Your Insider guide to a Colorado road trip
Return to Blog Home
As one of the greatest sports cities in North America with one of the top teams in the NLL, Denver, Colorado has certainly earned its spot on the lacrosse roadtripper’s wish list. Whether you’re heading into town to cheer on the Mammoth boys or to try and drown out 18,000 fans in the stands with nothing but a visiting team jersey and an improbable dream, NLLinsider–with the help of Colorado’s captain–has the scoop on where you’ll want to go, what you’ll want to do, and how to increase your chances of spotting Gavin Prout around town.
Your ultimate destination:
The Pepsi Center, home of the Mammoth and their faithful, is conveniently located in the middle of Denver’s major metro area. I know this must be a very exciting and confusing time for anyone who has ever made their way to an Arizona Sting game so read on for directions. The arena is next to the I-25 and has two main entrances: Speer Boulevard and Chopper Circle, and 7th Street and Auraria Parkway. The Pepsi Center website informs me that from the I-25 North you’ll want to take the Speer Boulevard South exit 212 A. At the second stop light, turn right onto Chopper Circle.
From the I-25 South it would be a good idea to take the Auraria Parkway exit 210 C and then turn left on 7th St. to enter the Pepsi Center parking lot.
If you’re coming from downtown Denver, take Speer Boulevard to Auraria Parkway and head west on Auraria Parkway and turn right on 7th Street.
You may also want to consult the Regional Transportation District site for public transit info, and if you’re in need of more extensive directions I suggest you get a map because most days I’m lucky I can find my basement.
Where to stay
Unless you’ve got generous friends with a comfortable couch located near the Pepsi Center, you’re going to need a hotel room to hang your hat/game-worn jersey/obnoxiously-colored wig. Both the Courtyard Marriott and Marriott City Center are known for being lacrosse fan-friendly and are located within walking distance of the arena. Denver winter walking distance–decimal points of a mile.
Where to eat
If you think Gavin Prout gets energized during games, you should hear the man talk burritos. His favourite spots:
Noodles: “Pre-game we go to Noodles. That’s pretty much exactly what it sounds like. A lot of pasta and a lot of carbs to get us ready.”
Illegal Pete’s: “It’s a team favourite. I usually go there after games, it’s a Mexican place. Best burritos in town!”
Where to get drunk celebrate
“After the game, Blue Sky Grill, we always end up there,” Prout says. The Blue Sky is right in the Pepsi Center and is the official post-game hangout for players, staff and fans. If you’ve got your party boots on, Prout also recommends Hush.
The last place you’d find Prout
“The place I like to stay away from is the Cherry Creek Mall. My girlfriend spends way too much money there,” he laughs. With this information we can infer that the Cherry Creek Mall is a pretty good shopping center. However, it should probably be avoided by anyone hoping to adhere to a road trip budget.
Sightseeing spots:
On the off-chance you’re looking for some non-lacrosse activities, here are four family-friendly options for getting the most out of your days in Denver:
Rate This Story:
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...
