The era of endless asphalt surrounding Ball Arena is officially coming to a close. With groundbreaking now just weeks away in May 2026, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE) has finalized the inaugural Phase 1A plans, setting in motion a massive transformation of Denver’s central corridor. This milestone follows the landmark filing on April 21, 2025, which served as the formal catalyst for converting 55 acres of surface parking into a high-density, mixed-use neighborhood.

The first phase of this multi-decade vision targets a 3.7-acre site at 1000 Chopper Circle, known to decades of sports fans as the Tundra parking lot. By transitioning from conceptual drawings to active construction next month, KSE is finally making good on a promise to knit the sports district back into the fabric of downtown Denver.

Phase 1A: The New Gateway to LoDo

Phase 1A is designed to be the district’s architectural handshake with the city. The plan features a 13-story, 244-room hotel equipped with ground-level retail and signature dining, intended to anchor the corner of the development. This is flanked by two 12-story residential towers offering 300 units, ranging from studios to luxury three-bedroom penthouses.

The inclusion of a four-story, 173,500-square-foot indoor performance center addresses a long-standing need for mid-sized entertainment space in the city. By pairing this venue with integrated parking and additional restaurant space, KSE aims to create a 365-day destination that thrives regardless of the Nuggets’ or Avalanche’s schedule.

Bridging the Gap

A critical component of this first stage is the Wynkoop Crossing, a high-profile pedestrian bridge over Speer Boulevard. For years, Speer has acted as a concrete barrier between the arena and Lower Downtown. This new bridge will provide a direct, safe link for fans and residents to move between LoDo’s established nightlife and the new arena district.

The broader Master Plan places a heavy emphasis on public accessibility. While Phase 1A focuses on density, the total project commits over 20 percent of its land to open space. This includes a planned three-acre signature park designed to host concerts and season-specific activities, providing a green lung for a section of the city that has historically been dominated by cars.

A Legacy Project Takes Flight

The groundwork for this development was laid last year when Denver rezoned nearly 70 acres to allow for high-density, mixed-use construction. Since the initial 2025 filing, KSE has cleared the necessary regulatory hurdles to maintain its aggressive schedule.

As crews prepare to mobilize for the May 2026 groundbreaking, the project marks the first tangible step in a 30-year evolution. What was once a place to simply park a car is about to become Denver’s next great neighborhood

The Ball Arena groundbreaking isn’t an isolated event. Denver joins a wave of “Sports District” evolutions taking place across the country this spring. Just as KSE prepares to break ground on the Tundra lot, Nashville is launching its own $750M Bridgestone Arena renovation, which also targets a 2030 completion date. Both projects signal a shift away from isolated stadiums toward integrated, year-round entertainment hubs.

 

Fact Sheet: Ball Arena Redevelopment (Phase 1A)

• Groundbreaking: Scheduled for next month, May 2026.
• Project Location: 3.7-acre site at 1000 Chopper Circle (formerly the Tundra parking lot).
• Developer: Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE).
• Hospitality: A 13-story hotel featuring 244 rooms, plus ground-floor retail and restaurant space.
• Residential: Two 12-story towers providing approximately 300 units (ranging from studios to three-bedroom penthouses).
• Entertainment: A 173,500-square-foot indoor performance center (four stories) with integrated dining and parking.
• Infrastructure: Construction of Wynkoop Crossing, a new pedestrian and bike bridge over Speer Boulevard connecting the site to LoDo.
• Open Space: Part of a master plan dedicating over 20% of the total 55-acre site to public parks and green space.
• Anchor Amenity: A planned three-acre signature park designed for year-round events, concerts, and game-day celebrations.
• Regulatory Status: Plans officially filed in April 2025 following the city’s rezoning of nearly 70 acres for high-density, mixed-use development.
• Estimated Completion (Phase 1A): Projected for May 2029, with the full district build-out expected by 2032.

Project Team

• Developer: Kroenke Sports & Entertainment
• Project Location Owner / Operator: Denver Nuggets / Colorado Avalanche (Ball Arena operations)
• Architecture & Planning: Populous
• Construction Management: Turner Construction Company
• Master Planning / Development Oversight: HOK / urban design consultants (as applicable to phases)
• Project Phase: Ball Arena Redevelopment – Phase 1A
• City Coordination: City and County of Denver planning authorities

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