Denver Multi-Sport Road Trips for 2026-2027

Denver Multi-Sport Road Trips for 2026-2027

Denver is one of the best cities in North America for a multi-sport road trip. Home to the Denver Broncos, Colorado Avalanche, and Denver Nuggets, fans can experience NFL football, NHL hockey, and NBA basketball during a single visit. Whether you're planning a football and hockey weekend, a rare same-day doubleheader, or extending your trip with a Nuggets game, Denver offers one of the most rewarding sports travel experiences in the western United States.

The 2026-2027 schedules create five outstanding opportunities to pair Broncos football with Avalanche hockey, including a rare same-day NFL and NHL doubleheader, a Halloween weekend featuring an AFC West rivalry, and a New Year's getaway to close out the season. With Empower Field at Mile High and Ball Arena located just minutes apart, Denver makes it easy to experience multiple sporting events without spending your weekend in transit.

Beyond the games, Denver is an outstanding destination for a long weekend. Explore the historic streets of LoDo, visit Union Station, sample the city's renowned craft breweries, or spend time in the RiNo Art District before heading to Ball Arena or Empower Field. If you have extra time, the nearby Rocky Mountains offer unforgettable day trips that make Denver one of the country's most complete sports travel destinations.

Why Denver Is One of the Best Multi-Sport Road Trip Destinations

Denver offers one of the best football and hockey combinations in North America. Home to the Denver Broncos, Colorado Avalanche, and Denver Nuggets, fans can experience multiple professional sporting events during a single visit. With Empower Field at Mile High and Ball Arena located just minutes apart, it's easy to combine NFL football with NHL hockey—or even add an NBA game to your itinerary when schedules align.

Getting around Denver is straightforward, making it an ideal destination for a sports getaway. Staying downtown provides convenient access to Ball Arena while keeping Empower Field within a short drive, rideshare, or light rail trip. Instead of spending your weekend traveling between venues, you can spend more time enjoying the games and exploring the city.

Beyond sports, Denver is one of the country's premier destinations for food, craft beer, and outdoor adventure. Wander the historic streets of LoDo, explore the RiNo Art District, visit Union Station, or sample some of Colorado's renowned breweries and restaurants between games. If you have extra time, the Rocky Mountains are just a short drive away, making Denver one of the few sports cities where you can pair professional sports with unforgettable mountain scenery.

Best Denver Multi-Sport Weekends for 2026-2027

The 2026-2027 schedules create five outstanding opportunities to combine Denver Broncos football with Colorado Avalanche hockey. From a rare same-day NFL and NHL doubleheader to AFC West rivalries and holiday weekend matchups, Denver offers several unforgettable sports weekends throughout the season.

Each itinerary is designed as a two or three-night getaway, giving you plenty of time to experience both games while exploring everything Denver has to offer. Whether you're visiting for your first Broncos game or planning another Avalanche road trip, these featured weekends offer some of the best sports travel experiences of the 2026-2027 season.

September 20, 2026 | Broncos & Avalanche Same-Day Doubleheader

Jacksonville Jaguars at Denver Broncos + Utah Mammoth at Colorado Avalanche (Preseason)

The 2026-2027 season opens with one of the rarest scheduling combinations in professional sports—a same-day NFL and NHL doubleheader in downtown Denver. On Sunday afternoon, the Denver Broncos host the Jacksonville Jaguars at Empower Field at Mile High before the Colorado Avalanche welcome the Utah Mammoth to Ball Arena for an evening preseason matchup. It's a unique opportunity to experience two professional sporting events in one unforgettable day.

Weekend Schedule

Sunday, September 20

• Jacksonville Jaguars at Denver Broncos
• Empower Field at Mile High
• Afternoon Game

Sunday, September 20 (Same Day)

• Utah Mammoth at Colorado Avalanche (Preseason)
• Ball Arena
• Evening Game

Recommended Extension

Saturday Night in LoDo

• Explore Union Station
• Dinner and drinks in the LoDo district before Sunday's doubleheader

Why This Weekend Is Worth the Trip

Same-day NFL and NHL doubleheaders are incredibly rare, and Denver is one of the few cities where the experience is both practical and enjoyable. With the Broncos playing in the afternoon and the Avalanche taking the ice that evening, fans have plenty of time to enjoy both events while experiencing downtown Denver between games.

The Avalanche matchup also offers outstanding value. As a preseason game against the Utah Mammoth, ticket prices are typically lower than regular-season contests, making this one of the most affordable ways to experience a Broncos and Avalanche doubleheader in the same weekend.

Recommended Package

Our Denver Same-Day Doubleheader Package includes Broncos and Avalanche game tickets, a downtown Denver hotel, and optional flights, creating an easy way to experience one of the most unique sports weekends of the 2026-2027 season.

Book your Denver Same-Day Doubleheader Package.

October 14–15, 2026 | Thursday Night Football Road Trip

Dallas Stars at Colorado Avalanche + Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos

This midweek getaway combines one of the NHL's top rivalries with the excitement of Thursday Night Football. On Wednesday evening, the Colorado Avalanche host the Dallas Stars at Ball Arena before the Denver Broncos welcome the Seattle Seahawks to Empower Field at Mile High the following night. It's the perfect itinerary for fans looking to experience two marquee sporting events in just two days.

Schedule

Wednesday, October 14

• Dallas Stars at Colorado Avalanche
• Ball Arena
• Evening Game

Thursday, October 15

• Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos
• Empower Field at Mile High
• Thursday Night Football

Why This Is Worth the Trip

The Avalanche and Stars have developed one of the NHL's premier rivalries, making this an excellent opportunity to experience high-level hockey before turning your attention to the NFL. The following evening, the Broncos host the Seahawks under the lights in one of the season's featured Thursday Night Football matchups, creating a memorable two-night sports getaway.

The Wednesday-Thursday schedule is also ideal for travelers with limited vacation time. Arrive in Denver on Wednesday, enjoy two major sporting events on consecutive nights, and spend your free time exploring LoDo, Union Station, the RiNo Art District, or Red Rocks Amphitheatre before heading home for the weekend.

Recommended Package

Our Denver Thursday Night Football Weekend Package includes Avalanche and Broncos game tickets, a downtown Denver hotel, and optional flights, making it easy to experience two unforgettable nights of professional sports in the Mile High City.

Book your Denver Thursday Night Football Package.

October 31 – November 1, 2026 | Halloween Sports Weekend

Calgary Flames at Colorado Avalanche + Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos

Halloween weekend delivers one of the premier sports getaways of the 2026-2027 season. Start the weekend with a Halloween night matchup between the Calgary Flames and Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena before one of the NFL's biggest rivalries takes center stage on Sunday as the Denver Broncos host the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High.

Weekend Schedule

Saturday, October 31 (Halloween)

• Calgary Flames at Colorado Avalanche
• Ball Arena
• Evening Game

Sunday, November 1

• Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos
• Empower Field at Mile High
• Afternoon Game

Why This Weekend Is Worth the Trip

This is one of the most sought-after sports weekends on Denver's calendar. Chiefs-Broncos remains one of the NFL's premier divisional rivalries, bringing an electric atmosphere to Empower Field as two longtime AFC West rivals meet. It's consistently one of the most anticipated home games of the Broncos season and a bucket-list experience for football fans.

The weekend begins with Halloween night hockey at Ball Arena, where the Avalanche host the Calgary Flames in another spirited divisional matchup. Pairing a Saturday night NHL game with one of the NFL's marquee rivalry games creates an unforgettable weekend for fans looking to experience the best of Denver's sports scene.

Recommended Package

Our Chiefs-Broncos Halloween Weekend Package includes Avalanche and Broncos game tickets, a downtown Denver hotel, and optional flights, making it easy to experience one of the biggest sports weekends of the 2026-2027 season.

Book your Chiefs-Broncos Halloween Weekend Package.

Additional Denver Multi-Sport Weekend Options

In addition to our featured itineraries, the 2026-2027 schedule includes a couple of other excellent opportunities to combine Broncos football with Avalanche hockey. While these weekends may not offer the same marquee matchups or same-day experiences, they still make for memorable Denver sports getaways.

September 25–27, 2026 | Sunday Night Football Weekend

Winnipeg Jets at Colorado Avalanche (Preseason) + Los Angeles Rams at Denver Broncos

Kick off the weekend with NHL preseason action on Friday night as the Colorado Avalanche host the Winnipeg Jets before Sunday Night Football takes center stage at Empower Field at Mile High. The Denver Broncos welcome the Los Angeles Rams for one of the season's nationally televised primetime games, creating an excellent weekend for fans looking to combine football and hockey in the Mile High City.

Weekend Schedule

Friday, September 25

• Winnipeg Jets at Colorado Avalanche (Preseason)
• Ball Arena
• Evening Game

Sunday, September 27

• Los Angeles Rams at Denver Broncos
• Empower Field at Mile High
• Sunday Night Football

Why This Weekend Is Worth the Trip

This itinerary combines the excitement of Sunday Night Football with the chance to catch Avalanche hockey before the regular season begins. The extra day between games gives visitors plenty of time to explore Denver, whether it's visiting Union Station, discovering the RiNo Art District, sampling the city's craft breweries, or taking a scenic trip to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre.

Recommended Package

Our Denver Sunday Night Football Weekend Package includes Avalanche and Broncos game tickets, a downtown Denver hotel, and optional flights for an easy weekend getaway.

Book your Denver Sunday Night Football Weekend Package.

January 8–10, 2027 | Season-Closing Weekend

Seattle Kraken at Colorado Avalanche + Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos

Wrap up the 2026-2027 season with one final Denver sports weekend. The Colorado Avalanche host the Seattle Kraken on Friday night at Ball Arena before the Denver Broncos close out their regular season at home against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. It's an excellent opportunity to experience both the NHL and NFL as playoff races reach their conclusion.

Weekend Schedule

Friday, January 8

• Seattle Kraken at Colorado Avalanche
• Ball Arena
• Evening Game

Sunday, January 10

• Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos
• Empower Field at Mile High
• Game Time: To Be Determined

Why This Weekend Is Worth the Trip

The final weekend of the NFL regular season often brings added excitement, with playoff positioning and division standings still on the line. Depending on the standings, Broncos-Chargers could have significant postseason implications, creating an electric atmosphere at Empower Field. Combined with Friday night's Avalanche matchup against the Seattle Kraken, this itinerary offers a memorable way to close out the sports calendar.

January is also one of the best times to experience Denver's winter atmosphere. From snow-covered mountain views to cozy restaurants and breweries throughout downtown, it's the perfect setting for a winter sports getaway.

Recommended Package

Our Denver Season-Closing Weekend Package includes Avalanche and Broncos game tickets, a downtown Denver hotel, and optional flights, making it easy to finish the season with an unforgettable trip to the Mile High City.

Book your Denver Season-Closing Weekend Package.

Where to Stay in Denver

Downtown Denver is the best place to stay for a multi-sport road trip. The LoDo (Lower Downtown), Union Station, and Central Business District neighbourhoods provide convenient access to Ball Arena while placing you close to some of Denver's best restaurants, breweries, attractions, and nightlife. From downtown, Empower Field at Mile High is just a short drive, light rail ride, or rideshare away, making it easy to experience both Broncos and Avalanche games during the same trip.

Although Empower Field is located just west of downtown, we recommend staying in the downtown core for most itineraries. You'll be within walking distance of Ball Arena while enjoying easy access to LoDo, Union Station, RiNo, and the city's vibrant dining and entertainment scene. Staying in one central location also allows you to make the most of your weekend without changing hotels.

For visitors planning a Broncos and Avalanche getaway, downtown Denver offers the best combination of convenience, entertainment, and accessibility, making it the ideal home base for your trip.

Looking for hotel recommendations? Explore our complete guide to Best Hotels Near Ball Arena, where we compare the best neighbourhoods, recommended hotels, and booking tips for your Denver sports getaway.

Should You Stay Near Empower Field at Mile High or Downtown Denver?

Although Empower Field at Mile High is located just west of downtown, we recommend staying in downtown Denver for almost every multi-sport road trip.

Most featured itineraries combine a Denver Broncos game at Empower Field with a Colorado Avalanche game at Ball Arena. Staying downtown allows you to walk to Ball Arena while enjoying easy access to LoDo, Union Station, RiNo, and many of Denver's top restaurants, breweries, and attractions. Rather than changing hotels, you can experience the best of the city while keeping your entire trip based in one convenient location.

Empower Field is only a short drive, light rail ride, or rideshare from downtown, making it easy to enjoy both venues during the same weekend. Whether you're attending a Sunday afternoon kickoff or a primetime Broncos game, downtown provides the best overall balance of convenience, entertainment, and accessibility.

If you're visiting Denver exclusively for a Broncos game, staying closer to Empower Field may be a convenient option. However, for anyone planning a Denver Broncos and Colorado Avalanche road trip, downtown Denver remains the ideal home base.

Looking for hotel recommendations? Explore our complete guide to Best Hotels Near Empower Field at Mile High for neighbourhood comparisons, hotel recommendations, and booking tips.

Getting Around Denver During Your Multi-Sport Road Trip

Denver is an easy city to navigate during a multi-sport weekend. Staying downtown places you within walking distance of Ball Arena while providing convenient access to LoDo, Union Station, RiNo, and many of the city's top restaurants, breweries, and attractions. Whether you're exploring the downtown core on foot, using rideshare services, or taking public transit, getting around is simple and convenient.

Empower Field at Mile High is located just west of downtown, making it easy to travel between the Broncos and Avalanche venues during the same trip. Whether you choose to drive, take the light rail, or use a rideshare service, you'll have no trouble experiencing both games while keeping downtown Denver as your home base.

If you're flying in, Denver International Airport offers convenient access to downtown, making Denver an ideal destination for a weekend sports getaway.

Related Guides:

• How to Get to Ball Arena
• How to Get to Empower Field at Mile High

Denver Between Games: What to Do on Your Sports Weekend

The reason a Denver sports weekend works so well is that the trip is not just the games. A weekend here that skips the food, the beer, and the mountain day trips is a wasted trip. Here is what our team recommends between the Avalanche and Broncos games.

Union Station and LoDo. The 1914 Union Station is the anchor of the Lower Downtown redevelopment and one of the best-restored historic train stations in North America. The Crawford Hotel occupies the upper floors, and the Great Hall serves as a public living room with restaurants including Mercantile Dining and Provision, Ultreia (Spanish tapas), and the Terminal Bar. Walking distance from Ball Arena and any LoDo hotel. The 16th Street Mall pedestrian corridor runs from Union Station through the heart of LoDo and connects to the Denver Art Museum and the state capitol district.

The RiNo Art District. The River North neighborhood northeast of Union Station has become one of the top food-hall and craft-brewery districts in the western United States. The Source Hotel and Market Hall (with vendors like Comida, Acorn, and Babettes Artisan Bread), Denver Central Market, and Denver Milk Market are the three anchor food halls. Craft breweries include Great Divide Brewing (RiNo taproom), Ratio Beerworks, and Epic Brewing. RiNo is a 10-minute walk from Union Station or a short RTD light rail ride, and the neighborhood works well as a Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning stop.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The most iconic outdoor concert venue in North America, 15 miles west of downtown Denver in the foothills. Even without a concert on the calendar, Red Rocks is free to visit during daylight hours, with a visitor center, museum, and hiking trails through the sandstone formations. A morning trip to Red Rocks works well as a Saturday morning before a Broncos game or as a general between-games add-on for fans who want an hour outside the city. Twenty-minute drive from downtown or a rideshare at $30 to $40 one-way.

Coors Brewery tour. The Coors Brewing Company headquarters in Golden (25 minutes west of Denver) offers a free tour that ends with a complimentary tasting. It is one of the largest brewing operations in the world, and the tour walks through the malting, brewing, and packaging process before the tasting room. Pair with a Red Rocks morning trip on the same drive. Free admission with tastings included, though tours run first-come-first-served and can fill up on weekends.

Colorado green chile and Denver food classics. Colorado green chile (specifically the Denver-style version, made with pork and Pueblo green chiles) is the local dish most tourists miss. Sam's No. 3 (Diner classic downtown), El Taco de Mexico (24-hour Mexican institution on Santa Fe Drive), and Santiago's (multiple Denver locations) are the three standard green-chile stops. Casa Bonita in Lakewood (the eccentric Mexican dinner theater rebranded by the South Park guys in 2023) is the newer cultural stop, though reservations require months of lead time.

Buckhorn Exchange. The oldest restaurant in Denver, founded 1893, with the state's first liquor license (Liquor License No. 1) and a menu built around Colorado game meats: elk, buffalo, rattlesnake, and Rocky Mountain oysters. The interior is a working museum of taxidermy and Old West artifacts. Located in the Auraria neighborhood a short rideshare from downtown. A Saturday-night dinner at Buckhorn is one of the great classic Denver evenings.

Downtown Denver breweries. Wynkoop Brewing Company (co-founded by John Hickenlooper before he ran for governor) in LoDo is the classic starting point. Great Divide Brewing on Larimer Street, Denver Beer Company in LoDo, and Renegade Brewing in South Broadway round out the top downtown picks. Denver has more craft breweries per capita than almost any American city, and a downtown brewery walk between games is one of the standard Denver sports-weekend traditions.

The 16th Street Mall and the Colorado State Capitol. The 16th Street Mall is a 1.25-mile pedestrian corridor connecting Union Station to the Colorado State Capitol. Free shuttle buses run the length of the mall every few minutes. The state capitol itself is worth a 30-minute visit for the gold-plated dome and the exactly-one-mile-above-sea-level marker on the 13th step. Walking distance from any downtown hotel and free to visit.