StubHub, Vivid Seats, or SeatGeek—which may add service fees, dynamic pricing, or inflated markups—these official exchanges are transparent and regulated by the teams themselves.

When browsing these platforms, sort by “Price: Low to High” and filter for “No Fees” or “Face Value.” Many sellers on these platforms are fans looking to recover their original cost, not professional resellers looking to profit. You’ll often find tickets priced 20–50% below face value, especially as game day approaches.

5. Monitor Price Drops and Last-Minute Deals

One of the most powerful strategies for saving money is waiting until the final 72 hours before a game. Ticket prices on secondary markets often drop significantly as sellers become desperate to offload unused tickets.

Studies show that ticket prices on platforms like SeatGeek and Vivid Seats can drop by 30–60% within 24–48 hours of game time for non-sellout events. This is especially true for:

• Games against teams with low travel appeal
• Weekday games in cold or rainy weather
• Events coinciding with major local events (e.g., concerts, conferences, or holidays)

Set up price alerts on the official team resale platforms and on apps like TickPick or SeatGeek. These tools notify you when prices fall below your target threshold. Be ready to act quickly—good deals disappear fast.

Pro tip: Check for “Standing Room Only” (SRO) tickets. These are often the cheapest option available and are released only 24–48 hours before the game. They’re perfect for fans who prioritize atmosphere over seating and are willing to stand for the duration of the event.

6. Utilize Student, Military, and First Responder Discounts

Denver sports teams actively support local communities by offering exclusive discounts to specific groups:

• Students: Many games offer $10–$25 student tickets with a valid ID. The Rockies have “Student Nights” with discounted tickets and free food vouchers.
• Military and Veterans: The Broncos, Nuggets, and Avalanche all offer discounted tickets for active duty, retired, and veteran personnel through their respective military programs.
• First Responders: Firefighters, EMTs, and police officers can often access discounted or complimentary tickets through team partnerships.

These discounts are not always advertised widely. Visit the “Community” or “Fan Programs” section of each team’s website and look for “Military,” “First Responder,” or “Student” tabs. You may need to verify your status through ID.me or a similar service, but the savings are substantial—sometimes up to 50% off.

7. Combine Ticket Purchases with Loyalty Rewards

Many credit cards and loyalty programs offer perks that can reduce the cost of Denver sports tickets:

• American Express: Cardholders often get access to presales, exclusive discounts, and cash-back offers on ticket purchases.
• Chase Sapphire: Points can be redeemed for event tickets through their travel portal.
• Denver-based banks: Some local credit unions offer ticket giveaways or discounts to members.
• Team loyalty programs: The Nuggets’ “Nuggets Rewards” and Avalanche’s “Avalanche Rewards” let you earn points for attending games, purchasing merchandise, or watching broadcasts. These points can be redeemed for future tickets, concessions, or parking.

Even if you don’t have a premium card, sign up for free loyalty programs offered by the teams. They’re free, require no commitment, and can accumulate value over time. One season of consistent attendance can earn you a free ticket or VIP upgrade.

8. Attend “Discount Days” and Promotional Events

Teams regularly schedule special ticket promotions tied to themes, holidays, or sponsorships:

• “Dollar Dog Days” (Rockies): $1 hot dogs, $5 beer, and $10 tickets for select games.
• “Military Appreciation Nights” (Broncos): Free tickets for veterans with paid admission for one guest.
• “Family Fun Nights” (Avalanche): Buy one ticket, get one 50% off, plus kids’ activities and giveaways.
• “Senior Days” (Nuggets): Discounts for fans 60+ with ID.

These promotions are usually announced 2–4 weeks in advance. Bookmark the promotions page on each team’s website and check it weekly. Set a calendar reminder for the first day of each month when new promotions are typically released.

9. Consider Alternative Venues and Events

Denver’s sports scene extends beyond the four major franchises. Consider these lower-cost, high-energy alternatives:

• Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Triple-A Baseball): Minor league games offer a family-friendly experience with tickets starting at $8.
• Denver Cutthroats (ECHL Hockey): Though inactive, similar lower-tier hockey teams occasionally pop up with affordable tickets.
• University of Denver Pioneers: NCAA hockey and basketball games are often $10–$20 and feature high-level competition.
• Colorado Mammoth (NLL Lacrosse): Fast-paced indoor lacrosse with great seating and lower ticket prices than NHL games.

These events often have fewer crowds, more parking availability, and a more intimate atmosphere. They’re ideal for casual fans or those looking to introduce kids to live sports without the premium price tag.

10. Bundle Tickets with Parking and Transit

One overlooked way to save is bundling your ticket with transportation or parking. Many venues offer discounted packages:

• Empower Field: Purchase a ticket + parking pass combo for 15–20% off.
• Coors Field: Use the “Ride the Rail” program to take the light rail to the stadium for $3 round-trip, avoiding $20+ parking.
• Ball Arena: Free or discounted RTD transit passes are often included with online ticket purchases.

Always check the “Plan Your Visit” section on team websites before buying. Bundling can save you $15–$40 per person on top of your ticket savings.

Best Practices

Always Buy from Official or Verified Sources

While third-party resellers offer convenience, they also carry risk. Fake tickets, hidden fees, and non-refundable purchases are common. Stick to team-operated exchanges, authorized partners like Ticketmaster (for non-team events), or verified sellers on platforms with buyer protection. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Buy Early for Playoff Games, Late for Regular Season

Playoff tickets in Denver sell out within minutes and rarely drop in price. If you’re targeting a Broncos playoff game or a Nuggets postseason matchup, secure your tickets the moment they’re released. For regular season games, patience pays off.

Use Multiple Devices and Browsers

During high-demand sales, websites can crash or slow down. Have two devices ready (phone and laptop), and use different browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox) to increase your chances of securing tickets. Clear your cache and log in to your account ahead of time.

Join Fan Forums and Social Media Groups

Reddit communities like r/DenverBroncos, r/Nuggets, and r/ColoradoRockies are treasure troves of ticket tips. Fans often post about extra tickets they can’t use, last-minute group deals, or insider info on upcoming promotions. Follow official team Twitter/X accounts for real-time updates.

Track Historical Pricing Trends

Use tools like TickPick’s price history or SeatGeek’s “Deal Score” to see how a game’s pricing has changed over time. If a game has consistently dropped 40% in the final week, you can confidently wait. If it’s spiked every year, buy early.

Be Flexible with Seating

Upper deck, corner seats, or behind the goal may not be ideal—but they’re often 60–80% cheaper than center-field or center-ice seats. If your goal is to experience the game, not to be seen, these are excellent value options.

Set Budget Limits and Stick to Them

Emotional bidding can lead to overspending. Decide your maximum price per ticket before you start searching. Use price alerts to avoid impulse buys. Remember: if you miss one game, there’s always another.

Consider Season Pass Alternatives

Full-season tickets are rarely cost-effective unless you plan to attend 15+ games. Instead, look for partial plans or mini-packages—many teams offer 5- or 10-game bundles at a discount. These are perfect for casual fans who want flexibility.

Tools and Resources

Official Team Ticketing Platforms

• Broncos.com – Official Ticket Exchange, group sales, military discounts
• Rockies.com – Ticket Exchange, discount days, student programs
• Nuggets.com / Avalanche.com – Ball Arena ticket portal, rewards program

Price Tracking & Alerts

• SeatGeek – “Deal Score” feature, price history, mobile app alerts
• TickPick – No service fees, price prediction algorithm, seller ratings
• StubHub – Buyer protection, but higher fees; use only for sold-out events

Transportation & Parking Savings

• RTD Denver – Light rail to Coors Field and Ball Arena ($3 round-trip)
• SpotHero – Pre-book parking at discounted rates near venues
• Uber/Lyft – Use promo codes for first-time riders to reduce ride costs

Discount & Loyalty Programs

• ID.me – Verify military, student, or first responder status for exclusive discounts
• Nuggets Rewards – Earn points for tickets, merchandise, and broadcasts
• Avalanche Rewards – Redeem points for tickets, gear, and experiences

Community & Fan Resources

• Reddit: r/DenverSports – Active fan discussions, ticket swaps, and tips
• Facebook Groups: “Denver Sports Ticket Swap” – Local fans selling unused tickets
• Denver Post Sports Section – Weekly previews and ticket promotions

Mobile Apps to Download

• Team Apps – Broncos, Nuggets, Rockies, Avalanche (push notifications for presales)
• SeatGeek – Scan-to-enter tickets, price alerts, venue maps
• TickPick – No-fee ticketing, seller ratings, historical data
• RTD Mobile – Real-time transit tracking and ticket purchases

Real Examples

Example 1: Saving $120 on a Broncos Game

Jessica, a Denver resident, wanted to take her brother to a Broncos home game in October. The face value of two center-field seats was $240. Instead of buying immediately, she:

• Set a price alert on SeatGeek for $150 or less
• Monitored the Broncos Ticket Exchange daily
• Waited until 48 hours before the game
• Found two upper-deck tickets for $60 each ($120 total) with no fees
• Used her RTD transit pass to save $20 on parking

Total savings: $120. She still had a great view and arrived early to enjoy the pre-game atmosphere.

Example 2: Getting Free Tickets with a Student Discount

Diego, a University of Colorado student, wanted to see the Rockies play. He:

• Checked Rockies.com for “Student Nights”
• Found a Tuesday game with $10 tickets and a free hot dog
• Used his student ID to purchase two tickets for $20 total
• Attended with two friends who paid full price ($180 total)

Diego saved $160 and had a memorable experience. He later joined the Rockies Rewards program and earned a free ticket for the next season.

Example 3: Group Discount for a Birthday Celebration

Mark organized a 12-person birthday outing for an Avalanche game. He:

• Contacted the Avalanche group sales team
• Booked 12 tickets in the upper bowl
• Received a 30% discount ($180 off)
• Got free team hats and a group photo opportunity

Instead of paying $480, they paid $300. Each person paid only $25—a fraction of the usual $40+ price.

Example 4: Last-Minute NHL Playoff Ticket

With the Avalanche in the playoffs, Lisa had no tickets. She:

• Checked the Avalanche Ticket Exchange daily
• Set an alert for $100 or less
• Found a single ticket in Section 312 for $85, 18 hours before puck drop
• Used a Lyft promo code to get $10 off her ride

She watched the game from the upper deck and still felt every roar of the crowd. Her total cost: $95—half the resale price on other platforms.

FAQs

What’s the cheapest day to buy Denver sports tickets?

There’s no single “cheapest day,” but tickets are typically lowest 48–72 hours before the game for non-sellout matchups. Avoid buying during the initial general sale unless it’s a low-demand game.

Can I get free Denver sports tickets?

Yes—through promotions, loyalty rewards, community programs, or by winning contests on team social media. Student, military, and first responder discounts can effectively make tickets free or nearly free.

Is it safe to buy tickets from third-party apps like StubHub?

Yes, if you use their buyer protection. But fees are higher, and prices are often inflated. For the best value, use official team resale platforms first.

Do Denver sports teams offer payment plans?

Some do—especially for season tickets or partial plans. Check the “Payment Options” section on each team’s ticketing page. Monthly installments are often available with no interest.

Are there discounts for seniors or people with disabilities?

Yes. Most teams offer discounted tickets for seniors (60+) and accessible seating at reduced rates. Contact the team’s accessibility services for details.

How far in advance should I buy playoff tickets?

As soon as they’re released. Playoff tickets in Denver sell out within minutes. Set reminders and be ready to purchase the moment they go on sale.

Can I resell my tickets if I can’t attend?

Yes—through the official team resale platform. This is the safest and most reliable way to recover your money. Avoid selling on unverified apps.

Do parking prices drop closer to game day?

Not usually. Parking prices are fixed. But you can save by using public transit, ride-sharing, or pre-booking parking via SpotHero for discounted rates.

Are there any hidden fees when buying tickets?

Yes—especially on third-party platforms. Look for “all-in” pricing on official exchanges. Fees can add 15–30% to your total cost if you’re not careful.

What’s the best app for finding cheap Denver sports tickets?

SeatGeek and TickPick are the top choices. SeatGeek has the best interface and price history; TickPick has no service fees and better seller ratings.

Conclusion

Saving on sports tickets in Denver isn’t about luck—it’s about strategy. By understanding release cycles, targeting low-demand games, using official resale platforms, and leveraging community discounts, you can enjoy the electric atmosphere of Mile High Stadium, Ball Arena, and Coors Field without breaking the bank. The key is patience, research, and flexibility.

The teams in Denver want their fans to be part of the experience. They’ve built programs, partnerships, and pricing models designed to make live sports accessible. Your job is to navigate those systems wisely. Use the tools outlined in this guide, follow the best practices, and learn from real examples. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a lifelong supporter, there’s a way to attend more games, spend less, and still feel the pride of being a Denver fan.

Start today: sign up for team newsletters, download the SeatGeek app, and check the Rockies’ “Discount Days” calendar. The next great game—and the best deal—is just a few clicks away.